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Ask a CFI: What to Do If You Lose Comms While IFR

May 14, 2025/by Eric Radtke

Losing communications in IMC is a rare but serious scenario that every instrument pilot should be prepared for. Fortunately, the FAA provides clear guidance in AIM 6-4-1 and §91.185, but interpreting and applying that information on the flight deck—especially under stress—can be confusing. In this installment of Ask a CFI, we’ll break it down and offer some practical tips along the way.

FAA Issues New Safety Alert on Risks of Visual Approaches

April 29, 2025/by Eric Radtke

The FAA recently issued a new Safety Alert for Operators (SAFO) 23004 to highlight operational risks associated with visual approaches. Released on April 2, 2025, this SAFO urges operators, flight departments, and training providers to take proactive steps in mitigating potential hazards during visual approaches—particularly as they relate to controlled flight into terrain (CFIT), loss of separation, and unstable approaches.

Ask a CFI: What to Do If You Lose Comms While IFR

May 14, 2025/by Eric Radtke

FAA Issues New Safety Alert on Risks of Visual Approaches

April 29, 2025/by Eric Radtke

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Ask a CFI: What to Do If You Lose Comms While IFR

May 14, 2025/by Eric Radtke

First: Confirm It’s Really Lost Comms

Before diving into the legal guidance, don’t forget some basic troubleshooting:

Check your radio volume, mic connections, and audio panel selections—a bumped switch is often the culprit.
Try a backup radio if available.
Listen on the emergency frequency 121.5 MHz—ATC may be calling you there if they suspect an issue.
Use your transponder to squawk 7600, which alerts ATC to your situation.
Try contacting ATC on a nearby frequency—center frequencies often overlap.

What Route Should I Fly? (AIM 6-4-1 Route Guidance)

If you’re convinced your comms are out, the AIM tells us to follow the AVEF mnemonic to determine the correct route:

Assigned – the route ATC assigned in your last clearance.
Vectored – if being vectored at the time of failure, proceed direct to the fix, route, or airway where you were being vectored to.
Expected – the route ATC told you to expect in a further clearance.
Filed – your filed flight plan route, if none of the above apply.
Always prioritize them in that order.

What Altitude Should I Fly? (AIM 6-4-1 Altitude Guidance)

For altitude, use the MEA mnemonic and fly the highest of the following:

Minimum Enroute Altitude (MEA) or other applicable minimum altitude (e.g., MOCA, OROCA).
Expected – the altitude ATC told you to expect.
Assigned – the last altitude ATC cleared you to.

How to Use the IFR Enroute Chart

Many IFR pilots today are flying GPS-direct and may not be on published airways. This can create confusion about the minimum altitudes to fly during a comms failure. Here’s where the Off Route Obstruction Clearance Altitude (OROCA) becomes important:

OROCA provides 1,000 feet of obstacle clearance (2,000 in mountainous areas) within a quadrant.
While not a guaranteed ATC-assigned altitude, OROCA is your safest minimum in a lost comms scenario if you’re off-airway and don’t have a MEA or MOCA to fall back on.
Always make sure the OROCA you’re referencing covers your actual position—not just your intended route.

Arrival Procedures and Timing

If you’re close to your destination, timing your descent and approach is critical:

Proceed to the fix from which the approach begins and hold until your EFC time or the ETA filed or amended with ATC.
Then, commence the approach as close as possible to the expected arrival time.

Tip: If you’re GPS-equipped, and flying direct-to a fix on the approach, ensure that you load the full approach—including the initial and intermediate fixes—to allow for a safe and complete navigation path.

Practical Tips for Prevention

Always have a backup plan—know your route, alternates, and potential lost comms procedures before entering IMC.
Keep a cheat sheet or kneeboard card with the AVEF/MEA acronyms.
Listen to ATIS or other communication frequencies early so you’re aware of expected procedures.
Consider using datalink (ADS-B or other comms) to stay informed, even when voice fails (even a cell phone if necessary).

Lost comms IFR doesn’t have to be a panic-inducing event. With a firm understanding of the regulations and a plan in place, you’ll be able to continue safely to your destination. Stay calm, fly the airplane, and trust your training.

FAA Issues New Safety Alert on Risks of Visual Approaches

April 29, 2025/by Eric Radtke

While visual approaches are commonly used in both airline and general aviation operations, their informal nature can lead to reduced situational awareness and decreased vigilance, especially when flown to unfamiliar airports or in challenging environmental conditions. The FAA points out that recent data shows several incidents and accidents where crews misjudged terrain clearance, failed to adequately plan descent profiles, or were late in configuring the aircraft for landing.

Key Points from the SAFO:

Lack of stabilized approach criteria: Visual approaches often lack defined vertical profiles, increasing the risk of an unstable approach.
Terrain and obstacle clearance: When flying a visual approach, terrain clearance becomes the pilot’s responsibility, which requires careful planning and constant situational awareness.
ATC expectations: Pilots should not assume ATC will provide obstacle clearance during a visual approach.
Human factors: Fatigue, expectation bias, and complacency can impair judgment during what may appear to be a routine maneuver.
Recommended actions: Pilots are encouraged to review visual approach procedures, incorporate scenario-based training, reinforce stabilized approach criteria, and ensure an understanding of the potential risks involved.

As pilots, it’s easy to become comfortable with the familiar—but this SAFO is a timely reminder that even visual approaches demand discipline, preparation, and sound aeronautical decision-making. Learn more about visual approach procedures in this article from FlightTrainingCentral.com.

Read the full SAFO here: https://www.faa.gov/media/92656

Half Sized Blog Element (Single Author Style)

Half Sized Blog Element (Multi Author Style)

Ask a CFI: What to Do If You Lose Comms While IFR

FAA Issues New Safety Alert on Risks of Visual Approaches

Ask a CFI: What to Do If You Lose Comms While IFR

FAA Issues New Safety Alert on Risks of Visual Approaches

Full Sized Blog Element (Big Preview Pic)

Ask a CFI: What to Do If You Lose Comms While IFR

FAA Issues New Safety Alert on Risks of Visual Approaches

Key Points from the SAFO:

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