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El Al 005 (Boeing 777) divert to KBIL engine fire
An El Al Boeing 777 declares a Mayday and diverts to Billings, Montana, after an engine fire.
Summary
El Al Flight 005, en route from Tel Aviv to Los Angeles, declared an emergency over Montana due to a persistent fire indication in its right engine. The Boeing 777 diverted to Billings International Airport (KBIL), a rare destination for such a large international aircraft. After a successful landing, ground crews used infrared technology to confirm the fire was no longer active before deplaning 297 passengers.
Analysis
This recording captures a high-stakes emergency involving El Al Flight 005, a Boeing 777-200ER. While transiting Montana airspace, the crew received a "continuous fire" indication in the right engine. The situation is notable not only for the severity of the emergency—engine fires are among the most critical situations a pilot can face—but also for the unusual diversion point. Billings International Airport (KBIL) is a regional hub that rarely sees heavy wide-body aircraft like the Triple 7, especially on international itineraries.
The transcript highlights the intense coordination required between Salt Lake Center, Billings Tower, and Airport Operations. Early in the recording, controllers and ground staff are seen "pre-planning," verifying that the runway can physically support the weight and wingspan of a 777. A key moment occurs when the El Al pilot initially requests a "low pass" so that ground observers can visually inspect the engine for flames. However, the pilot eventually opts for a direct ILS approach and full-stop landing, likely prioritizing getting the aircraft on the ground over a visual inspection.
A technical highlight of the exchange is the use of FLIR (Forward Looking Infrared) by airport operations. Upon landing, the "Airport 5" vehicle used thermal imaging to check the engine for "excessive heat" or internal combustion that might not be visible as smoke or flame. This technological confirmation allowed the pilot to "cancel the distress" and taxi toward the ramp, though the aircraft eventually shut down on a taxiway to ensure safety.
The incident concluded with a logistical challenge: processing 297 international passengers and a medical patient in a terminal not typically equipped for large-scale international arrivals. The professionalism of the Billings controllers and the airport operations staff is evident as they managed the emergency while simultaneously handling routine departures for United, Delta, and Horizon flights.
Original ATC Communication
Plain English Translation
ATC
El Al 005, Salt Lake Center. El Al 005, roger. My minimum IFR altitude is 7,000. Descend at pilot's discretion to 7,000. El Al 005, Miles City altimeter 29.75.
El Al 005, Miles City Airport is at your 10 o'clock and 95 miles. El Al 005, when able, say fuel remaining and souls on board. And El Al 005, you say you want the Denver weather? The Denver 11:53 observation: wind 220 at 10, visibility 10, sky clear, temperature 2, dew point -9, and altimeter 29.94.
El Al 005, Billings Airport is also at your 10 o'clock, maybe 150 miles. They've got a 10,000-foot runway if you'd like to land there. El Al 005, the identifier is Bravo India Lima. The airport is Billings: Kilo Bravo India Lima Lima India November Golf Sierra. Identifier for the airport is Bravo India Lima.
El Al 005, the Billings weather is wind 240 at 10, visibility 10, sky clear, temperature 6, dew point -4, altimeter 29.74. El Al 005, fly heading 260. El Al 005, Billings Airport is at your 1 o'clock and 180 miles. El Al 005, I’m sorry, I missed it earlier—what was the fuel remaining and souls on board?
FedEx 199, contact Salt Lake Center 119.75.
ATC
El Al 005, this is Salt Lake City flight control. I hear you. The lowest safe altitude I can give you here is 7,000 feet. Go ahead and descend to 7,000 feet whenever you're ready. The barometric pressure for your altitude gauge at Miles City is 29.75.
El Al 005, Miles City Airport is about 95 miles away at your ten o'clock position. When you have a moment, please tell me how much fuel you have left and the total number of people on board. You also asked for the weather in Denver? The 11:53 report shows 10-knot winds, 10 miles of visibility, clear skies, a temperature of 2 degrees, and a pressure setting of 29.94.
El Al 005, Billings Airport is also off to your left, maybe 150 miles out. They have a two-mile-long runway if you’d like to land there. The code for that airport is B-I-L. Let me spell it out: Billings, B-I-L-L-I-N-G-S. Again, the airport code is B-I-L.
El Al 005, the weather at Billings is 10-knot winds, 10 miles of visibility, clear skies, and 6 degrees. Turn to a compass heading of 260. Billings is now about 180 miles ahead and slightly to your right. I’m sorry, I missed it before—how much fuel do you have and how many people are on the plane?
FedEx 199, switch over to the next Salt Lake controller on frequency 119.75.
ATC
El Al 005, Billings International identifier is Bravo India Lima.
ATC
El Al 005, the identification code for Billings International is B-I-L.
AIRPORT OPERATIONS
Charlie 4. Billings Tower, Charlie 4. Just verify we can accept a Triple 7 here if needed for an emergency.
AIRPORT OPERATIONS
This is Charlie 4. Billings Tower, I'm just checking to see if our runway can handle a big Boeing 777 if they need to land here for an emergency.
