Is it an emergency if you lose communications with the PIC? What would you do?

Is it an emergency if you lose communications with the PIC? What would you do?

• A. No emergency; wait and recheck communications.
• B. Yes, it is an emergency; descend and land immediately.
• C. Yes, it is an emergency; re-establish by any means.
• D. Yes, it is an emergency; do whatever is necessary to re-establish communication.

Answer: (D)

Losing two-way communications with the PIC is treated as an immediate emergency because you can no longer receive instructions or coordinate with ATC and other traffic, which creates a real safety risk. The correct approach is to take immediate action to re-establish contact by any available means. This means checking that the radios are on and properly tuned, trying alternate frequencies or bands, using emergency or guard frequencies if needed, and, if you’re flying IFR or near ATC, squawking 7600 to indicate a radio failure and calling for assistance. If possible, declare an emergency so ATC knows your situation and can help coordinate a safe outcome. Keep the aircraft under control, maintain safe separation, and continue with the appropriate route and altitude until communications are restored or you reach a safe landing point.

Losing two-way communications with the PIC is treated as an immediate emergency because you can no longer receive instructions or coordinate with ATC and other traffic, which creates a real safety risk. The correct approach is to take immediate action to re-establish contact by any available means. This means checking that the radios are on and properly tuned, trying alternate frequencies or bands, using emergency or guard frequencies if needed, and, if you’re flying IFR or near ATC, squawking 7600 to indicate a radio failure and calling for assistance. If possible, declare an emergency so ATC knows your situation and can help coordinate a safe outcome. Keep the aircraft under control, maintain safe separation, and continue with the appropriate route and altitude until communications are restored or you reach a safe landing point.