When information is received that a bomb is on or near an aircraft, what action should be taken?

• A. Contact law enforcement
• B. Notify the weather service
• C. Broadcast over RT
• D. Notify your supervisor or facility air traffic manager

Answer: (D)

When a bomb threat or device is suspected near an aircraft, the priority is to activate the official emergency response through the proper chain of command. The immediate action is to notify your supervisor or facility air traffic manager. They coordinate security procedures, initiate contact with law enforcement as needed, and trigger the airport’s emergency protocols to protect people and aircraft while ensuring the response is orderly and coordinated.

Notifying the supervisor/ATC manager first ensures that information is handled through the correct channels and that all actions are synchronized with security and operations. Involving law enforcement directly can be important, but it should come through the established chain of command to avoid duplication or confusion. The weather service has no role in a security threat, and broadcasting details on radiotelephony can disrupt essential ATC communications and spread unverified information.