ATC
That's affirmative.
ATC
Yes, we can take them.
AIRPORT OPERATIONS
Roger. And Tower, Charlie 4, I just got a call from Center. They're saying there's a Triple 7 that may need to come here. This is all just pre-planning; there's nothing for sure, but a possible engine fire.
AIRPORT OPERATIONS
Understood. And Tower, I just got a call from the regional controllers. They’re saying there’s a 777 that might be heading our way. This is just a heads-up for now, nothing is certain yet, but they might have an engine fire.
ATC
Copy. Do you know how far out they are?
ATC
Got it. Do you know how far away they are?
AIRPORT OPERATIONS
Like I said, they just asked that question. I don't know for sure they're coming; I'm just letting you know.
AIRPORT OPERATIONS
Like I said, the controllers were just asking if we could handle them. I don't know for sure if they’re coming yet; I’m just letting you know what I heard.
ATC
No, I understand. I'm just doing the same, trying to figure out if I need to call people in.
ATC
No, I understand. I’m doing the same thing on my end, just trying to figure out if I need to call extra people into work.
AIRPORT OPERATIONS
I'll let you know as soon as I know something.
AIRPORT OPERATIONS
I’ll give you an update as soon as I know something more.
ATC
Copy, thanks.
ATC
Understood, thanks.
ATC
El Al 005, the runway configuration at Billings is a Runway 10/28 configuration. El Al 005, are you going to try to land at Billings?
ATC
El Al 005, the runways at Billings are set up for arrivals from the east or west. Are you planning to land at Billings?
EL AL 005
Affirmative.
EL AL 005
Yes, we are.
ATC
El Al 005, roger. I imagine you want equipment standing by on the ground. Do you have any other requests?
ATC
El Al 005, copy that. I assume you'll want the fire trucks and emergency crews waiting for you on the ground. Do you have any other requests?
EL AL 005
Affirmative, we would like the equipment to be ready.
EL AL 005
Yes, we would like the emergency equipment to be ready for us.
ATC
El Al 005, roger. We will let the airport know. El Al 005, roger—297 souls on board, thank you. El Al 005, Runway 28 Right is what you can expect.
ATC
El Al 005, understood. We will notify the airport. Got it—297 people on board, thank you. You can expect to land on the right-hand runway heading west.
AIRPORT OPERATIONS
Tower, Charlie 4 is off 28 Right, holding short on Alpha and back in Area 3.
AIRPORT OPERATIONS
Tower, this is Charlie 4. I’ve cleared Runway 28 Right and I'm waiting on the side taxiway, back in Area 3.
ATC
Charlie 4, what's the status right now? Looks like we're going to have to activate the response team. This Triple 7 is 15 minutes out—right engine fire.
ATC
Charlie 4, what’s your status right now? It looks like we’re going to have to call out the emergency response team. We have a Boeing 777 arriving in 15 minutes with a fire in its right engine.
EL AL 005
El Al 005, just to verify, we want somebody on the ground that can look at the engine and see the flames and all that. What I do know right now is he wants to do a low pass. He says he has a continuous fire in his right engine. So, what he wants is someone to take a look at that and see what they see.
EL AL 005
El Al 005 here, just to confirm, we need someone on the ground who can look up at the engine to check for flames and damage. Right now, the pilot wants to fly low over the runway. He says the fire in his right engine won't go out, so he needs someone to get a good look and tell him what they see.
AIRPORT OPERATIONS
Copy. Right engine. Is there anybody in the shop now? Should I activate the phone, or are you the only one here?
AIRPORT OPERATIONS
Got it. Right engine. Is there anyone else in the maintenance shop right now? Should I start making emergency calls, or are you the only one on duty?
ATC
I'm the only one here, so I'll go ahead and dispatch myself. I'll get everybody around.
ATC
I’m the only one here, so I’ll head out and handle the dispatching myself. I’ll get everyone rounded up.
AIRPORT OPERATIONS
Charlie 4, thank you. And you can show me off the field.
AIRPORT OPERATIONS
Thanks, Charlie 4. You can mark me as leaving the active airfield for now.
ATC
Charlie 4, roger. El Al 005, descend at pilot's discretion, maintain 7,000. German Cargo 411, Salt Lake Center. El Al 005, amend altitude, descend at pilot's discretion, maintain 8,000. El Al 005, you are cleared to the Billings Airport via direct. El Al 005, Tower at Billings has been made aware of your situation. They plan to have all the equipment standing by. They should have somebody there to inspect the wings.
German Cargo 411, contact Minneapolis 124.25.
ATC
Charlie 4, acknowledged. El Al 005, start your descent whenever you're ready and stay at 7,000 feet. German Cargo 411, contact Salt Lake Center. El Al 005, changing your altitude—descend when you're ready and stay at 8,000 feet. You are cleared to fly straight to the Billings Airport. The tower at Billings has been briefed on your emergency and they’ll have all the fire equipment waiting. They should have someone ready to inspect your wings from the ground.
