This article is based on ICAO provisions regarding communication failure as well as on best practices guidance identified by EUROCONTROL.

There is no set of ready, "out-of-the-box" rules to be followed universally. As with any unusual or emergency situation, controllers should exercise their best judgment and expertise when dealing with the consequences related to radio communication failure (RCF) to aircraft in any stage of flight. A generic checklist for handling unusual situations is readily available from EUROCONTROL but it is not intended to be exhaustive and is best used in conjunction with local ATC procedures.

Description

This article provides guidance for controllers on what to expect and how to act when dealing with onboard radio communication failure (RCF) situations. There are some considerations which will enable the controller, not only to provide as much support as possible to the aircraft concerned, but also to maintain the safety of other aircraft in the vicinity and of the ATC service provision in general.