FAA Instrument Rating Airplane (IRA)IFR Procedures and ChartsHard
A pilot experiences a two-way radio communication failure while flying in IMC on an airway with an MEA of 6,000 feet. Prior to the failure, ATC had assigned 5,000 feet, and the pilot's clearance included 'expect 7,000 feet 10 minutes after departure' for a later segment. Per 14 CFR 91.185, what altitude should the pilot fly for this segment after losing communications?
- AThe pilot may select any altitude between 5,000 and 7,000 feet at their discretion
- B5,000 feet, the last ATC-assigned altitude
- C6,000 feet, the MEA for the route segment
- D7,000 feet, the highest of the last assigned, expected, or MEA altitude
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. 7,000 feet, the highest of the last assigned, expected, or MEA altitude
Under 91.185, during a communication failure a pilot must fly the highest of: (1) the route assigned in the last clearance, (2) the altitude ATC has advised to expect, or (3) the minimum altitude (MEA) for the route segment. Here, comparing 5,000 (assigned), 7,000 (expected), and 6,000 (MEA), the highest is 7,000 feet.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Pilot discretion is not permitted; 91.185 mandates a specific altitude rule
- B. 5,000 feet is not the highest of the three required altitudes
- C. 6,000 feet (MEA) is not the highest when 7,000 was the expected altitude
Lost Communications Altitude (91.185)
During two-way radio failure in IFR conditions, a pilot must fly the highest of: last assigned altitude, altitude ATC has advised to expect, or the MEA for the route segment.
- Mnemonic: MEA (Minimum), Expected, Assigned – fly the HIGHEST
- Applies until reaching a fix where a new altitude/route rule applies
- Route flown: as assigned, as vectored, expected by clearance, or filed flight plan route
Memory trick: MEA: pick the highest of Minimum, Expected, Assigned.