German Cargo 411, switch over to the Minneapolis controller on frequency 124.25.
AIRPORT OPERATIONS
Tower, Charlie 1. We'd like to proceed to Area 3.
AIRPORT OPERATIONS
Tower, this is Charlie 1. We’d like to head over to Area 3.
ATC
Charlie 1, proceed to Area 3. Charlie 1, the Boeing 777 is right now about 80 miles out—make that 72 miles out. He wants to do that low pass. His major concern is he knows that his right engine is on fire; he said it's a continuous fire. He just wants to know if there's any other damage to the aircraft, maybe the wing's on fire. He wants to have that information. It'll be very difficult, I guess, at night, but that's what he's requesting from us.
ATC
Charlie 1, go ahead to Area 3. That Boeing 777 is about 72 miles out now. He wants to fly low over the airfield. His main worry is that he knows his right engine is on fire—he said it’s a constant fire—and he needs to know if there’s any other damage, like if the wing itself is catching fire. He needs that information urgently. It’ll be very hard to see clearly at night, I imagine, but that’s what he’s asking us to do.
AIRPORT OPERATIONS
Copied. Right engine.
AIRPORT OPERATIONS
Understood. Right engine.
ATC
El Al 005, still fly heading 260. Charlie 4, I don't know if it would be better for you guys to maybe approach on Runway 25 to get a better view? But it's the right engine, and I was expecting him to do a low pass over Runway 28 Right. I could bring him around for 10 Left, but I know that the winds are 230 at 5. We'll have to see what he wants.
ATC
El Al 005, continue flying on your current heading. Charlie 4, I’m not sure if it would be better for your team to wait by Runway 25 to get a better view? It’s the right engine, and I expected him to fly low over Runway 28 Right, but I could bring him around to the other side. The winds are very light, so we’ll see what the pilot wants to do.
AIRPORT OPERATIONS
Copy that. I'll set up on 25.
AIRPORT OPERATIONS
Copy that. I’ll set up my position on Runway 25.
ATC
Charlie 4, roger. Proceed across Runway 28 Right at Delta, then proceed to Runway 25. Advise when off and holding short of Runway 28 Right, please.
ATC
Charlie 4, roger. Drive across Runway 28 Right at the Delta taxiway, then proceed to Runway 25. Let me know when you’ve crossed and are waiting safely clear of the first runway, please.
AIRPORT OPERATIONS
Charlie 1, proceed to Area 1 and I'll report holding short of 28.
AIRPORT OPERATIONS
Charlie 1, head to Area 1 and I’ll report back when I’m waiting clear of Runway 28.
ATC
El Al 005, you can descend. Altimeter at Billings is 29.74. Charlie 4, just so you know, there's 297 souls on board and 21 tons of fuel.
ATC
El Al 005, you can continue your descent. The local air pressure for your altimeter at Billings is 29.74. Charlie 4, just so you're aware of the stakes, there are 297 people on board that plane and 21 tons of fuel.
AIRPORT OPERATIONS
Copy, 21 tons of fuel, 275 souls on board.
AIRPORT OPERATIONS
Got it, the plane has 21 tons of fuel and 275 people on board.
ATC
That’s 297—two-niner-seven personnel on board.
ATC
Actually, that's 297—two hundred and ninety-seven people on board.
AIRPORT OPERATIONS
Two-niner-seven.
AIRPORT OPERATIONS
Copy, 297 people.
EL AL 005
Billings, good morning. El Al Mayday, Mayday, Mayday. El Al 005, maintain 17,000. Now about 65 miles from you with the right engine fire.
EL AL 005
Billings, good morning. This is El Al with an emergency, emergency, emergency. El Al Flight 005, we are staying at 17,000 feet. We're about 65 miles out from you and our right engine is on fire.
ATC - BILLINGS APPROACH
El Al 005, Billings Approach. Descend at pilot's discretion, maintain 8,000.
ATC - BILLINGS APPROACH
El Al 005, this is Billings radar. You can start heading down whenever you're ready; level off at 8,000 feet.
EL AL 005
Pilot's discretion, 8,000. El Al 005.
EL AL 005
We'll start down when ready to 8,000 feet. El Al 005.
ATC - BILLINGS APPROACH
El Al 005, Billings winds 230 at 14. Currently weather is better than 5,000 and 5. Altimeter 29.72.
ATC - BILLINGS APPROACH
El Al 005, the wind at Billings is from the southwest at 14 knots. Currently, the clouds are high and visibility is better than five miles. Set your altitude gauge to 29.72.
EL AL 005
Thank you. 29.72. El Al 005.
EL AL 005
Thank you. Altitude gauge set to 29.72. El Al 005.
ATC - BILLINGS APPROACH
El Al 005, would you like the localizer approach or the visual approach for your low pass?
ATC - BILLINGS APPROACH
El Al 005, for your low fly-by, would you like to use the radio guidance beam to line up or just fly it by sight?
