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

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • Radio failures, though rare with modern avionics, still pose a risk due to various equipment vulnerabilities, emphasizing the critical need for pilots to know and practice lost-communication procedures (14 CFR §91.185).
  • Effective IFR flight requires meticulous pre-flight planning (considering military airspace, weather, fuel, and alternates) combined with the flexibility to adapt to unexpected in-flight changes, such as ATC re-routes or diversions.
  • In a lost-com scenario, pilots must integrate IFR regulations with VFR judgment (e.g., landing as soon as practicable), utilize backup navigation and information sources like portable GPS and ADS-B In, and be prepared to make critical decisions.
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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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