DOCUMENT NUMBER

GSM-E-ATP.091_92

DOCUMENT TITLE

EASA COMMUNICATIONS

CHAPTER 9: COMMUNICATION FAILURE

Version 2.1
July 2016

This is a controlled document. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be
reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means,
electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior permission, in
writing, from the Chief Executive Officer of Flight Training Adelaide.
 CHAPTER 9
COMMUNICATIONS
COMMUNICATION FAILURE

CONTENTS
1. OBJECTIVES IN DETAIL ............................................................................................ 3
2. AIRCRAFT COMMUNICATIONS FAILURE ................................................................. 3
3. RECEIVER FAILURE ................................................................................................... 4
4. COMMUNICATION FAILURE IN VMC......................................................................... 4
5. LIGHT SIGNALS .......................................................................................................... 5
6. EXAMPLES OF TEST QUESTIONS ............................................................................ 6

GSM-E-ATP.091_92 2 of 11 Version: 2.1

 2005 FTA Date: Jul 16
 CHAPTER 9
COMMUNICATIONS
COMMUNICATION FAILURE

1. OBJECTIVES IN DETAIL
• State the action to be taken in case of communication failure on a controlled VFR
flight
• Identify the frequencies to be used in an attempt to establish communication
• State the additional information that should be transmitted in the event of receive
failure
• Identify the SSR code that may be used to indicate communication failure.
• Explain the action to be taken by a pilot with communication failure in the
aerodrome traffic pattern at controlled aerodromes

2. AIRCRAFT COMMUNICATIONS FAILURE

In the event that radio communication failure prevents an aircraft flying in controlled
airspace from maintaining a continuous watch and making contact.
The pilot should check the following first:
• The correct frequency has been selected for the route being flown.
• The aeronautical station being called is open for watch.
• The aircraft is not out of range of the station.
• The receiver volume is correctly set.
If these are in order, suspect equipment failure.
• Check the headset and radio installation points.
If all equipment is in order:
• First, attempt to establish communication with the station on the previous
channel used.
• If this fails, attempt to establish communication on another channel appropriate
to the route.
• If this fails, attempt to establish communication with the appropriate aeronautical
station, other aeronautical stations, or aircraft using all available means.
If you are successful advise the aeronautical station that contact could not be
established on the assigned channel.
If still unable to establish communications on any designated frequency or with an
aircraft, then set the 7600 SSR code to indicate radio failure.
Transmit your message twice on the designated frequency:
• Preceded with the phrase “TRANSMITTING BLIND” in case the transmitter is still
functioning.
• And if necessary include the addressee for whom the message is intended.
• In a network operation, a message which is transmitted blind should be
transmitted twice on both the primary and secondary channels.

Version: 1.0 3 of 11 GSM-E-ATP.091_92

Date: Jun 13  2005 FTA
 CHAPTER 9
COMMUNICATIONS
COMMUNICATION FAILURE

Before changing frequency the aircraft station should advise the frequency which he is
changing to.
G-ABCD changing to ……..

3. RECEIVER FAILURE
When an aircraft station is unable to establish communication due to receiver failure it
shall transmit reports at the scheduled times or positions on the channel in use,
preceded by the phrase:
‘Transmitting blind due to receiver failure’
The aircraft station shall transmit the intended message following this by a complete
repetition.
During this procedure the aircraft shall also advise the time of its next intended
transmission.
An aircraft which is under air traffic control or advisory service, shall also
transmit information regarding the intention of the pilot with respect to the
continuation of the flight.

4. COMMUNICATION FAILURE IN VMC

If VMC can be maintained:

• Proceed in accordance with your clearance remaining in VMC.
• Land at nearest suitable aerodrome.
• When in aerodrome traffic circuit, watch out for visual signals.
• Notify the ATC unit concerned as soon as possible after landing.

GSM-E-ATP.091_92 4 of 11 Version: 2.1

 2005 FTA Date: Jul 16
 CHAPTER 9
COMMUNICATIONS
COMMUNICATION FAILURE

5. LIGHT SIGNALS

When forming part of the aerodrome traffic at a controlled aerodrome, the pilot shall
keep watch for such instructions as may be issued by visual signals.
The meanings of the following light signals are as follows.

