IFR Emergency Procedures

DEFINITION

This lesson deals with loss of communications with ATC.
(For loss of gyro instruments, seePartial Panel lesson.)

SAFETY FACTORS

Loss of communication with ATC should be considered at least an urgent situation, especially if in IMC. Safe flight after loss of communications depends on good judgment and knowledge and adherence to14 CFR 91.185.

TOLERANCES

Instrument Rating PTS (FAA-S-8081-4D)VII.A. Loss of communications
To determine that the applicant exhibits adequate knowledge of the elements related to applicable loss of communications procedures to include

Recognizing loss of communications.
Continuing to destination according to the flight plan.
When to deviate from the flight plan.
Timing for beginning an approach at destination.

OBJECTIVES

Encourage mastery of the elements of loss of communications to enhance the safety of flight.
Develop student knowledge and skill in dealing with loss of communications to meet the Instrument Pilot PTS.

PROCEDURES

Preflight
Discussion:

Recognition of loss of communication

a. Causes

1) ATC outage
2) Aircraft electrical system failure
3) Aircraft comm system component malfunction

a) Radio
b) Speaker
c) Microphone
d) Headset

b. Quiet on frequency for longer than few minutes, query ATC
c. No answer, wait at least 1 minute
d. Attempt radio communication

1) Other ATC frequency (last one, one expected next)
2) Another aircraft on same frequency
2) FSS
3) Aeronautical Radio Inc (ARINC) station
4) 121.5 (emergency)

e. If able to receive, but not transmit, ATC may request use of transponder IDENT feature to acknowledge
f. Lost comm confirmed,squawk 7600

When to continue with flight plan as filed or when to deviate

a. Comply with14 CFR Sec. 91.185
b.VFRconditions at or after lost comm

Maintain VFR and land as soon aspracticable

c.IFRconditions (unable to maintain VFR)

1)Route-AREF

a) Route ATC lastassigned
b) Direct to fix to whichradar vectors were being assigned
c) Absence of assigned route, route ATC advised to beexpected
d) Absence of assigned or expected route, routefiled in flight plan

2)Altitude-MEA

For each route segment, flyhighestof the following

Minimum altitude for IFR operations
Expected altitude (advised by ATC to be expected after a time or fix)
Assigned by ATC in last clearance received

How to determine the time to begin an approach at destination

a. Comply with14 CFR Sec. 91.185
b. If cleared to destination airport

1) Select IAP
2) Select most appropriate IAF (e.g., one included in flight plan)
3) Proceed to selected IAF
4) Commence descent and approach without delay

c. If cleared to fix from which begins an approach

1) Commence descent and approach (as close as possible to)EFC time
2) No EFC time, commence descent and approach (as close as possible to)ETA

d. If clearance limit not a fix from which begins an approach

1) Leave fix at EFC or, if no EFC, on arrival
2) Proceed to fix from which begins an approach
3) Commence descent and approach (as close as possible to)ETA

Inflight

Simulate loss of communications (or quiz student with "what if comm is lost now?") during different phases of flight under different weather conditions (VFR, IMC)
Coach student response to loss of communication

Postflight

Critique student performance

COMMON ERRORS

Unsure how to confirm loss of or how to attempt to establish communications
Insufficient knowledge of or compliance with14 CFR Sec. 91.185

References

14 CFR parts61,91
AIM
Instrument Flying HandbookFAA-H-8083-15