EL AL 005
Can we use the ILS approach?
EL AL 005
Can we use the precision instrument landing system to line up?
ATC - BILLINGS APPROACH
El Al 005, roger. Do you have SUTLE? Can you proceed direct SUTLE? Sierra Uniform Tango Lima Echo.
ATC - BILLINGS APPROACH
El Al 005, understood. Do you have the navigation point named SUTLE in your computer? Can you fly straight to that spot?
EL AL 005
We don't have that point. Can we have radar vectors?
EL AL 005
We don't have that point in our system. Can you just give us compass directions to fly?
ATC - BILLINGS APPROACH
El Al 005, affirmative. Fly heading 250.
ATC - BILLINGS APPROACH
El Al 005, will do. Turn to a compass heading of 250 degrees.
EL AL 005
Heading 250. El Al 005.
EL AL 005
Heading 250. El Al 005.
ATC - BILLINGS APPROACH
El Al 005, continue left turn heading 230.
ATC - BILLINGS APPROACH
El Al 005, keep turning left to a heading of 230 degrees.
EL AL 005
Left heading 230. El Al 005.
EL AL 005
Turning left to face southwest at 230 degrees. El Al 005.
ATC - BILLINGS APPROACH
El Al 005, descend and maintain 7,000.
ATC - BILLINGS APPROACH
El Al 005, go ahead and drop down to 7,000 feet and stay there.
EL AL 005
7,000. El Al 005.
EL AL 005
Down to 7,000 feet. El Al 005.
ATC - BILLINGS APPROACH
Charlie 4, just verify holding short of Runway 28 Right.
ATC - BILLINGS APPROACH
Vehicle Charlie 4, just confirm you are stopped and waiting before the right-side runway 28.
AIRPORT OPERATIONS
Charlie 1, off 28 Right, holding short on North Delta.
AIRPORT OPERATIONS
This is Charlie 1, I'm clear of the right-side runway 28 and waiting on the North Delta taxi path.
ATC - BILLINGS APPROACH
Charlie 1, thank you.
ATC - BILLINGS APPROACH
Charlie 1, thanks.
UNITED 377
Billings Ground, good morning. United 377 looking for Denver clearance with Julia.
UNITED 377
Billings Ground, good morning. United 377 is looking for our flight approval to Denver; we've already listened to the weather update labeled Julia.
ATC - BILLINGS APPROACH
United 377, Billings Ground. Cleared to Denver, Billings 4 Departure as filed. Climb via SID, squawk 6006.
ATC - BILLINGS APPROACH
United 377, Billings Ground. You're approved for Denver using the standard Billings 4 exit route we have on file. Follow the mapped climb path and set your radar beacon to 6006.
UNITED 377
Cleared via the Billings 4 Departure as filed, climb via the SID, squawk 6006. United 377.
UNITED 377
Approved for the Billings 4 exit as filed, following the mapped climb path, and setting the radar beacon to 6006. United 377.
ATC - BILLINGS APPROACH
El Al 005, fly heading 180, vectors for your descent.
ATC - BILLINGS APPROACH
El Al 005, turn to face straight south at 180 degrees; I’m giving you these steering directions to help you get down.
EL AL 005
Heading 180. El Al 005.
EL AL 005
Facing south at 180 degrees. El Al 005.
AIRPORT OPERATIONS
Billings Ground, Charlie 2. Charlie 2 leaving the shop, would like to proceed into Area 3.
AIRPORT OPERATIONS
Billings Ground, this is Charlie 2. I'm pulling out of the maintenance shop and want to head over to work area 3.
ATC - BILLINGS APPROACH
Charlie 2, proceed into Area 3. El Al 005, expect a vector across final for your descent.
ATC - BILLINGS APPROACH
Charlie 2, you're good to go to Area 3. El Al 005, expect a turn that will take you across the final landing path to help with your descent.
EL AL 005
Copied. El Al 005, thank you.
EL AL 005
Understood. El Al 005, thank you.
ATC - BILLINGS APPROACH
El Al 005, turn right heading 280.
ATC - BILLINGS APPROACH
El Al 005, turn right now to face west at 280 degrees.
EL AL 005
Right heading 280. El Al 005. Just for checking, how far are we from landing?
EL AL 005
Turning right to a heading of 280. This is El Al 005. Just checking in, how much further until we touch down?
ATC - BILLINGS APPROACH
El Al 005, right now you are 29 miles from Billings VOR.
ATC - BILLINGS APPROACH
El Al 005, you are currently 29 miles away from the Billings navigation beacon.
EL AL 005
29 miles, thank you. Runway in sight. El Al 005.
EL AL 005
29 miles, thank you. We have the runway in sight. El Al 005.
ATC - BILLINGS APPROACH
El Al 005, roger. Fly heading 290 to join the Runway 28 Right localizer, track it inbound.
ATC - BILLINGS APPROACH
El Al 005, understood. Turn to a heading of 290 to catch the guidance beam for Runway 28 Right, then follow that signal straight into the airport.
