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Air-Ground Communications Failure

Wikis > Comm. Contingencies > Air-Ground Communications Failure
Air-Ground Communications Failure

Note 1. Procedures to be applied in relation to an aircraft experiencing air-ground communication failure when providing ATS surveillance services are contained in Failure of Equipment.

Note 2. An aircraft equipped with an SSR transponder is expected to operate the transponder on Mode A Code 7600 to indicate that it has experienced air-ground communication failure. An aircraft equipped with other surveillance system transmitters, including ADS-B and ADS-C, might indicate the loss of air-ground communication by all of the available means.

Note 3. See also Communication Failure, concerning departure clearances containing no geographical or time limit for an initial level and procedures to be applied in relation to an aircraft experiencing air-ground communication failure under such circumstances.

Note 4. Additional requirements applying to communication failure during the application of the 50 NM longitudinal RNAV/RNP 10 separation minimum:
During the application of the 93 km (50 NM) separation, when an aircraft fails to report its position, the controller shall take action within 3 minutes to establish communication. If communication has not been established within 8 minutes of the time the report should have been received, the controller shall take action to apply an alternative form of separation.

  • Action by air traffic control units when unable to maintain two-way communication with an aircraft operating in a control area or control zone shall be as outlined in the paragraphs which follow.
  • As soon as it is known that two-way communication has failed, action shall be taken to ascertain whether the aircraft is able to receive transmissions from the air traffic control unit by requesting it to execute a specified manoeuvre which can be observed by radar or ADS-B or to transmit, if possible, a specified signal in order to indicate acknowledgement.
  • If the aircraft fails to indicate that it is able to receive and acknowledge transmissions, separation shall be maintained between the aircraft having the communication failure and other aircraft, based on the assumption that the aircraft will:

    • a) if in visual meteorological conditions:

      1) continue to fly in visual meteorological conditions;
      2) land at the nearest suitable aerodrome; and
      3) report its arrival by the most expeditious means to the appropriate air traffic control unit; or

    b) if in instrument meteorological conditions or when conditions are such that it does not appear likely that the pilot will complete the flight in accordance with a):

      1) unless otherwise prescribed on the basis of a regional air navigation agreement, in airspace where procedural separation is being applied, maintain the last assigned speed and level, or minimum flight altitude if higher, for a period of 20 minutes following the aircraft’s failure to report its position over a compulsory reporting point and thereafter adjust level and speed in accordance with the filed flight plan; or

      2) in airspace where an ATS surveillance system is used in the provision of air traffic control, maintain the last assigned speed and level, or minimum flight altitude if higher, for a period of 7 minutes following:

        i) the time the last assigned level or minimum flight altitude is reached; or
        ii) the time the transponder is set to Code 7600 or the ADS-B transmitter is set to indicate the loss of air-ground communications; or
        iii) the aircraft’s failure to report its position over a compulsory reporting point;
        whichever is later and thereafter adjust level and speed in accordance with the filed flight plan;

      3) when being vectored or having been directed by ATC to proceed offset using RNAV without a specified limit, proceed in the most direct manner possible to rejoin the current flight plan route no later than the next significant point, taking into consideration the applicable minimum flight altitude;

      4) proceed according to the current flight plan route to the appropriate designated navigation aid or fix serving the destination aerodrome and, when required to ensure compliance with 5), hold over this aid or fix until commencement of descent;

      5) commence descent from the navigation aid or fix specified in 4) at, or as close as possible to, the expected approach time last received and acknowledged; or, if no expected approach time has been received and acknowledged, at, or as close as possible to, the estimated time of arrival resulting from the current flight plan;

      6) complete a normal instrument approach procedure as specified for the designated navigation aid or fix; and

      7) land, if possible, within 30 minutes after the estimated time of arrival specified in 5) or the last acknowledged expected approach time, whichever is later.

    Note 1. Provisions related to minimum levels are contained in Annex 2, 5.1.2 (Minimum levels).
    Note 2. As evidenced by the meteorological conditions prescribed therein, 15.3.3 a) relates to all controlled flights, whereas 15.3.3 b) relates only to IFR flights.
    Note 3. See also 8.6.5.1 b) concerning the requirement for the flight crew to be informed of what a vector is to accomplish and the limit of the vector.
  • Action taken to ensure suitable separation shall cease to be based on the assumption stated in 15.3.3 when:
      • a) it is determined that the aircraft is following a procedure differing from that in 15.3.3; or
      b) through the use of electronic or other aids, air traffic control units determine that action differing from that required by 15.3.3 may be taken without impairing safety; or
      c) positive information is received that the aircraft has landed.
  • As soon as it is known that two-way communication has failed, appropriate information describing the action taken by the air traffic control unit, or instructions justified by any emergency situation, shall be transmitted blind for the attention of the aircraft concerned, on the frequencies available on which the aircraft is believed to be listening, including the voice frequencies of available radio navigation or approach aids. Information shall also be given concerning:
      • a) meteorological conditions favourable to a cloud-breaking procedure in areas where congested traffic may be avoided; and
      b) meteorological conditions at suitable aerodromes.
  • Pertinent information shall be given to other aircraft in the vicinity of the presumed position of the aircraft experiencing the failure.
  • As soon as it is known that an aircraft which is operating in its area of responsibility is experiencing an apparent radiocommunication failure, an air traffic services unit shall forward information concerning the radiocommunication failure to all air traffic services units concerned along the route of flight. The ACC in whose area the destination aerodrome is located shall take steps to obtain information on the alternate aerodrome(s) and other relevant information specified in the filed flight plan, if such information is not available.
  • If circumstances indicate that a controlled flight experiencing a communication failure might proceed to (one of) the alternate aerodrome(s) specified in the filed flight plan, the air traffic control unit(s) serving the alternate aerodrome(s) and any other air traffic control units that might be affected by a possible diversion shall be informed of the circumstances of the failure and requested to attempt to establish communication with the aircraft at a time when the aircraft could possibly be within communication range. This shall apply particularly when, by agreement with the operator or a designated representative, a clearance has been transmitted blind to the aircraft concerned to proceed to an alternate aerodrome, or when meteorological conditions at the aerodrome of intended landing are such that a diversion to an alternate is considered likely.
  • When an air traffic control unit receives information that an aircraft, after experiencing a communication failure has re-established communication or has landed, that unit shall inform the air traffic services unit in whose area the aircraft was operating at the time the failure occurred, and other air traffic services units concerned along the route of flight, giving necessary information for the continuation of control if the aircraft is continuing in flight.
  • If the aircraft has not reported within thirty minutes after:
      • a) the estimated time of arrival furnished by the pilot;
      b) the estimated time of arrival calculated by the ACC; or
      c) the last acknowledged expected approach time,

    whichever is latest, pertinent information concerning the aircraft shall be forwarded to aircraft operators, or their designated representatives, and pilots-in-command of any aircraft concerned and normal control resumed if they so desire. It is the responsibility of the aircraft operators, or their designated representatives, and pilots-in-command of aircraft to determine whether they will resume normal operations or take other action.

    Source: ICAO doc 4444

    See also:
    Air-Ground Communications Failure
    Communication Failure
    Failure of Equipment

     
    The presented material is for training purpose only!