FAA Instrument Rating Airplane (IRA)Regulations and CurrencyHard
A pilot experiences a two-way radio failure while holding at an assigned clearance limit that is not the destination airport. Before the failure, ATC had issued an expect-further-clearance (EFC) time of 1930Z. Per 14 CFR 91.185(c), what should the pilot do?
- ALeave the clearance limit at 1930Z and proceed via the route to the destination as filed
- BContinue holding indefinitely until the destination weather improves
- CImmediately divert to the filed alternate airport
- DDescend to the MEA and land at the nearest suitable airport
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Leave the clearance limit at 1930Z and proceed via the route to the destination as filed
When the clearance limit is not the airport of intended landing, 91.185(c)(1) requires the pilot to leave the clearance limit at the EFC time (if one was received) and proceed to fly the route to the destination as cleared/filed. Here, the pilot should depart the fix at 1930Z.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Indefinite holding contradicts the specific EFC-based departure rule.
- C. Diverting to the alternate is not mandated by the lost-comm procedure itself.
- D. Descending to MEA/landing nearest is not the prescribed lost-comm response when an EFC time exists.
Lost Comm — EFC Departure Rule
91.185(c)(1) states that if the clearance limit is not the destination and an EFC time was received, the pilot must leave the clearance limit at the EFC time.
- If no EFC was received, leave the clearance limit as close as possible to the filed/estimated time en route
- If the clearance limit IS the destination, commence descent/approach as close as possible to the EFC time or ETA
- EFC times are critical for deconflicting lost-comm traffic with ATC
Memory trick: 'EFC tells you when to fly on'