PA.III.A.K5FAA-S-ACS-6C · Nov 2023Knowledge
Lost communication procedures.
Lost communication procedures.
Bottom line
Lost communication procedures apply when the aircraft radio transmitter, receiver, or both become inoperative. AIM 4-2-13 gives the procedures for communicating with the tower when the transmitter, receiver, or both are inoperative. ATC uses a light gun emitting red, white, or green light to control traffic by light signals, but only approval or disapproval of a pilot's anticipated actions can be transmitted.
Key numbers
| Number | What it means |
|---|---|
| 3 to 5 miles from the airport, with an inoperative receiver | Join pattern |
| red, white, or green | Light colors |
FAA references
- PHAK ch. 14 (p. 14-23) — FAA-H-8083-25C (2023)
- AIM 4-2-13 (Communications with Tower when Aircraft Transmitter or Receiver or Both are Inoperative) — AIM Basic 2/20/25 w/ Change 1 (8/7/25) & Change 2 (1/22/26)
- AIM 4-3-13 (Traffic Control Light Signals) — AIM Basic 2/20/25 w/ Change 1 (8/7/25) & Change 2 (1/22/26)
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