Communications failure and contingencies

Diagnose, indicate, then follow the correct branch

Current SERA uses a 20-minute IFR rule and a specific 7601 branch.

Try all available means

Attempt the previous channel and other appropriate channels; try the appropriate and other ATS units and other aircraft using available means including data link, satellite voice or mobile phone where usable. Check the aircraft’s radio controls and equipment under the applicable checklist. If unsuccessful, indicate communications failure with 7600 and/or the ADS-B indication. At a controlled aerodrome watch for visual signals.

VFR continues in VMC, lands at the nearest suitable aerodrome and reports arrival by the most expeditious means. IFR encountering VMC whose PIC decides to continue in VMC selects 7601, lands at the nearest suitable aerodrome and reports arrival. The 7601 choice is specific to that IFR branch; ordinary VFR failure does not automatically select it.

IFR continuation

Unless the SID/STAR published communications-failure procedure applies, maintain last assigned speed and level, or minimum flight altitude if higher, for 20 minutes after the required report was missed, or after selecting 7600/ADS-B failure indication when surveillance service is provided. Then adjust speed and level to the filed plan as amended by delay/modification messages. Follow the last received and acknowledged route clearance to the designated aid/fix serving destination.

If vectored or offset with a specified limit, continue to the limit then rejoin the last acknowledged route, respecting minimum altitude; without a limit rejoin no later than the next significant point. Start descent at or near the last acknowledged EAT, otherwise ETA, hold as necessary, complete the instrument procedure and land if possible within 30 minutes after ETA or the last acknowledged EAT, whichever is later. A SID/STAR with its own published failure procedure takes precedence in its scope. The historical seven-minute rule is not the current SERA rule.

Make the abnormal condition explicit

ATC needs the condition, the request and the aircraft’s capability.

Emergency handling

Use 7700 for a general emergency and 7500 for unlawful interference as applicable; retain or change an assigned code according to the actual procedure and instructions. An aircraft known or believed in emergency receives priority and assistance appropriate to the circumstances. Other aircraft receiving an emergency-descent broadcast should clear the area and frequency as instructed, keeping vigilance and complying with coordinated avoidance instructions.

A strayed aircraft has deviated significantly from its intended track or reports being lost; an unidentified aircraft is observed/reported in an area but its identity is not established. ATS attempts identification, position assistance and coordination; the definitions do not by themselves prove hostile intent.

Fuel dumping, call signs and AIRPROX

Fuel dumping may be needed to reduce mass for a safe landing. Notify ATC of the proposed route, level, duration and relevant conditions; it should normally be conducted above 1,800 m (6,000 ft), with the prescribed separation and avoidance of populated areas where possible, unless safety requires otherwise. Do not treat a fuel-jettison capability as permission for an uncoordinated discharge.

ATC may request a temporary call-sign change to avoid confusion between similar call signs; advise when reverting and ensure other units receive the correct identity. AIRPROX describes a situation in which, in a pilot’s or ATS person’s opinion, the distance and relative positions/speeds of aircraft compromised safety. Report the occurrence under the applicable system; a collision is not required.

Can you apply the rules?

Four original questions. Choose from the facts, then review the explanation.