Radio Failure and Airspace Entry at a Controlled Field

The evidence is that transmission appears to occur (the radio keys and presumably shows a transmit indication) but no reception is possible on either the main or standby set. Because two independent receivers fail identically, the fault is more likely in the common path - the audio panel, headset, intercom or antenna/coax - than in a single radio. A failed headset or audio selector is a common cause of 'deaf' reception while transmission still works, since the microphone path may be separate.

What you can infer: you are not receiving, so you cannot know whether ATC hears you, whether a clearance has been issued, or whether other traffic has been told about you. What you cannot infer: that ATC knows your situation, or that the frequency is quiet. Silence is not confirmation. The practical test is to try the alternate radio, try the other headset or audio selection if available, and squawk 7600, which communicates the problem without voice.

1. Squawk 7600 immediately so ATC can identify the radio failure.
2. Attempt the standard remedies: check audio panel selection, volume, squelch, try the second headset or boom mic, and try a second frequency. Do this briefly; do not become a test engineer on downwind.
3. Fly the aircraft and the pattern. Remain clear of the runway and continue visually, looking for light signals from the tower and for other traffic, especially the two aircraft behind you on final.
4. Follow the standard radio-failure procedure for the airspace: proceed visually and land, or if the situation is unclear, leave controlled airspace and re-enter only when it is safe. Here you are already cleared in and close in, so the safest course is to continue to a landing while watching for light signals.
5. Watch for ATC light signals: steady green means cleared to land; flashing green cleared to taxi; steady red stop; flashing red taxi clear of runway; alternating red and green exercise extreme caution. Acknowledge signals by day with a rock of the wings or by night with landing lights.
6. After landing, clear the runway promptly and contact the tower by telephone or other means to explain.

Throughout, keep a listening watch visually and give way to the aircraft behind you if their approach is more urgent - a go-around is cheap.

Landing without a clearance in controlled airspace is a serious event: it can put you into conflict with traffic that ATC believes is separated from you, and it may breach the conditions of your licence and the airspace rules. The mere fact of radio failure does not create a right to enter or land; the pilot must still consider traffic, the instructions last received, and whether a safer alternative exists, such as leaving the airspace and landing elsewhere.

What makes landing correct here is the specific combination of facts: you already held a clearance to enter and to report downwind, so you are an expected aircraft; you are close in and the tower is visible; the wind is calm and the runway is unobstructed; and you can see the traffic situation, including the aircraft behind you, which you can allow to land first if needed. You can also receive light signals, which restores a communication channel.

The judgement is therefore conditional, not automatic: continue only while you can see and avoid traffic and the situation remains predictable, and be ready to break off and leave the area if it does not.