Communications Failure

Question 1

In the event of aircraft communications failure, base control on ______________________ unless: ____________________

Answer 1

Base control on the understanding that aircraft will follow the ERSA emergency
procedure unless:

a) it is determined that the aircraft is following a different procedure;

b) the use of electronic or other aids enables the position of each aircraft to be accurately determined, when control is to be based on this position data; and

c) information is received that the aircraft has landed or has resumed normal
communication.

Question 2

In the event of a communications failure, where appropriate, how may you issue instructions or information?

Answer 2

Via one or both of:

1. voice modulated navaids
2. the ATIS

Question 3

How will the responsible unit attempt to contact a pilot via communications checks?

Answer 3

i) attempt to contact the pilot direct by calling on the normal and
alternative frequencies, repeating the calls with discretion;

ii) attempt to contact the aircraft through another pilot in VHF or HF range;

iii) ascertain whether the report has been received by another unit; and

iv) arrange for other ground units to call the pilot on normal and alternative frequencies. A unit instructed to call a pilot notifies the originating unit if contact is not established within a period of five minutes

Question 4

Consider communication checks to be _________________ once it has been ______________ that the pilot cannot be contacted on _______________ .

Answer 4

1. Completed
2. Determined
3. ATS frequencies

Question 5

Should ATC and pilots assume transmissions are being received even if there is no response?

Answer 5

Yes

Question 6

How should ATC and pilots prefix transmissions where two way communications cannot be be confirmed?

Answer 6

TRANSMITTING BLIND

Question 7

Under readability 2, how should communications be treated?

Answer 7

• Aircraft considered to not be in normal communications
• Straight to uncertainty phase
• Prefix with TRANSMITTING BLIND

Question 8

How might an aircraft experiencing radio failure indicate that?

Answer 8

By squawking 7600

Question 9

How might an aircraft indicate communications issues visually while in flight?

Answer 9

• during the hours of daylight - by rocking the aircraft’s wings; and
• during the hours of darkness - by flashing on and off twice the aircraft’s landing lights or, if not so equipped, by switching on and off twice its navigation lights.

Question 10

How might an aircraft indicate communications issues visually while on the ground?

Answer 10

• during the hours of daylight: by waggling the aircraft’s ailerons or rudder; and
• during the hours of darkness: by flashing on and off twice the aircraft’s landing lights or, if not so equipped, by switching on and off twice its navigation lights.

Question 11

Should the control of aircraft experiencing communications failure be based on the assumption that estimated time intervals are accurate?

Answer 11

No - vary aircraft separation accordingly.

Question 12

Keep the controlled airspace at the next intended landing point of unreported aircraft
following IMC procedures vacant __________________

Answer 12

a) for a 30 minute period from the later of EAT or ETA (ETA for this purpose is
defined as five minutes after the estimate over the emergency aid); and

b) when the aerodrome is closed, and communication with a holding aircraft is lost – from the time communication is lost until 15 minutes after the unreported aircraft is expected to set course for the alternate.

Question 13

Keep controlled airspace en route to the alternate aerodrome vacant from _________________________ on the understanding that the aircraft will set course for ________________ climbing or descending to ___________________ at any time during the period specified in Clause 4.2.9.7

Answer 13

1. The earliest arrival time calculated
2. The alternate aerodrome
3. The flight-planned level

Question 14

Keep ________________ at the alternate aerodrome, which might be used by the ________________, vacant from the earliest arrival time calculated from the understanding of departure time set out in Clause 4.2.9.7, and application of flight-planned time intervals, until ____________________.

Answer 14

1. Controlled airspace
2. Unreported aircraft
3. 30 minutes after the latest arrival time

Question 15

Which checklist should be followed in the event of aircraft communications failure?

Answer 15

Aircraft Communications Failure

Question 16

What steps should a VFR aircraft in Class G airspace take in the event of communications failure?

Answer 16

a. Remain in VMC.

b. Broadcast Intentions (assume transmitter is operating and prefix calls with “TRANSMITTING BLIND”).

c. Remain VFR in Class G airspace and land at the nearest suitable aerodrome.

d. Report arrival to ATS if on SARTIME or reporting schedules (SAR telephone number: 1800 815 257).

Question 17

What steps should any/all aircraft in controlled airspace or IFR aircraft suffering communications failure take?

Answer 17

a. Squawk 7600
b. Listen out on ATIS and/or voice modulated NAVAIDs.
c. Transmit intentions and make normal position reports (assume transmitter is operating and prefix calls with “TRANSMITTING BLIND”).

Question 18

Any aircraft suffering communications failure in Controlled/Restricted Airspace (or IFR operation in any Airspace) which is also in VMC and certain of maintaining VMC should do what?

Answer 18

Stay in VMC and land at the most suitable aerodrome (note special procedures if proceeding to a Class D).

Question 19

An aircraft suffering communications failure in controlled airspace (or IFR in any airspace) which is either in VMC or uncertain of maintaining IMC and currently holding should do what?

Answer 19

(i) fly one more complete holding pattern, then
(ii) proceed in accordance with the latest ATC route clearance acknowledged.

Question 20

An aircraft suffering communications failure in controlled airspace (or IFR in any airspace) which is either in VMC or uncertain of maintaining IMC and receiving an ATS surveillance service should do what?

Answer 20

(i) climb to MSA/LSALT, and,
(ii) if being vectored, maintain last assigned vector for two (2) minutes, then
(iii) proceed in accordance with the latest ATC route clearance acknowledged.

Question 21

An aircraft suffering communications failure in controlled airspace (or IFR in any airspace) which is either in VMC or uncertain of maintaining IMC and has not had a clearance limit received and acknowledged should do what?

Answer 21

Proceed in accordance with the latest ATC route clearance acknowledged and climb to planned level.

Question 22

An aircraft suffering communications failure in controlled airspace (or IFR in any airspace) which is either in VMC or uncertain of maintaining IMC and a clearance limit involving altitude or route restriction has been received and acknowledged should do what?

Answer 22

(i) maintain last assigned level, or minimum safe altitude if higher, for three (3) minutes, and/or

(ii) hold at nominated location for three (3) minutes, then

(iii) proceed in accordance with the latest ATC route clearance acknowledged, and climb to planned level.