NFL 2024-1-3242 - New guidelines for radio failure procedures: Instructions for pilots in Germany

General information and area of application

According to the German Air Traffic Regulations (Section 29 (1) No. 2), pilots who are required to maintain a radio link are obliged to apply specific radio failure procedures in the event of a failure. These new guidelines cover both flights under visual weather conditions (VFR) and instrument weather conditions (IFR) and are adapted to different flight conditions.

Procedure in case of radio failure in visual weather conditions (VFR)

1. Basic instructionsIf a radio failure occurs during a flight under instrument flight rules (IFR) in visual weather conditions or during a visual flight (VFR), the transponder must be set to the emergency code Mode A 7600.
2. Flight continuation and landingThe flight must be continued under visual weather conditions and the next possible landing site must be approached. After landing, the landing time must be reported to the responsible air traffic control centre as soon as possible.
3. Flights in class C or D control zones and airspacesAn aircraft may only enter a control zone if an air traffic control clearance has been issued beforehand or if a landing in the area of the control zone is absolutely necessary. If the radio failure occurs outside the control zone, aircraft must avoid it. If aircraft are already within classes C or D, they must leave them by the shortest route in accordance with the relevant visual flight rules.

Procedure in case of radio failure in instrument weather conditions (IFR)

If the radio failure occurs during an IFR flight and visual flight conditions are not available, the following steps must be followed:

1. Transponder setting and stabilisationThe transponder must be set to Mode A 7600 and the last assigned altitude and speed must be maintained for seven minutes. If the IFR minimum cruising altitude is higher than the assigned altitude, you must climb to this altitude.
2. Return to the flight planAfter the seven minutes have elapsed, the altitude and speed must be adjusted in accordance with the original flight plan and the pilot must return to the route specified in the flight plan by the shortest route.
3. Approach and landingThe flight must be continued to a suitable initial approach fix at the destination airport. If no approach time has been specified, the descent must begin at the estimated time of arrival in the flight plan. If possible, the aircraft must land within 30 minutes of the last arrival time or the planned arrival time.

Special regulations for final approach transitions and navigation clearances

For special flights for which a clearance for "Transition to Final Approach" or waypoint navigation has been issued, Mode A 7600 must be switched immediately in the event of a radio failure. The flight must then be continued to the final approach in accordance with the clearance received and the navigation instructions.

Conclusion and significance for pilots

These new procedures provide detailed instructions for pilots in the event of a radio link failure and improve safety through standardised protocols. The clear procedures help to ensure that aircraft can navigate safely and maintain the necessary communications, even if the radio link is lost. Pilots should familiarise themselves with these new procedures in order to be able to react effectively in the event of an emergency, and underlines the importance of clear, secure communication for all parties involved.

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Source references:
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