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When’s the last time you reviewed your lost-com procedures? It can still happen...

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • Pilots must be prepared for radio failures, even with modern avionics, and thoroughly understand lost communication procedures (14 CFR §91.185) for IFR flight.
  • Managing a lost comm emergency in IFR conditions requires dynamic decision-making, balancing regulations with practical judgment, often leading to diversions and strategic use of backup navigation.
  • Thorough pre-flight planning, including weather and airspace analysis, along with reliable backup tools and even considering a second radio, are crucial for safely resolving such in-flight challenges.
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With modern avionics, radio failures are rare but not nonexistent. Light aircraft still have com vulnerabilities from electrical faults, frozen touchscreens, broken buttons, etc. And, many of us still have some old radios. So you still need to know your lost-com procedures, but even those might not cover all the bases.

The Route

From Columbia, Missouri, the direct route to North Little Rock, Arkansas, is simply straight south for two hours. But with military airspace in the way and a Class C airport near the destination, you’re occupied with route planning. There’s fuel management too; ceilings will get lower and procedures require flying past the destination to commence an approach. So start at the departure point and pick your way through.

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