During a lost communications event in IMC, a pilot must determine the route to fly per 14 CFR 91.185(c)(1). Which sequence correctly reflects the order of priority for determining that route (commonly remembered as 'AVEF')?
- ADirect route to destination, then filed route, then assigned route, then vectored route
- BThe route assigned in the last ATC clearance, then if being radar vectored, the direct route to the fix/route/airway specified, then the route ATC has advised to expect, then the route filed in the flight plan
- CFiled flight plan route, then vectored route, then expected route, then assigned route
- DExpected route, then assigned route, then filed route, then vectored route
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. The route assigned in the last ATC clearance, then if being radar vectored, the direct route to the fix/route/airway specified, then the route ATC has advised to expect, then the route filed in the flight plan
14 CFR 91.185(c)(1) establishes the priority AVEF: (A) the route assigned in the last ATC clearance, (V) if being vectored, direct to the fix/route/airway specified in the vector clearance, (E) the route ATC has advised to expect in a further clearance, and (F) the route filed in the flight plan, applied in that descending order.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. This is not the regulatory sequence and omits proper vectoring logic.
- C. This reverses the correct priority order specified by the regulation.
- D. Expected route is not first priority; assigned route takes precedence.
Lost Comm Route Priority (AVEF)
During lost communications, the route to fly follows this priority: Assigned, Vectored (direct to next fix), Expected, Filed.
- A = last assigned route
- V = vector clearance, direct to specified fix/airway
- E = expected route from ATC
- F = filed flight plan route
Memory trick: 'AVEF: Aviators Value Every Flight-plan' in priority order.