EL AL 005
Heading 290 and we will use the ILS with your permission, joining the localizer. El Al 005.
EL AL 005
Turning to 290. We’d like to use the automated landing system if that’s okay, locking onto the guidance beam now. El Al 005.
ATC - BILLINGS APPROACH
El Al 005, descend at pilot's discretion, maintain 6,000.
ATC - BILLINGS APPROACH
El Al 005, start your descent whenever you're ready, but level off and stay at 6,000 feet for now.
EL AL 005
6,000. El Al 005, thank you.
EL AL 005
Staying at 6,000 feet. El Al 005, thank you.
AIRPORT OPERATIONS
Airport 5, Billings Tower. Airport 5 on scene. I'd like to get to Delta, if I could please.
AIRPORT OPERATIONS
This is Airport 5 calling Billings Tower. We're on the scene. I need to get over to taxiway Delta, please.
ATC
Airport 5, cross Runway 28 Right at Delta.
ATC
Airport 5, you're clear to cross Runway 28 Right at the Delta intersection.
AIRPORT OPERATIONS
Airport 5 crossing 28 Right at Delta. Charlie 2, give way to company truck behind you crossing the runway.
AIRPORT OPERATIONS
Airport 5 is crossing 28 Right at Delta. Charlie 2, let that other airport truck behind you go first as it crosses the runway.
ATC
El Al 005, cleared ILS Runway 28 Right approach.
ATC
El Al 005, you are authorized to begin your instrument landing approach for Runway 28 Right.
EL AL 005
Cleared ILS Runway 28 Right approach. El Al 005.
EL AL 005
We're authorized for the instrument approach to Runway 28 Right. El Al 005.
ATC
And El Al 005, sir, just verify you want to do a low approach and have a visual on the right side of your aircraft?
ATC
And El Al 005, sir, just to confirm, do you want to fly low over the runway so we can get a look at the right side of your aircraft?
EL AL 005
We are going to land. We are for the ILS. The fire indication was on our right side.
EL AL 005
No, we are coming in to land. We're staying on the automated approach. The fire warning light was for our right side.
ATC
El Al 005, understand you're going to land this pass.
ATC
El Al 005, I understand. You're coming all the way down to land on this attempt.
EL AL 005
Affirmative. El Al 005 heavy is on a 10-mile final for full stop and to vacate the runway to the left after.
EL AL 005
That’s correct. This large El Al flight is ten miles out on our final approach to land and park, and we’ll turn off the runway to the left once we're down.
ATC
Copy, 10 miles out and this is going to be a full stop. El Al 005, this approach is for Runway 28 Right. You're set up for Runway 28 Right.
ATC
Got it, ten miles out and coming in to stay. El Al 005, you are lined up for the right-side runway, Runway 28 Right. You’re all set for that one.
EL AL 005
28 Right, copy. El Al 005, Mayday. Thank you.
EL AL 005
Runway 28 Right, understood. This is El Al 005, we have an emergency. Thank you.
ATC
El Al 005, contact Tower 127.2.
ATC
El Al 005, switch over and talk to the Tower controllers on frequency 127.2.
AIRPORT OPERATIONS
Tower, Charlie 1. I'd like to cross 28 Right at Delta.
AIRPORT OPERATIONS
Tower, this is ground vehicle Charlie 1. I need to drive across the right-side runway at the Delta taxiway intersection.
ATC
Charlie 1, cross Runway 28 Right at Delta without delay.
ATC
Charlie 1, you're clear to cross the right-side runway at Delta, but move quickly.
AIRPORT OPERATIONS
Charlie 1 crossing 28 Right.
AIRPORT OPERATIONS
Charlie 1 is crossing the right-side runway now.
ATC
Charlie 6, Billings Ground. Proceed into Area 3.
ATC
Charlie 6, this is Billings Ground control. You’re clear to head into Area 3.
AIRPORT OPERATIONS
Charlie 6, proceeding into Area 3.
AIRPORT OPERATIONS
Charlie 6, heading into Area 3 now.
EL AL 005
Tower, with Mayday, Mayday. El Al 005 established ILS Runway 28 Right.
EL AL 005
Tower, we have an emergency. This is El Al 005, and we are locked onto the radio-guided landing system for the right-side runway.
ATC - BILLINGS TOWER
El Al 005 heavy, Billings Tower. Wind 230 at 16, Runway 28 Right, cleared to land.
ATC - BILLINGS TOWER
El Al 005, the large aircraft, this is Billings Tower. The wind is coming from the southwest at 16 knots. You are cleared to land on the right-side runway.
EL AL 005
Cleared to land 28 Right. El Al 005.
EL AL 005
We’re cleared to land on the right-side runway. El Al 005.
AIRPORT OPERATIONS
Ground, Airport 5. Just to notify you, Airport 5 is now in command of this situation.
AIRPORT OPERATIONS
Ground control, this is Airport 5. Just letting you know that I am now taking charge of the emergency response on the field.
