Communications failure

Question 1

On radar approach and get a communication failure - what do you do?
4.4 IFR Communications Failure –IMC or Uncertain of Maintaining VMC

Answer 1

4.4.1 The initial and subsequent actions of the pilot of an aircraft in IMC or uncertain of being able to maintain VMC will depend on the latest information available on the:

a) Destination aids:
b) Air traffic/airspace procedures; and
c) Meteorological conditions enroute and at the destination

4. 4.2 The provision of ATC to other flights will be based on the assumption that the pilot of an aircraft with communications difficulties will, unless strong reasons dictate otherwise, follow the appropriate procedures specified in paragraphs 4.4.3 to 4.4.11.
5. 4.3 The pilot should proceed in accordance with the current flight plan as confirmed by the last acknowledged ATC clearance. ATC will assume that the aircraft will climb to the:

a) Flight planned level; or
b) Last level requested by the pilot and acknowledged by ATC.

Question 2

Departure – level Restriction Comms failure?

Answer 2

4.4.4 The pilot of an IFR aircraft that experiences communications failure on departure should:

a) Maintain the last assigned level(s) to the points specified, then climb to maintain the level(s) in the current flight plan.
b) If no points are specified, maintain the last assigned level, or minimum flight altitude if higher, for five minutes, then climb to maintain the level(s) specified in the current flight plan.

Question 3

Departure – Radar Vectors Comms failure?

Answer 3

4. 4.5 The pilot of an IFR aircraft that experiences communications failure on departure should:
   a) Maintain the last assigned vector for two minutes, and climb to minimum safe altitude if necessary to maintain terrain clearance; and b) Proceed in accordance with the route specified in the current flight plan

Question 4

Arrival, Comms failure?

Answer 4

4.4.6 On arrival the pilot of an IFR aircraft experiencing communications failure should:

a) Track to the destination aid/fix, or if none specified by ATC, the selected air/fix for the known or forecast RWY; and
b) Commence descent in accordance with:
a. The last acknowledged ATC clearance, or if not received;
b. Standard operating procedures or flight plan
c) To the initial approach altitude for the published approach procedure.

Question 5

At or within 25NM from destination Comms failure?

Answer 5

4.4.7 At or within 25NM from destination, the pilot of an IFR aircraft experiencing communications failure should:

a) Arrive over the destination/selected aid/fix at the last designated level at or as near as possible to the expected approach time given by ATC, and commence approach; or
b) If too high, descend in the aid/fix holding pattern to a level convenient for approach; or
c) If on initial approach at the time of the communications failure but not cleared for the approach, continue via the procedure and maintain the last assigned level until established on final approach track, then commence approach; or
d) If too high:
a. If a holding pattern is established on the final approach track descend in the holding pattern to a level convenient for approach; or b. If no holding pattern is established, carry out missed approach and position for another approach, if specified diversion allows.

Question 6

Radar Vectors on Arrival Comms failure?

Answer 6

4.4.8 The pilot of an IFR aircraft that experiences communications failure while being radar vectored on arrival should:

a) Maintain the last assigned vector for two minutes, climbing if necessary to minimum safe altitude to maintain terrain clearance, and proceed to that aid/fix for an approach as specified in 4.4.7; or
b) If on initial/intermediate approach, maintain the last assigned level until established on final approach track, and then commence approach.

Question 7

Diversion Comms failure?

Answer 7

4. 4.9 If unable to achieve a landing following an approach, the pilot of an IFR aircraft that experiences communications failure should carry out a missed approach
5. 4.10 a second approach may be made if desired, provided a landing can be accomplished within 30 minutes of the expected approach time or the ETA, whichever is the latter. If this approach is unsuccessful, the aircraft must divert to the alternate aerodrome.
6. 4.11 the pilot of an IFR aircraft that experiences communications failure while holding because of the closure of the destination aerodrome should hold until the divert time notified to ATC, and then depart for the alternate aerodrome.

Question 8

On radar approach and get a communication failure - what do you do?
IFR Communications Failure –VMC and Certain of Maintaining VMC

Answer 8

4. 3.1 If the pilot of the aircraft is in VMC and is certain of maintaining VMC:
   a) Remain in VMC and proceed to a suitable aerodrome and land; and
   b) Report arrival by the most expeditious means to the appropriate ATS unit.