Lost Comms procedures — what is the first step?

Lost Comms procedures — what is the first step?

• A. Make all calls in the blind
• B. Squawk 7600
• C. Overfly active runway 700' MSL & 70 KIAS
• D. Turn downwind, look for ALDIS lamps

Answer: (A)

When communications are lost, the first priority is to try to reestablish contact with ATC. The best initial action is to make all calls in the blind—transmit on the normal frequencies and, if appropriate, on any emergency or alternate channels, clearly stating your position, altitude, and intended route or actions. This direct attempt to contact ATC gives them a chance to respond and guide you, and it’s the step you take before changing transponder codes or following other procedures. Squawking 7600 is important, but it’s a subsequent step used to indicate to ATC and radar that you’ve lost communications after you’ve begun attempting contact. Overflying the active runway at a low altitude and looking for ALDIS lamps are not the initial actions you take; ALDIS signals are rarely relied upon as the first course of action in modern procedures.

When communications are lost, the first priority is to try to reestablish contact with ATC. The best initial action is to make all calls in the blind—transmit on the normal frequencies and, if appropriate, on any emergency or alternate channels, clearly stating your position, altitude, and intended route or actions. This direct attempt to contact ATC gives them a chance to respond and guide you, and it’s the step you take before changing transponder codes or following other procedures.

Squawking 7600 is important, but it’s a subsequent step used to indicate to ATC and radar that you’ve lost communications after you’ve begun attempting contact. Overflying the active runway at a low altitude and looking for ALDIS lamps are not the initial actions you take; ALDIS signals are rarely relied upon as the first course of action in modern procedures.