LOST COMMUNICATIONS

Imagine flying under VFR on a sunny day with smooth sailings as you have become used to. Everything is going by the book up until, on your way back to your departure airfield, your transmissions aren’t reaching tower.

This situation is described as ‘Lost Comms’. If the cause of lost communications is not obvious there is a fair chance that it may be user error. Therefore, before proceeding to transmit blind, or squawk 7600, it is recommended that you troubleshoot the situation at hand.

Look in front of you:

• Ensure that you’ve selected the correct COM frequency.
• Check that the volume is turned up.
• Be certain that your microphone isn’t stuck.
• Troubleshoot all connections.
• If available, try an alternate frequency, perhaps an FSS, ARINC,

An FSS, or Flight Service Station, provides information and service to pilots before, during and after flight. They are not responsible for giving instructions or clearances, nor do they provide separation. They do, however, relay clearances from ATC for departure and approach. An FSS may be your link to ATC in case you are unable to reach them directly.

ARINC, or Aeronautical Radio/Incorporated is a commercial communications corporation which designs, operates and engages in radio activities serving the aviation community. Like a FSS, ARINC is capable of relaying information to/from ATC.

If communications with FSS is established you should advise that radio communication on the previously assigned frequency has been lost. Give them your position, your altitude, the last assigned frequency and then request further clearance from the controlling facility.

Consider transmitting on the aircraft emergency frequency 121.5 MHz, reserved for aircraft in distress, also known as ‘international air distress’ or ‘VHF Guard’.

Transmit on the last frequency you were on, if available to test, or attempt on another frequency. If unable to re-establish communication with ATC set your transponder, if equipped, to squawk 7600 for Lost Comm.

Transmit Blind: “IN THE BLIND [Message] IN THE BLIND”.

Maintain VMC if able and land as soon as practicable. Notify ATC.

If communications are established, advise the frequency which communication was lost and request further clearance.

Pilots always prepare for the worst case scenario. What if none of above mentioned actions work? In this case, a portable radio is a great Plan B. Some radios tune to both NAV & COM frequencies and support both VOR & WPT Nav.