FAA Instrument Flight Instructor (FII)Instrument RegulationsHard
An IFR flight loses two-way radio communications while in IMC. At the time of failure, the pilot was being radar vectored off the filed airway, and ATC had not yet issued any further routing clearance beyond the vector. According to 91.185(c)(1), which route should the pilot fly?
- AThe route filed in the original IFR flight plan
- BDirect from the point of radio failure to the fix, route, or airway specified in the vector clearance
- CThe last assigned route used prior to being vectored
- DThe route ATC had advised the pilot to expect in a further clearance
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Direct from the point of radio failure to the fix, route, or airway specified in the vector clearance
Under 91.185(c)(1)(ii), when being radar vectored, the pilot must fly a direct route from the point of radio failure to the fix, route, or airway specified in the vector clearance. This applies specifically because no assigned route currently exists during vectoring.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. The filed route only applies when no assigned, vectored, or expected route exists.
- C. Once vectored off the airway, the prior assigned route is superseded by the vector instruction.
- D. An expected further clearance route only applies when there is no assigned or vector route.
Lost Comm Route Selection (91.185(c)(1))
When two-way radio communications fail in IFR conditions, the pilot must fly a route determined by a specific priority order commonly remembered as AVEF: Assigned, Vectored, Expected, Filed.
- Assigned route takes priority if one was issued.
- If being vectored, fly direct to the fix/route/airway specified in the vector clearance.
- If neither applies, fly the route ATC advised to expect.
- If none of the above apply, fly the filed flight plan route.
Memory trick: 'AVEF: Aviators Voyage Every Flightplan' in priority order.