FAA Instrument Flight Instructor (FII)Instrument RegulationsMedium
An IFR flight loses two-way radio communications while in IMC. The last ATC-assigned altitude was 6,000 feet, the MEA for the current route segment is 7,000 feet, and ATC had previously advised the pilot to expect a climb to 8,000 feet at a fix still ahead. Per 14 CFR 91.185(c)(2), what altitude should the pilot fly?
- A8,000 feet, the highest of the three altitudes
- B6,000 feet, the last assigned altitude
- CAn average of the three altitudes, 7,000 feet
- D7,000 feet, the MEA for the segment
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. 8,000 feet, the highest of the three altitudes
14 CFR 91.185(c)(2) requires flying the highest of: the last assigned altitude, the minimum altitude for IFR operations, or the altitude ATC has advised to expect. Comparing 6,000, 7,000, and 8,000 feet, 8,000 feet is the highest and must be flown.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. 6,000 ft is the lowest of the three, not the correct choice.
- C. Averaging altitudes is not part of the lost-comm rule.
- D. 7,000 ft (MEA) is not the highest of the three values.
Lost Comm Altitude (91.185(c)(2))
During two-way radio failure in IFR, pilots must fly the highest of the last assigned altitude, the MEA/MOCA, or the altitude ATC advised to expect for that route segment.
- Compare three altitudes for each route segment
- Fly the HIGHEST of the three, not an average
- Applies segment by segment along the route
Memory trick: 'MEA' — think 'Maximum of Each Altitude' when picking lost-comm altitude.