What is Air Policing?

Air policing is a security and regulatory discipline that plays a vital role in the safety, regularity and efficiency of civil and military aviation. This field includes airspace management, air traffic control, airport security, cargo inspection, pilot training and many other critical elements. Air policing is carried out by many different organisations and authorities covering every aspect of aviation and has the mission to ensure the safety of the aviation industry.

Fundamentals of Air Policing

Description of the Air Police

The term air policing is often used synonymously with "Air Traffic Police" or "Air Traffic Control". Air policing refers to an official organisation that supervises and regulates airspace, airports and air travel. These organisations monitor, direct and coordinate civil and military air traffic.

History of Air Policing

Air policing has existed since the early days of aviation. After the Wright Brothers' first flight, the need for regulation and supervision arose with the increase in air traffic. The first air traffic control towers were established in the 1920s and aviation rules and regulations were developed.

Role of Air Police

The role of air policing is very broad. The main tasks include air traffic control, airspace security, airport security, flight training supervision, cargo security, anti-drug and anti-smuggling, air accident investigations and international co-operation. These tasks aim to ensure aviation safety and regulation.

Duties of the Air Police

Air Traffic Control

Air traffic control is one of the most fundamental tasks of air policing. Air traffic controllers monitor aircraft in the airspace, allocate appropriate altitudes and routes, regulate landings and take-offs, and prevent conflicts. This is a critical task that ensures the safe movement of aircraft.

Airspace Safety

Airspace is the airspace under the sovereignty of a country. Air policing is responsible for ensuring the security of this airspace. It detects airspace violations, intervenes and neutralises any aircraft that threatens national security.

Air Port Security

Air policing protects the security of airports. This includes tasks such as protecting against terrorist threats at airports, carrying out customs and passport control, securing cargo and implementing other security measures.

Air Safety Investigations

Air policing investigates air accidents and incidents. It forms specialised teams to identify the causes and perpetrators of such incidents and applies lessons learnt from these incidents to improve safety measures.

Air Police Operations

In some countries, air marshals use aeroplanes, helicopters and other aircraft to enhance airspace security. These vehicles conduct airspace patrols, detect airspace violations and carry out emergency responses. 

Especially in NATO member countries, airspace controls are controlled every minute by Military Air Vehicles on the ground and ready to intervene, deployed and reported when necessary. In cases such as hijackings or border violations by aircraft belonging to another country, these military forces primarily act on behalf of NATO. These assignments are given as orders to the troops on duty as Alpha Scramble (real situation) and it is ensured that they take off as soon as possible and intervene in the incidents. 

Flight Training and Licensing

Air policing oversees the training and licensing of pilots. It ensures that pilots receive the necessary training and have adequate skills.

Combating Drugs and Smuggling

Air policing plays an important role in combating drug trafficking and other illegal activities. It monitors suspicious flights in the airspace and organises operations against such activities.

International co-operation

Air policing organisations often cooperate internationally. This includes co-ordinating air traffic management internationally and applying international safety standards.

Air Policing and Security Technology

Radar and Tracking Systems

One of the most important technologies for air policing is radar and tracking systems. These systems monitor aircraft in the airspace and provide the ability to react quickly.

Communication Technologies

Communication technologies enable effective communication between air traffic controllers and pilots. Radio communication enables aircraft within the airspace to communicate safely.

Safety Screening Devices

Security screening devices used in airports are used to ensure the safety of passengers and cargo. These devices are used to detect and intercept dangerous goods.

Data Analytics and Artificial Intelligence

Data analytics and artificial intelligence are playing an increasingly important role in airspace management and air traffic control. These technologies enable more efficient and safer air traffic control by analysing the movements of aircraft.

Air Policing and International Cooperation

International Aviation Organisations

The aviation industry is an international field of activity. Therefore, air policing organisations cooperate at international level. The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) is one of the most important organisations in this field.

Data Sharing and Information Flow

International co-operation is vital for the safety of airspace and air traffic. Data sharing and information flow between countries enhances international aviation security.

Joint Exercises and Training Programmes

Air policing organisations share their knowledge and experience by organising joint international exercises and training programmes. These events help air marshals to improve their skills.

Below is a video of the Italian Air Force's execution of the Baltic Air Policing mission in 2020/21. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vq3RTe8HY_o

Turkish Air Force also participated in the same exercise with 4 F-16 aircraft and performed missions together.

https://www.hvkk.tsk.tr/News/Article/hvkk/1357

Conclusion

Air policing is a vital service that ensures the safety, regularity and efficiency of aviation. Air marshals protect the safety of airspace and airports, regulate air traffic, supervise flight training and conduct aviation safety investigations. This article aims to examine the basics of air policing, its tasks, technologies and international co-operation.

As aviation grows rapidly and becomes a universal means of transport, air policing will continue to play an even more important role. The need for air policing to support the safe and sustainable growth of the aviation sector is greater and more complex than ever before.