How to Handle Lost Communications While Flying

There is nothing quite like piloting a small airplane. Up there all alone in the wild blues. However, you are never really alone. There are people on the ground watching out for you. Air traffic control makes certain that your airspace is free and runways are clear. Your own little safety net...until you go to speak in the radio and realize you have lost all communication with the ground.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Don't panic. Go back to the last good frequency you had to see if that works.
2. Make sure all the connection cords and volume are working.
3. Try a different pair of headphones. Check to see if it is the hand held transceiver giving you problems. Keep talking to air traffic control as if they can hear you. They just might be able to.
4. Try different channels. Use the emergency channel 121.5 and keep talking.
5. Fly with a cell phone. Call 1-800-wx-brief to get the FSS Flight Service Station and let them know of your situation.
6. Keep your initial heading, especially if you have filed an IFR flight plan.
   Head to the first fix point after the departure. Make sure you fly the assigned altitudes to avoid other aircraft. If you are flying VFR, land as soon as possible.
7. At approach, squawk 7600, the signal for lost communication. You can also squawk 7700 for emergency.

Tips & Warnings

• Always write down the frequencies you have used before you change to another.