IR.III.A.K3FAA-S-ACS-8C · Nov 2023Knowledge

Lost communication procedures and procedures for flights outside of radar environments.

ACS element text (the applicant demonstrates understanding of)

Lost communication procedures and procedures for flights outside of radar environments.

Bottom line

If you lose radio contact while being vectored by ATC on a radar SID, you would be expected to comply with the lost communication procedure as outlined on the chart, not necessarily those procedures outlined in the AIM. When an ATC clearance has been obtained, no pilot in command may deviate from that clearance unless an amended clearance is obtained, an emergency exists, or the deviation is in response to a TCAS resolution advisory.

FAA references

  1. IPH ch. 1 (p. 1-26) — FAA-H-8083-16B
  2. 14 CFR 91.123 (Compliance with ATC clearances and instructions.) — eCFR current as of 2026-03-05
  3. IPH ch. 3 (p. 3-2) — FAA-H-8083-16B
  4. IFH ch. 1 (p. 1-5) — FAA-H-8083-15B
  5. IFH ch. 10 (p. 10-7) — FAA-H-8083-15B
  6. AFH ch. 18 (p. 18-14) — FAA-H-8083-3C
  7. IFH ch. 10 (p. 10-3) — FAA-H-8083-15B
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