Disclaimer:
▪︎This content is Not an official document and does not represent the views of Airbus or any other aviation authority.
▪︎The information provided may be incorrect or misinterpreted and should not be relied upon for decision-making.
▪︎Always refer to official documents and consult with a qualified aviation professional before making any decisions based on the information provided in this blog post.
▪︎The information provided in this blog post is based on personal study and review.
While the specific procedures may vary among different airports, the fundamental protocol for lost communication is outlined in document 4444.
LOST COMM PROCEDURE (DOC4444)
In Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC), aircraft should maintain VMC conditions and proceed to land at the nearest suitable aerodrome. However, it's important to note that commercial aircraft typically operate at high altitudes where VMC conditions may not be present. Therefore, there is no guarantee of VMC conditions until the aircraft descends and lands.
In Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC), aircraft should maintain their last assigned speed and altitude or, if higher, the minimum flight altitude for 20 minutes in a non-radar environment or 7 minutes in a radar environment.
Following
i. the time the last assigned level or minimum flight altitude is reached; or
ii. the time the transponder is set to Code 7600 or the ADS-B transmitter is set to indicate the loss of air-ground communications; or
iii. the aircraft’s failure to report its position over a compulsory reporting point;
whichever is later and thereafter adjust level and speed in accordance with the filed flight plan;
LIGHT SIGNAL (ICAO ANNEX 2)
and ICAO annex 2 there is a light signal.
