Reestablishing Radio Contact

AIM ¶ 6-4-3 — Reestablishing Radio Contact

AIM 6-4-3 explains how pilots should reestablish radio contact after lost comms — frequencies, FSS relays, and 121.5 MHz use for student pilots.

In Plain English

When you lose two-way radio communications with ATC, AIM 6-4-3 outlines several recommended actions you can take to reestablish contact. These are not strictly prioritized — if your equipment allows, attempt them simultaneously.

Recommended actions include:

Monitor the NAVAID voice feature for instructions from ATC.
Try contacting ATC on the previously assigned frequency.
Contact a Flight Service Station (FSS), or New York Radio or San Francisco Radio (operated by Collins Aerospace under FAA contract).
Use of 121.5 MHz (the emergency frequency) is also acceptable.

If you reach an FSS or one of the Radio facilities, advise them that you've lost comms on your previously assigned frequency. Provide your position, altitude, and last assigned frequency, then request further clearance from the controlling facility. New York Radio and San Francisco Radio can relay information to/from ATC facilities throughout the country.

This guidance is informational/recommended practice — the regulatory lost-comms procedures live in 14 CFR 91.185. Knowing AIM 6-4-3 helps you act quickly and use every tool available to restore contact before resorting to full lost-comms procedures.

AIM Source Text

FAA AIM ¶ 6-4-3

6-4-3. 6-4-3. Reestablishing Radio Contact In addition to monitoring the NAVAID voice feature, the pilot should attempt to reestablish communications by attempting contact: On the previously assigned frequency; or With an FSS or with New York Radio or San Francisco Radio. If communications are established with an FSS or New York Radio or San Francisco Radio, the pilot should advise that radio communications on the previously assigned frequency have been lost giving the aircraft's position, altitude, last assigned frequency and then request further clearance from the controlling facility. The preceding does not preclude the use of 121.5 MHz. There is no priority on which action should be attempted first. If the capability exists, do all at the same time. NOTE- New York Radio and San Francisco Radio are operated by Collins Aerospace, Incorporated (formerly ARINC) under contract with the FAA for communications services. These Radio facilities have the capability of relaying information to/from ATC facilities throughout the country. Previous | Top | Next AIM | ATPUBS | FAA | Send your comments regarding this website.

Oral Exam Questions a DPE Might Ask

Q1If you lose two-way radio communications with ATC, what actions does the AIM recommend to reestablish contact?

Per AIM 6-4-3, monitor the NAVAID voice feature and attempt contact on the previously assigned frequency, or with an FSS, New York Radio, or San Francisco Radio. Use of 121.5 MHz is also permitted. There is no required priority — if capable, do all at the same time.

Q2If you successfully contact an FSS or New York/San Francisco Radio after losing comms, what information should you provide?

Per AIM 6-4-3, advise them that radio communications on the previously assigned frequency have been lost, and provide your aircraft's position, altitude, and last assigned frequency, then request further clearance from the controlling facility.

Q3What are New York Radio and San Francisco Radio, and why are they useful in a lost-comms situation?

Per AIM 6-4-3, New York Radio and San Francisco Radio are operated by Collins Aerospace (formerly ARINC) under contract with the FAA. They have the capability of relaying information to and from ATC facilities throughout the country, making them valuable for reestablishing communications.

Related Paragraphs in AIM Chapter 6

¶ 6-4-1

Lost Communications Procedures

¶ 6-4-2

Radio Failure Transponder Code

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