ATC - BILLINGS TOWER
Airport 5, roger. Charlie 1 is off 28 Right. Charlie 3, Billings Ground. Charlie 3, cross Runway 25.
ATC - BILLINGS TOWER
Understood, Airport 5. The first vehicle is clear of the right-side runway. Charlie 3, this is Billings Ground. Charlie 3, drive across the cross-wind runway.
AIRPORT OPERATIONS
Charlie 3 crossing 25. Ground, Airport 5. We'll take Runway 25 at Foxtrot.
AIRPORT OPERATIONS
Charlie 3 is crossing the cross-wind runway now. Ground, this is Airport 5. We’re going to enter that same runway at the Foxtrot intersection.
ATC - BILLINGS TOWER
Airport 5, roger.
ATC - BILLINGS TOWER
Airport 5, I've got you.
HORIZON 4333
Billings Ground, Horizon 4333 looking for clearance to Seattle.
HORIZON 4333
Billings Ground, this is Horizon 4333, we’re looking for our flight authorization to Seattle.
ATC - BILLINGS TOWER
Horizon 4333, Billings Ground, clearance on request, standby. Charlie 2, Billings Tower. Cross Runway 25.
ATC - BILLINGS TOWER
Horizon 4333, this is Billings Ground, I'm working on that authorization, please wait. Charlie 2, this is Billings Tower. You’re clear to drive across Runway 25.
AIRPORT OPERATIONS
Charlie 2 crossing 25. Tower, Charlie 1. I'd like the same.
AIRPORT OPERATIONS
Charlie 2 is crossing 25 now. Tower, this is Charlie 1. I’d like to do the same.
ATC - BILLINGS TOWER
Charlie 1, cross Runway 25.
ATC - BILLINGS TOWER
Charlie 1, you're clear to drive across Runway 25.
AIRPORT OPERATIONS
Charlie 1 crossing 25. Charlie 2 is off Runway 25. Charlie 1 is off Runway 25.
AIRPORT OPERATIONS
Charlie 1 is crossing 25. Charlie 2 is clear of Runway 25. Charlie 1 is now clear of Runway 25.
ATC - BILLINGS TOWER
El Al 005, were you able to make it off the runway? El Al 005, do you want to evacuate the airplane on the runway or exit off?
ATC - BILLINGS TOWER
El Al 005, were you able to get your plane off the runway? El Al 005, do you need to get everyone off the plane right there on the runway, or can you pull off first?
EL AL 005
Negative. El Al 005 Mayday, we need the fire brigade to be nearby the aircraft. We are currently maintaining this place.
EL AL 005
No, we can't. El Al 005, Emergency! We need the fire trucks to get right next to the plane. We are staying exactly where we are for now.
ATC - BILLINGS TOWER
El Al 005 heavy, say again? You're going to park the aircraft on the runway?
ATC - BILLINGS TOWER
El Al 005, you're a large jet, can you repeat that? You’re going to stay parked right there on the runway?
EL AL 005
We need the fire department to be by us, near the right engine. Near the right engine. We're on intersection Echo. El Al 005.
EL AL 005
We need the fire department right here with us, by the right engine. Near the right engine. We’re stopped at the Echo taxiway intersection. This is El Al 005.
AIRPORT OPERATIONS
Ground, Airport 5. We're going to show the runway closed at this time and we'd like approval out there.
AIRPORT OPERATIONS
Ground, this is Airport 5. We’re officially closing the runway now and we need permission to head out there.
ATC - BILLINGS TOWER
Airport 5, roger. Proceed on Runway 28 Right.
ATC - BILLINGS TOWER
Airport 5, understood. You're clear to drive onto Runway 28 Right.
AIRPORT OPERATIONS
Airport 5 and company approved on 28 Right. El Al 005, we are maintaining this place. Can you reach us, or do we need to move in order to reach the right side of the aircraft?
AIRPORT OPERATIONS
Airport 5 and the rest of the crew are cleared onto 28 Right. El Al 005, we’re holding our position. Can we get to you from here, or do we need to move the trucks to reach the right side of your plane?
ATC - BILLINGS TOWER
Charlie 3, they're asking for you to look at the right engine. The right engine was on fire.
ATC - BILLINGS TOWER
Charlie 3, they’re asking for you to inspect the right engine. That right engine was on fire.
AIRPORT OPERATIONS
Charlie 3, copy. El Al 005, do you see anything?
AIRPORT OPERATIONS
Charlie 3, I'm on it. El Al 005, can you see anything from your end?
AIRPORT OPERATIONS
That's a negative. We do not see any flame, smoke, or fire at this time.
AIRPORT OPERATIONS
No, we don't see any sign of fire, smoke, or flames from out here right now.
EL AL 005
Okay. Currently, please indicate the area and escort us to the gate, to the parking area.
EL AL 005
Understood. Please show us where to go and lead us back to the gate and the parking area.
ATC - BILLINGS TOWER
Call on the tower frequency.
