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IFR approach with COM failure

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Instrument Rating

Canada's AIM (RAC 6.3.2.2 note 2iii) states to commence descent at whichever time is most recent (the planned ETA, ETA last notified to and acknowledged by ATC, or EAT last received and acknowledged). The term “most recent” suggests to me to use the time that was calculated most recently, not to use the earliest time.  Is that right? E.g. ETA of 1000Z acknowledged by ATC, then ATC gives an EAT of 1010Z. So if you get a COM failure and arrive at fix at 0955Z, should you start your descent at 1000Z or 1010Z? 1000Z is the earliest time, but the 1010Z time was most recently acknowledged.

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1 Answers



  1. mason sherwood on Jan 23, 2016

    Most recently acknowledged time. If planning was done, you shouldnt be in a fuel critical situation. It is most important that your lost comms approach happens when ATC expects you, so their planning to sanitize the airspace keeps you safe.

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