Light Signal Meaning on the ground Meaning in Flight

Steady green Authorised to take off if the pilot is Authorised to land if pilot is
satisfied that no collision risk exists. satisfied no collision risk exists.

Flashing green Authorised to taxi, if the pilot is satisfied Return for landing.
that no collision risk exists.

Steady red Stop Give way to other aircraft and

continue circling.
Flashing red Taxi clear of landing area in use. Aerodrome unsafe. Do not land.

Flashing white Return to starting point on aerodrome. No meaning

Version: 1.0 5 of 11 GSM-E-ATP.091_92

Date: Jun 13  2005 FTA
 CHAPTER 9
COMMUNICATIONS
COMMUNICATION FAILURE

6. EXAMPLES OF TEST QUESTIONS

1. What does a flashing red light signal mean to a pilot on the ground?
a. Taxi clear of landing area in use.
b. Stop
c. Aerodrome unsafe. Hold position
d. Do NOT enter active runways.

2. When transmitter failure is suspected, a pilot should:

a. Transmit messages twice on the designated frequency, preceded by the phrase
‘transmitting blind’.
b. Check or change the microphone.
c. Report twice at the scheduled times preceded by the words ‘Transmitting blind
due to receiver failure’
d. Transmit the intentions of the pilot in command preceded by the words
‘Transmitting blind’.

3. When you know you can’t establish 2 way communication, but expect another station
to receive, you make what is called a …?
a. A radio failure call
b. An all stations call
c. A transmission blind call
d. A blind transmission call

4. You are taxiing your aircraft and get a steady green signal from the tower. What does
it mean?
a. Cleared to land
b. Cleared to take-off
c. Cleared to taxi
d. Return to starting point on aerodrome

5. You are taxiing your aircraft and get a flashing green signal from the tower. What does
it mean?
a. Cleared to land
b. Cleared to take-off
c. Cleared to taxi
d. Return to starting point on aerodrome

GSM-E-ATP.091_92 6 of 11 Version: 2.1

 2005 FTA Date: Jul 16
 CHAPTER 9
COMMUNICATIONS
COMMUNICATION FAILURE

6. You are taxiing your aircraft and get a steady red signal from the tower. What does it
mean?
a. Stop
b. Cleared to take-off
c. Cleared to taxi
d. Return to starting point on aerodrome

7. You are taxiing your aircraft and get a flashing white signal from the tower. What does
it mean?
a. Stop
b. Taxi clear of landing area
c. Cleared to taxi
d. Return to starting point on aerodrome

8. You are flying your aircraft and get a steady green signal from the tower. What does it
mean?
a. Cleared to land
b. Cleared to take off
c. Continue circling
d. Land and proceed to apron

9. You are flying your aircraft and get a flashing green signal from the tower. What does it
mean?
a. Cleared to land
b. Return for landing
c. Continue circling
d. Land and proceed to apron

10. You are flying your aircraft and get a steady red signal from the tower. What does it
mean?
a. Stop
b. Aerodrome unsafe- Do not land
c. Cleared to land
d. Give way to aircraft and continue circling

11. You are flying your aircraft and get a flashing red signal from the tower. What does it
mean?
a. Stop
b. Aerodrome unsafe- Do not land
c. Cleared to land
d. Give way to aircraft and continue circling

Version: 1.0 7 of 11 GSM-E-ATP.091_92

Date: Jun 13  2005 FTA
 CHAPTER 9
COMMUNICATIONS
COMMUNICATION FAILURE

12. What is the transponder code for radio communication failure?

a. 7600
b. 6700
c. 7500
d. 7700

13. An aircraft is squawking 7600. This indicates:

a. It is requesting immediate level change
b. It is about to make a forced landing
c. It is unable to establish communication due to radio equipment failure
d. It is diverting to the alternate aerodrome

14. An aircraft station fails to establish radio contact with an aeronautical station on the
designated frequency. What action is required by the pilot?
a. Attempt to establish contact with the station on an alternative frequency
b. Continue the flight to the destination airport without any communication
c. Return to the airport of departure
d. Land at the nearest airport without an ATC unit

15. What action is required by the pilot of an aircraft station if he/she is unable to establish
radio contact with an aeronautical station?
a. Try to establish communication with other aircraft or aeronautical stations
b. Divert to the alternate airport
c. Squawk mode A code 7500
d. Land at the nearest aerodrome appropriate to the route of flight.