ATC - BILLINGS TOWER
Switch over and talk to us on the main tower radio channel.
AIRPORT OPERATIONS
El Al aircraft, Airport 5. We're looking at your engine now. Guys are going to go ahead and get out and take a look at it. If you don't see anything from outside, we can taxi to the ramp or to the gate. There are no visible flames or smoke at this time. If you can taxi, that would be great, and we can do a better look at it once you get parked.
AIRPORT OPERATIONS
El Al flight, this is the airport ground vehicle. We’re inspecting your engine now. The team is getting out of the truck to take a closer look. Since there are no visible flames or smoke, you can drive the plane toward the parking area or the gate. If you're able to move on your own, that would be best, and we can do a more thorough inspection once you're parked.
EL AL 005
We are proceeding to Echo and then next.
EL AL 005
We are heading toward taxiway Echo and then we'll continue from there.
AIRPORT OPERATIONS
Yeah, if you just want to follow me, I can take you right to the ramp.
AIRPORT OPERATIONS
Yeah, if you just want to follow my truck, I'll lead you straight to the parking ramp.
EL AL 005
Thank you. Follow the Follow Me. El Al 005, thanks.
EL AL 005
Thank you. We'll follow the lead vehicle. This is El Al 005, thanks.
ATC - BILLINGS TOWER
Horizon 4333, Billings Ground. Cleared to Seattle Airport via the Billings 4 Departure, then as filed. Climb via the SID, squawk 6032. Tower, Airport 5. Just to let you know, we hit the engine with the FLIR—no excessive heat. No other issues that we found. We're going to taxi to the West Cargo ramp and we'll check him out a little bit better.
ATC - BILLINGS TOWER
Horizon 4333, this is Billings Ground. You're authorized to fly to Seattle using the Billings 4 exit route, then your planned path. Follow the standard climb-out instructions and set your radar code to 6032. Tower, this is the ground crew. Just so you know, we checked their engine with the thermal camera and didn't find any overheating or other problems. We’re heading to the West Cargo area to give them a more detailed inspection.
AIRPORT OPERATIONS
Airport 5, roger.
AIRPORT OPERATIONS
Ground vehicle 5, understood.
EL AL 005
Ground, El Al 005. We cancel the distress currently. We are taxiing independently and we need a place to disembark the passengers and the crew in order to take care of them, please.
EL AL 005
Ground control, El Al 005. We are officially ending our emergency status for now. We’re driving the plane under our own power, but we need a place to get the passengers and crew off the aircraft so we can look after them, please.
ATC - BILLINGS TOWER
El Al 005 heavy, roger. Airport 5, copy? You've got air stairs coming?
ATC - BILLINGS TOWER
Understood, El Al 005. Ground vehicle 5, did you hear that? Do you have portable stairs on the way for them?
AIRPORT OPERATIONS
We'll get back there and get those taken care of. We're going to check the engine out first and then we'll get him taken care of.
AIRPORT OPERATIONS
We'll head over and handle the stairs. We’re going to finish checking the engine first, and then we’ll help them get the passengers off.
ATC - BILLINGS TOWER
Sounds good. El Al 005 heavy, affirmative. Follow the truck ahead and to your left.
ATC - BILLINGS TOWER
Sounds like a plan. El Al 005, that's correct. Just follow the truck in front of you and to your left.
EL AL 005
Follow the truck, thanks.
EL AL 005
Following the truck, thank you.
HORIZON 4333
Billings Ground, Horizon 4333 cleared to Seattle Airport, Billings 4 Departure then as filed. Climb via SID, squawk 6032.
HORIZON 4333
Billings Ground, Horizon 4333 confirmed: we're authorized to Seattle via the Billings 4 exit route and our filed plan. We'll follow the standard climb procedure and set our radar code to 6032.
ATC - BILLINGS TOWER
Horizon 4333, readback correct. Tower, go ahead and have him stop right there, if you would please.
ATC - BILLINGS TOWER
Horizon 4333, you repeated those instructions correctly. Tower, please go ahead and tell that pilot to stop the plane right where he is.
EL AL 005
Stopping and shutting down the engine.
EL AL 005
We are stopping the aircraft and shutting down the engine now.
DELTA 1079
Good morning, Billings Ground. Delta 1079 clearance to Minneapolis with Julia.
DELTA 1079
Good morning, Billings Ground. Delta 1079 is requesting our route clearance to Minneapolis; we have the latest weather and airport info, code Julia.
AIRPORT OPERATIONS
Ground, Airport 5. We're going to go out and do a real quick check or a good check of that right engine for you. If you can go ahead and shut it down, then we are arranging to get stairs over here right now if you'll just hang on a second.
AIRPORT OPERATIONS
Ground, this is Airport Unit 5. We’re going to head out and do a thorough inspection of that right engine for you. If you can shut it down, we’re arranging to get mobile stairs over here right now, so just hang on a second.
EL AL 005
All engines are shut down. Copied, appreciate your effort and looking for the stairs to take the passengers to the terminal please. Thank you.
