IFR operations: Two-way radio communications failure

In plain English

If you lose two-way radio while IFR, first squawk 7600 and, if in VFR conditions, land as soon as practical. Otherwise fly the prescribed route, altitude and timing: route by AVEF (Assigned, Vectored, Expected, Filed), and altitude by MEA (the highest of assigned, expected, or minimum en-route altitude).

Key points

• VMC: continue VFR and land as soon as practical.
• Route — fly Assigned, then Vectored-to, then Expected, then Filed.
• Altitude — fly the highest of Assigned, Minimum en route, or Expected, for each segment.

Common pitfalls

• Descending early or flying the filed route when a different clearance was last assigned.

*This is a plain-English summary for study only. The official 14 CFR text on this page is controlling — always read the current regulation.*