Why are radio failure procedures so important?
A radio failure is one of the classic disruptions in air traffic. Despite modern technology, such a failure cannot be completely ruled out - be it due to technical defects, power problems on board or external influences such as electromagnetic interference. Standardised procedures are essential so that air traffic control and other road users can still expect predictable procedures.
Principles in the event of radio failure
According to the new announcement, the following key points apply:
- Procedure according to SERA.14083The pilot must always act in accordance with the procedures defined in SERA.14083 in the event of radio failure.
- Flight rule change (IFR → VFR)If the planned transition from instrument to visual flight rules at the destination cannot take place as planned, the pilot must divert to an alternate aerodrome or - if this is not safely possible - to another suitable aerodrome. In this case, a published route must be flown to an initial approach fix specified for this aerodrome. The other procedures applicable to the loss of radio communication for flights under instrument flight rules must be followed where applicable.
- Exercise sections in the flight planExercise parts that have not been explicitly released, such as approaches or holding procedures, are cancelled in the event of a radio failure.
New and more precise procedures in detail
The new notice contains several specific instructions that will be published in the Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP) and must be incorporated by the aeronautical information service provider:
1. transitions to the final approach
If the pilot has already received a TRANSITION or DIRECT clearance, he must immediately enter the transponder code Mode A 7600 and follow the approved procedure - including all altitude, course and speed specifications. This also applies to approaches where radar vectors are transferred to a standardised procedure.
2. RNAV STARs without holding procedure
For the commercial airports Erfurt-Weimar (EDDE), Memmingen (EDJA) and Nuremberg (EDDN) applies:
- If no further clearance is available: Enter the published holding procedure at the beginning of the STAR, descend to the minimum holding altitude and then continue on the published STAR with standard instrument approach.
- If a further clearance existed or had already been issued: continuation in accordance with the clearance received via waypoints, direct final approach if necessary.
3. specific procedures at major airports
Frankfurt am Main (EDDF):
- For RNAV 1/RNP 1 procedure: After clearance below FL130 → continue flight on standard arrival; otherwise enter holding at certain waypoints (SPESA, MAMBU etc.).
- After passing defined waypoints → descend to 4,000 ft, initiate approach via IAF DF626 or DF654.
- After go-around without specific missed approach procedure: Priority approach to runway 07R/25L, otherwise 07C/25C.
Leipzig/Halle (EDDP):
- Before the initial fix points (YAWOY, LUXBO, KOJEC, GOXLI): In the absence of clearance at or below FL080 → enter the holding and descend to FL080.
- After passing these points: Continue on the entry route while maintaining the last authorised altitude; from defined waypoints (DP427, DP422 etc.) → descend to 5,000 ft MSL.
Importance for pilots and operators
The new regulation creates Greater legal certainty for pilots, especially when dealing with complex IFR procedures and at major airports with extensive airspace structures. The clear definition of how to proceed - depending on the flight status, clearances already issued and published standard procedures - ensures that all parties involved know what to expect in the event of a communication failure.
What is changing
While many of the procedures described already existed in the form of "best practices", they are now:
- bindingly adopted in the German Aeronautical Information Publication,
- Standardised and specified for specific airports,
- partially expanded with new options and additional scenariose.g. for the RNAV procedures in Leipzig/Halle.
Conclusion: Standardisation for more security
With the new version of the announcement on radio failure, the BAF is taking account of the increasing complexity in German and European airspace. It makes it easier for pilots to behave correctly in exceptional situations and enables air traffic controllers to use airspace more predictably. The regulation is therefore a central component of the Safety, efficiency and resilience in controlled air traffic.
The publication comes into effect on 1 May 2025 and at the same time cancels the previous NfLs 2024-1-3242 and 2025-1-3452. Further information and the complete announcement can be found on the website of the Federal Supervisory Authority for Air Navigation Services or in the AIP Germany.
Source references:
NFL (the link requires a subscription to Eisenschmidt)
