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Managing a Radio Malfunction in In-Flight Communication System

Navigating smoothly in Instrument Meteorological Condition (IMC) flight, then noticing a scarcity of radio communication.

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Managing a Radio Malfunction in Indigenous Infrared Communication System
Managing a Radio Malfunction in Indigenous Infrared Communication System

Managing a Radio Malfunction in In-Flight Communication System

In the event of a radio communication failure while flying under Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC) and an IFR flight plan, pilots are expected to follow a specific set of procedures to maintain safety and predictability.

Firstly, the transponder code should be set to 7600, signalling a radio communication failure to Air Traffic Control (ATC). This is a standard practice for IFR flights in IMC.

Next, pilots should continue to fly along the cleared IFR route and maintain the last assigned altitude or the minimum IFR altitude if the last assigned altitude is not known. This adherence to the planned route and altitude helps ATC anticipate the pilot's position and intentions for separation and traffic management.

Pilots should also attempt to re-establish communication on all available frequencies or on emergency frequency 121.5 MHz, but they should not deviate from the plan unless safety or terrain avoidance requires it.

If communication cannot be re-established, the pilot should proceed to the destination or alternate airport as planned and prepare to execute a published instrument approach, maintaining IFR procedures until visual conditions and a safe landing can be assured.

These steps are in line with regulations designed to maintain safety and predictability, even in the absence of radio communications in IMC. Notably, the recent changes in European Standardised Rules of the Air (SERA) clarify that the 7600 code applies when continuing IFR in IMC, while a different code (7601) is used if pilots lose communications but then continue Visual Flight Rules (VFR) in visual meteorological conditions (VMC).

In summary, the pilot should: - Set the transponder to 7600 - Maintain the cleared IFR route and altitude - Continue to the destination or alternate airport following IFR procedures - Attempt to re-establish communication - Execute a standard instrument approach for landing

This approach allows ATC and other aircraft to safely anticipate the pilot’s movements, ensuring continued safety despite the loss of radio contact.

Moreover, when approaching the destination, if the clearance limit is a fix from which an approach begins, the pilot should begin their descent and start the approach as close as they reasonably can to their expect-further-clearance time or their estimated time of arrival. This helps maintain a smooth transition into the final approach and landing phase.

In such situations, it's essential to remember that choosing the closest airport might not always be the best option. Picking an airport with maintenance services is better than landing at an airport with nothing but a runway and a self-serve gas pump.

[1] European Organisation for the Safety of Air Navigation (EUROCONTROL) - Lost Communications Procedures (LCP) Manual [2] Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) - AIM, Chapter 3, Section 3-4-3, Lost Communication Procedures

  1. In the event of a radio communication failure, the pilot should set the transponder code to 7600, signalling a radio communication failure to Air Traffic Control (ATC), following FAA regulations.
  2. Pilots are expected to fly along the cleared IFR route and maintain the last assigned altitude or the minimum IFR altitude if the last assigned altitude is not known.
  3. If unable to re-establish communication, the pilot should proceed to the destination or alternate airport as planned and execute a published instrument approach.
  4. Pilots should attempt to re-establish communication on all available frequencies or on emergency frequency 121.5 MHz, but they should not deviate from the plan unless safety or terrain avoidance requires it.
  5. Notably, the recent changes in European Standardised Rules of the Air (SERA) clarify that the 7600 code applies when continuing IFR in IMC, while a different code (7601) is used if pilots lose communications but then continue Visual Flight Rules (VFR) in visual meteorological conditions (VMC).
  6. Upon approaching the destination, if the clearance limit is a fix from which an approach begins, the pilot should start their descent and start the approach as close as they reasonably can to their expect-further-clearance time or their estimated time of arrival.
  7. This adherence to the planned route and altitude helps ATC anticipate the pilot's position and intentions for separation and traffic management, ensuring continued safety despite the loss of radio contact.
  8. In a situation where radio communication is lost, maintaining a training regimen, understanding industry financial aspects, and staying updated with transportation and aviation news becomes crucial.
  9. The aviation industry continues to evolve with new procedures and regulations to maintain safety and predictability, such as the changes highlighted in the EUROCONTROL Lost Communications Procedures (LCP) Manual and the FAA AIM.
  10. Choosing an airport with maintenance services is better than landing at an airport with nothing but a runway and a self-serve gas pump, ensuring a smoother transition during critical situations like lost communication.

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