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Loss Comm Scenario: What Is Considered “Assigned” or “Expected” Altitude/Route?

Asked by: 4390 views FAA Regulations, Instrument Rating

My IFR clearance is: cleared to KABC, via XYZ, V-123, ABC, maintain 3000 expect 5000 10min after departure, etc. I get my takeoff clearance with an initial runway heading to 2000' and then go loss comms. There was no verbal advisory from ATC after taking off telling me to expect 5000'. (1) Is 5000' my "expected" or do I not have an expected altitude? (2) Is the runway heading my "assigned" or "vectored" route? (3) How long should I fly on that heading? (4) How would I know if I have a "vector" or "expected" route in accordance with loss comm procedures? I would like some examples of what a vector/expected route instruction would sound like.

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1 Answers



  1. Dan S. on Jul 17, 2015

    1- Yes, 5000 is your expected altitude given to you in your original clearance. So you would climb to the highest of the following: Minimum IFR altitude, Expected altitude, Assigned altitude.
    2- That would be a vectored route, since it would be assigned by departure control, and relayed to the tower, and then to you.
    3- You would fly a direct route to the first fix in your clearance which would be XYZ. See below from AIM. The same information is also stated in the IFH.
    6-4-1 (c)(3)(a)(2)
    (a) Route.
    (1) By the route assigned in the last ATC
    clearance received;
    *(2) If being radar vectored, by the direct
    route from the point of radio failure to the fix, route,
    or airway specified in the vector clearance;*
    (3) In the absence of an assigned route, by
    the route that ATC has advised may be expected in a
    further clearance; or
    (4) In the absence of an assigned route or a
    route that ATC has advised may be expected in a
    further clearance by the route filed in the flight plan.

    4- Example of a vector: “Cessna 123AB, turn right heading 250, intercept Victor 123”
    Example of an expect: “Cessna 123AB, turn left heading 330, expect direct BUBBA in one zero minutes” or on initial contact acknowledging receipt of current ATIS “Cessna 123, roger, expect ILS runway 22”.

    In a lot of cases, when you receive ATIS or WX at a particular airport, ATC will tell you the approach to expect, or in the case of a non-towered field you will request your preferred approach, and will then be told to expect that. This is the most common instance in which you will receive an expected route. And if you were to lose comms at this point you would know to proceed with shooting that approach. Always remember though, that no matter what you do, you are exercising your PIC authority in an emergency situation. Case closed, even if you do happen to skip an item in order, while trying deal with a stressful situation.

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