Lost comms and airspace infringement risk
You are on a VFR flight in Class D airspace, transponder Mode C, squawking assigned code. Your radio fails completely at 2,500 ft, 12 NM from the Class D boundary, 20 NM from your destination (a Class D aerodrome). You have 1 hour of fuel. The weather is VMC with 15 km visibility. You have a handheld GPS but no phone. The destination's Class D hours are published as 0800–1800; it is currently 1715 local.
1. What are your immediate priorities after the radio failure?
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- Squawk 7600 to declare the failure.
- Continue VFR, remain clear of controlled airspace unless you have a clearance, and keep a good lookout - you cannot rely on ATC separation.
- Assess the destination: it is 1715 and Class D closes at 1800. If you can arrive and land before 1800 you still need a clearance you cannot obtain. The safer plan is to remain outside Class D and land at a non-controlled aerodrome, or hold clear and enter only if the airspace becomes Class G after 1800.
2. Can you simply enter the Class D and land because you are already inside it?
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No. A radio failure does not authorise entry into controlled airspace. You must either (a) remain clear and land elsewhere, or (b) wait until the airspace reverts to Class G at 1800 and then enter under VFR. If you were already inside Class D when the radio failed, you should continue according to the last clearance and leave the airspace as soon as practicable, not extend your stay.
3. How does your fuel state influence the decision?
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One hour of fuel gives roughly 100–110 NM at VFR cruise. You have enough to divert to a nearby non-controlled aerodrome and land with reserve, or to hold clear until 1800 (about 45 minutes) - but holding until 1800 leaves very little margin. Decision: divert now to a non-controlled aerodrome and land with fuel in reserve, rather than gamble on the airspace opening. This is the conservative, defensible choice.