PILOTS who stray into restricted airspace over Commonwealth Games venues face being shot down by a Typhoon jet or military helicopter as part of strict security measures during the event.
The protocol has been outlined in documents from the Department Of Transport and Civil Aviation Authority after the police called for them to draw up guidance to help prevent terror attacks or aircraft crashes during the competition, which will run from July 23 to August 3.
Only pre-approved aircraft, such as police, emergency service and television helicopters, will be allowed to fly within the six restricted zones, which include a 5.5-mile radius red zone immediately over the city of Glasgow and a larger 800 sq mile area covering part of Greater Glasgow.
The flight ban will be in place for the duration of the Games, but it is not expected to affect tourists and competitors travelling to Scotland since commercial flights to and from Glasgow and Edinburgh airports are exempt on the grounds that passengers, crew and baggage will have undergone security screening.
However, all other pilots - including amateur flying enthusiasts - are warned to keep clear of restricted airspace or risk "lethal force" being used against them.
Military helicopters and Typhoon jets will be scrambled to intercept any rogue aircraft in restricted zones, according to the Actions On Interception leaflet produced for the Games. The military aircraft will fire flares and green laser beams as a final warning to the pilot to change course.
However, it adds: "As a last resort, if an aircraft is intercepted, or fails to comply with these procedures or with the directions of the military aircraft, it may be considered a threat to security, which may result in the use of lethal force."
Overall responsibility for security during the Games rests with Police Scotland, but control over aviation is reserved to Westminster. As a result, Transport Minister Robert Goodwill said police had asked the UK Government to develop measures "to help protect the Games venues from potential airborne risks".
Mr Goodwill added: "We do not expect any airports within the restricted airspace will need to close as a result of the planned measures, and there should be no impact on scheduled air services that will be vital to competitors, officials and spectators.
"However, the Government reserves the right to implement additional airspace security measures should the need arise."
The larger restricted area around Glasgow stretches north to south from around Alexandria, West Dunbartonshire, to Kilmarnock, East Ayrshire, and east to west from Kilbarchan, Renfrewshire, to Airdrie, North Lanarkshire.
There are also four smaller, temporary restriction zones over key Games venues, including Strathclyde Park, Lanarkshire, where the triathlon will be held, and the Royal Commonwealth Pool, Edinburgh, which will host the diving.
Restrictions will also apply over Muirhead, North Lanarkshire, where the cycling time trials will take place, and over the shooting competition at the Barry Buddon range, near Dundee
The Civil Aviation Authority said: "The restrictions will be monitored and enforced by the Ministry Of Defence. If an aircraft enters any of the restricted airspace without permission, or deviates from a flight plan or pre-notified route without notification, then it may be intercepted by a military aircraft and met by the police on landing.
"If you have permission to use restricted airspace but need to divert from your flight plan or pre-notified route, it is vital you tell air traffic control."
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