Communication Failure | IFR Operations

Two-way radio communication failure procedures for IFR operations are outlined in 14 CFR Part 91, § 91.185. Unless otherwise authorized by ATC, pilots operating under IFR are expected to comply with this regulation. Expanded procedures for communication failures are found in the Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM). Pilots can use the transponder to alert ATC to a radio communication failure by squawking code 7600. [Figure] If only the transmitter is inoperative, listen for ATC instructions on any operational receiver, including the navigation receivers. It is possible ATC may try to make contact with pilots over a VOR, VORTAC, NDB, or localizer frequency. In addition to monitoring NAVAID receivers, attempt to reestablish communications by contacting ATC on a previously assigned frequency or calling an FSS.

Two-way radio communications failure transponder code

The primary objective of the regulations governing communication failures is to preclude extended IFR no-radio operations within the ATC system since these operations may adversely affect other users of the airspace. If the radio fails while operating on an IFR clearance, but in VFR conditions, or if encountering VFR conditions at any time after the failure, continue the flight under VFR conditions, if possible, and land as soon as practicable. The requirement to land as soon as practicable should not be construed to mean as soon as possible.

Pilots retain the prerogative of exercising their best judgment and are not required to land at an unauthorized airport, at an airport unsuitable for the type of aircraft flown, or to land only minutes short of their intended destination. However, if IFR conditions prevail, pilots must comply with procedures designated in the CFRs to ensure aircraft separation. If pilots must continue their flight under IFR after experiencing two-way radio communication failure, they should fly one of the following routes:

The route assigned by ATC in the last clearance received.

If being radar vectored, the direct route from the point of radio failure to the fix, route, or airway specified in the radar vector clearance.
In the absence of an assigned route, the route ATC has advised to expect in a further clearance.
In the absence of an assigned or expected route, the route filed in the flight plan.

It is also important to fly a specific altitude should two-way radio communications be lost. The altitude to fly after a communication failure can be found in 14 CFR Part 91, § 91.185 and must be the highest of the following altitudes for each route segment flown.

The altitude or flight level assigned in the last ATC clearance.
The minimum altitude or flight level for IFR operations.
The altitude or flight level ATC has advised to expect in a further clearance.

In some cases, the assigned or expected altitude may not be as high as the MEA on the next route segment. In this situation, pilots normally begin a climb to the higher MEA when they reach the fix where the MEA rises. If the fix also has a published MCA, they start the climb so they are at or above the MCA when reaching the fix. If the next succeeding route segment has a lower MEA, descend to the applicable altitude either the last assigned altitude or the altitude expected in a further clearance—when reaching the fix where the MEA decreases.

ARTCC Radio Frequency Outage

ARTCCs normally have at least one back-up radio receiver and transmitter system for each frequency that can usually be placed into service quickly with little or no disruption of ATC service. Occasionally, technical problems may cause a delay but switchover seldom takes more than 60 seconds. When it appears that the outage is not quickly remedied, the ARTCC usually requests a nearby aircraft, if there is one, to switch to the affected frequency to broadcast communications instructions. It is important that the pilot wait at least one minute before deciding that the ARTCC has actually experienced a radio frequency failure. When such an outage does occur, the pilot should, if workload and equipment capability permit, maintain a listening watch on the affected frequency while attempting to comply with the following recommended communications procedures:

If two-way communications cannot be established with the ARTCC after changing frequencies, a pilot should attempt to re-contact the transferring controller for the assignment of an alternative frequency or other instructions.
When an ARTCC radio frequency failure occurs after two-way communications have been established, the pilot should attempt to reestablish contact with the center on any other known ARTCC frequency, preferably that of the next responsible sector when practicable, and ask for instructions. However, when the next normal frequency change along the route is known to involve another ATC facility, the pilot should contact that facility, if feasible, for instructions. If communications cannot be reestablished by either method, the pilot is expected to request communication instructions from the FSS appropriate to the route of flight.

Note: The exchange of information between an aircraft and an ARTCC through an FSS is quicker than relay via company radio because the FSS has direct interphone lines to the responsible ARTCC sector. Accordingly, when circumstances dictate a choice between the two during an ARTCC frequency outage relay via FSS radio is recommended.