They don't command them, but they call them in like you call the police.
Fun fact: From time to time, a pilot forgets to change frequency when entering a new area. This means the plane looks like it is not communicating. This is the most common reason why jets are sent to intercept an airliner. Of course, I would pay to see a recording of the pilots as they see the jet in front of them and realize they messed up.
Why would they send jets before trying different frequencies?
Seems like a waste of resources and too rapid of an escalation imo
I think switching to a frequency that a different region uses could be dangerous, since then the airplanes near do border would receive the signal but the airport wouldn't. This could lead to misscommunications.
PPS: They do try the emergency frequency, routing a message through the previous area controller as well as anything else they can think of first. I left it out for brevity. Of course, fighter jets are not the first choice.
They don't command them, but they call them in like you call the police.
Fun fact: From time to time, a pilot forgets to change frequency when entering a new area. This means the plane looks like it is not communicating. This is the most common reason why jets are sent to intercept an airliner. Of course, I would pay to see a recording of the pilots as they see the jet in front of them and realize they messed up.
Why would they send jets before trying different frequencies?
Seems like a waste of resources and too rapid of an escalation imo
I think switching to a frequency that a different region uses could be dangerous, since then the airplanes near do border would receive the signal but the airport wouldn't. This could lead to misscommunications.
Also, the airline pays for the jets.
PS: source is https://youtu.be/9qM-xN7Bgg8
PPS: They do try the emergency frequency, routing a message through the previous area controller as well as anything else they can think of first. I left it out for brevity. Of course, fighter jets are not the first choice.