EL AL 005
All engines are now shut down. Understood, we appreciate the help and we're waiting for the stairs to take the passengers back to the terminal, please. Thank you.
ATC - BILLINGS TOWER
Delta 1079, readback correct.
ATC - BILLINGS TOWER
Delta 1079, you repeated your instructions perfectly.
AIRPORT OPERATIONS
Sir, we've checked the right engine out. There are no temperatures above what would be normal, and we don't find any smoke, no flames, nothing wrong with the right engine at this time.
AIRPORT OPERATIONS
Sir, we’ve finished checking the right engine. There are no temperatures above what's normal, and we don't see any smoke or flames—nothing seems wrong with the engine at this time.
UNITED 377
Ground, United 377 pushing back off Gate Alpha 1.
UNITED 377
Ground, United 377 is starting to push back from Gate Alpha 1.
ATC - BILLINGS TOWER
United 377, Billings Ground, pushback and start approved. Door number, please?
ATC - BILLINGS TOWER
United 377, Billings Ground, you're cleared to push back and start your engines. And for the El Al flight, which door should we bring the stairs to?
EL AL 005
Door number one on the left side.
EL AL 005
We will use door number one on the left side of the plane.
AIRPORT OPERATIONS
Door number one on the left side.
AIRPORT OPERATIONS
Got it, door number one on the left side.
EL AL 005
Tower, El Al 005. Do you send us any kind of transportation to the terminal, please?
EL AL 005
Tower, this is El Al 005. Are you sending some kind of transportation to take us to the terminal, please?
ATC - BILLINGS TOWER
El Al 005, roger. We'll have to get with airport operations for that, standby.
ATC - BILLINGS TOWER
El Al 005, understood. We have to coordinate that with the airport ground crews, so please stay on the line.
AIRPORT OPERATIONS
And we have a bus coming right now. It'll probably be like 40 passengers at a time. The other thing we're trying to arrange—I believe this would be an international flight, is it not correct?
AIRPORT OPERATIONS
We have a bus heading your way right now. It will probably take about 40 passengers at a time. One more thing we’re trying to coordinate—this is an international flight, isn't it?
EL AL 005
Correct. International from Lima Lima Bravo Golf. 297 souls on board including the crew. And we have a patient whose destination is KLAX.
EL AL 005
That’s correct. This is an international flight from Tel Aviv. We have 297 people on board, including the crew, and we have one medical patient on board whose final destination was Los Angeles.
AIRPORT OPERATIONS
That's received. We're arranging transportation right now, sir. Just bear with us for one minute.
AIRPORT OPERATIONS
Understood. We're getting the shuttle buses organized right now, sir. Just give us a minute.
EL AL 005
Copied, appreciated.
EL AL 005
Got it, thanks for that.
ATC - BILLINGS TOWER
Airport 5, Tower. We're still showing the runway closed, is that correct?
ATC - BILLINGS TOWER
Airport vehicle 5, this is the tower. My screen still says the runway is shut down—is that still the case?
AIRPORT OPERATIONS
Negative. You can go ahead and open that. Sorry about that.
AIRPORT OPERATIONS
Actually, no. You can go ahead and open it back up for flights. Sorry about the delay.
ATC - BILLINGS TOWER
No problem. United 377 ready for taxi, requesting right turn out?
ATC - BILLINGS TOWER
No worries. United flight 377, are you ready to drive to the runway, and were you asking to turn right after you take off?
UNITED 377
United 377, Runway 28 Right, taxi via Alpha. I heard you talking about the runway, is it open?
UNITED 377
United 377, heading to the right-hand runway facing west using taxiway Alpha. I heard you mentioning the runway status—is it officially clear for us?
ATC - BILLINGS TOWER
United 377, affirmative. Runway 28 Right is open now. Excellent. United 377, wind 230 at 16, altimeter 29.71. Tower, Airport 5. We are available for calls—just call us on the 800 if you would please.
ATC - BILLINGS TOWER
United 377, that's correct. The right-hand west runway is open now. Good to go. United 377, wind is coming from the southwest at 16 knots, and the barometric pressure for your altitude is 29.71. Tower, this is Airport vehicle 5—we're back on duty, just reach us on the 800-frequency if you need anything.
ATC - BILLINGS TOWER
Airport 5, roger. Calls on the 800.
ATC - BILLINGS TOWER
Copy that, Airport 5. We'll use the 800-frequency to reach you.
AIRPORT OPERATIONS
Billings Ground, Charlie 3. Let's go ahead and show Juliet closed; he's hanging out on it quite a bit.
AIRPORT OPERATIONS
Billings Ground control, this is Charlie 3. Let's mark taxiway Juliet as closed; that plane is going to be sitting there for a while.
ATC - BILLINGS TOWER
Charlie 3, roger. Taxiway Juliet closed.
ATC - BILLINGS TOWER
Got it, Charlie 3. Taxiway Juliet is now officially closed to traffic.
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