Pilot Proficiency

What to Do If You Lose ATC Contact on an IFR Flight

Wednesday, August 17, 2016 at 09:23 PM ET

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What do you do if you lose contact with ATC? iStock

Key Takeaways:

Upon losing two-way radio communications, squawk 7600. In VFR conditions, continue VFR flight and land as soon as practicable at the nearest suitable airport.
In IMC, maintain the last assigned route or, in its absence, follow specific guidance based on radar vectors, expected clearances, or your filed flight plan. Maintain the highest altitude of the last assigned, minimum en-route altitude (MEA), or expected altitude.
When cleared to your destination in IMC, proceed to an Initial Approach Fix (IAF) and commence descent and approach as close as possible to your estimated time of arrival (ETA), exercising good judgment.

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In VFR Conditions: