Communications Failure Procedures and Contingency Actions
Core concepts
Communication failure procedures are critical for safety. For VFR, if radio fails, you must follow the published procedures: squawk 7600, continue to the destination, and land according to the traffic circuit. Key concepts: know the transponder codes: 7600 (radio failure), 7700 (emergency), 7500 (unlawful interference). Understand the phrase 'lost communication' and the actions: try to re-establish on another frequency, attempt contact with other aircraft, and follow the flight plan. Traps: forgetting to squawk 7600; continuing into controlled airspace without clearance; not notifying ATC via other means. Also, know that in VFR, if radio fails, you should remain VMC and land at the nearest suitable aerodrome. Worked example: If you lose radio contact, set transponder to 7600, continue VFR, and land at Brunei, then report to ATC. Rule of thumb: always squawk 7600 and follow the published lost communication procedure.
Key points
- Squawk 7600 for radio failure.
- Try to re-establish communication on another frequency.
- Continue VFR and land at nearest suitable aerodrome.
- Notify ATC after landing.
- Know the other emergency codes: 7700, 7500.