FAA Aircraft Dispatcher (ADX)Navigation and ATCMedium
A Part 121 flight experiences a two-way radio communications failure while being radar vectored by ATC. The last ATC transmission before the failure was a vector heading with no further routing information given, and ATC had not issued an expected further clearance. Per 14 CFR 91.185, what route should the pilot fly after the failure?
- ADirect to the nearest VOR and hold until radio contact is restored
- BThe route filed in the flight plan, disregarding the vector
- CA route of the pilot's choosing that provides the shortest distance to the destination
- DThe direct route from the point of radio failure to the fix, route, or airway specified in the vector clearance
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. The direct route from the point of radio failure to the fix, route, or airway specified in the vector clearance
Under 91.185(c)(1), lost comm routing follows the priority AVEF: Assigned, Vectored, Expected, Filed. When being vectored with no assigned or expected route beyond the vector, the pilot must proceed direct from the point of failure to the fix, route, or airway specified in the vector clearance.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Holding at the nearest VOR is not part of the prescribed lost comm routing.
- B. Filed route is used only if no assigned, vectored, or expected route exists.
- C. Pilots must follow the regulatory routing priority, not choose their own route.
Lost Comm Route Selection (AVEF)
14 CFR 91.185(c)(1) establishes a priority order for determining the route to fly after a two-way radio failure while IFR.
- A = Assigned route in last ATC clearance
- V = Vectored — direct to the fix/route/airway specified when the vector was given
- E = Expected route per further clearance information
- F = Filed flight plan route if none of the above apply
Memory trick: AVEF: 'A Very Endless Flight' — Assigned, Vectored, Expected, Filed