AMC1 SERA.14083(d) Radio communication failure procedures

PROVISION OF AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL SERVICE IN CASE OF RADIO COMMUNICATION FAILURE

(a)     Except when the aircraft flying in accordance with instrument flight rules and experiencing communication failure transmits A7601, the air traffic controller should apply separation between that aircraft and other aircraft, based on the assumption that the aircraft will operate according to point SERA.14083(c)(3) and (4), until:

(1)     it is determined that the aircraft is following a procedure differing from those in point SERA.14083(c)(3) and (4) (e.g. observing that the aircraft sets the transponder code 7601), and that (b) should be applied;

(2)     through the use of electronic or other aids, the air traffic controller determines that actions differing from those required by point SERA.14083(c)(3) and (4) may be taken without impairing safety; or

(3)     positive information is received that the aircraft has landed.

(b)     The air traffic controller should take all possible actions to safeguard all aircraft concerned based on the assumption that an aircraft operating in accordance with visual flight rules or an aircraft operating in accordance with instrument flight rules transmitting A7601 will continue to fly in visual meteorological conditions, land at the nearest suitable aerodrome and report its arrival to the appropriate air traffic services unit by the most expeditious means.

(c)      Pertinent information should be given to other aircraft in the vicinity of the position or presumed position of the aircraft experiencing the failure.

(d)     If circumstances indicate that the controlled flight experiencing a communication failure might proceed to (one of) the alternate aerodrome(s) specified in the filed flight plan, the air traffic control unit(s) serving the alternate aerodrome(s) and any other air traffic control units that might be affected by a possible diversion should be informed of the circumstances of the failure and requested to attempt to establish communication with the aircraft at a time when the aircraft could possibly be within communication range. This should apply particularly when, by agreement with the operator or a designated representative, a clearance has been transmitted blind to the aircraft concerned to proceed to an alternate aerodrome, or when meteorological conditions at the aerodrome of intended landing are such that a diversion to an alternate is considered likely.

(e)     When an air traffic control unit at the arrival aerodrome has suspended normal operations in anticipation of the arrival of an aircraft experiencing communication failure, and that aircraft has not reported or landed within 30 minutes after:

(1)     the estimated time of arrival indicated by the pilot;

(2)     the estimated time of arrival calculated by the area control centre; or

(3)     the last acknowledged expected approach time, whichever is latest,

pertinent information concerning the aircraft should be forwarded by ATC to aircraft operators, or their designated representatives, and pilots-in-command of any aircraft concerned, and normal control should be resumed if they so desire. It is the responsibility of the aircraft operators, or their designated representatives, and pilots-in-command of aircraft to determine whether they will resume normal operations or take other action.

[applicable from 1 May 2025 – ED Decision 2024/007/R]