FAA Instrument Rating Airplane (IRA)Regulations and CurrencyHard
A pilot experiences a two-way radio communication failure while operating IFR in IMC. ATC had not issued a clearance beyond a fix, and the pilot had not received an expect-further-clearance time. According to 14 CFR 91.185, what altitude should the pilot fly for a route segment after passing that fix?
- AThe lowest safe altitude for that segment
- BThe highest of the minimum en route altitude (MEA), the expected altitude, or the last assigned altitude for that route segment
- CThe altitude specified in the filed flight plan only
- DThe altitude assigned in the last ATC clearance, regardless of terrain
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. The highest of the minimum en route altitude (MEA), the expected altitude, or the last assigned altitude for that route segment
14 CFR 91.185(c)(2) requires that during lost communications, for each route segment the pilot fly the highest of: the altitude or flight level assigned in the last ATC clearance, the minimum en route altitude (MEA), or the altitude ATC has advised may be expected in a further clearance. This ensures terrain and obstacle clearance while remaining predictable to ATC.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. There is no separate 'lowest safe altitude' rule in 91.185; the standard is the highest of the three values.
- C. The filed flight plan alone does not account for MEA changes or expected altitude clearances.
- D. Using only the last assigned altitude ignores MEA and expected altitude, which could be unsafe or noncompliant.
Lost Comm Altitude Rule (91.185(c)(2))
During two-way radio failure, a pilot must fly the highest of the MEA, the expected altitude, or the last assigned altitude for each route segment.
- Applies per route segment, not the whole flight
- Mnemonic: MEA
- Ensures obstacle clearance and predictability for ATC
Memory trick: 'MEA' - Minimum, Expected, Assigned — fly the highest!