16. A message preceded by the phrase "Transmitting blind due receiver failure" shall be
transmitted:
a. On the frequency presently in use
b. On the regional guard frequency
c. On the international emergency frequency
d. On all available aeronautical stations

17. If all attempts to establish radio contact with a ground station fail, the pilot of an
aeroplane shall transmit messages preceded by the phrase:
a. PAN PAN, PAN PAN, PAN PAN
b. "Transmitting blind"
c. "Read you one, read you one"
d. "How do you read?"

GSM-E-ATP.091_92 8 of 11 Version: 2.1

 2005 FTA Date: Jul 16
 CHAPTER 9
COMMUNICATIONS
COMMUNICATION FAILURE

18. In the event that a pilot is required to make a blind transmission, this should be made:
a. During VFR flights only
b. Twice on the designated frequency
c. Only once on the designated frequency
d. On the emergency frequency only

19. When transmitting a message preceded by the phrase "Transmitting blind due to
receiver failure" during an en-route flight, the aircraft station shall also:
a. Return to the airport of departure
b. Advise the time of its next intended transmission
c. Join base leg when approaching the airfield for landing
d. Land at the nearest airfield/airport

20. Under which of the following circumstances shall an aircraft station squawk 7600?
a. In case of radio communication failure
b. When entering bad weather areas
c. When approaching a prohibited area
d. When flying over desert areas

21. 21 When shall the pilot of an aircraft experiencing communications failure keep a
watch for instructions passed by visual signals?
a. When flying VFR above clouds
b. When the aircraft is entering the traffic pattern of an uncontrolled airport
c. When entering a FIR during an IFR flight
d. When the aircraft is forming part of the aerodrome traffic at a controlled
aerodrome

22. Blind transmission shall be made:

a. On regional guard frequencies only
b. During IFR flights only
c. On the designated frequency (frequency in use)
d. To all available aeronautical stations

23. What does the term "blind transmission" mean?

a. A transmission of messages relating to en-route weather information which may
affect the safety of aircraft operations that is not addressed to a specific station
or stations.
b. A transmission where no reply is required from the receiving station.
c. A transmission from one station to another station in circumstances where two-
way communication cannot be established but it is believed that the called station
is able to receive the transmission.
d. A transmission of information relating to air navigation that is not addressed to a
specific station or stations.

Version: 1.0 9 of 11 GSM-E-ATP.091_92

Date: Jun 13  2005 FTA
 CHAPTER 9
COMMUNICATIONS
COMMUNICATION FAILURE

24. The expression “transmitting blind due to receiver failure" implies that no answer is
expected. It shall be used by:
a. An aircraft station being aware of receiver failure
b. An aircraft station doing blind transmissions at a "non-towered" airfield
c. A radar controller performing a PAR or SRE final approach.
d. A ground station broadcasting information to all listening stations.

25. Having had a communications failure, when would a pilot look for light signals from the
ground?
a. When joining traffic at an uncontrolled aerodrome
b. When entering controlled airspace
c. When VFR on top of cloud
d. When joining traffic at a controlled aerodrome

26. When do you look for visual signals if you have communications failure?
a. Immediately
b. In the circuit at a controlled airfield
c. When instructed to do so
d. None of the above

27. With a (suspected) communications failure, blind transmissions are made:

a. Twice on the designated frequency
b. Once on the designated frequency
c. On the emergency frequency only
d. Once on the alternate frequency

28. If an aircraft commander fails to establish contact with an aeronautical station on

designated frequencies, a message should be transmitted blind:
a. Twice on the primary frequency
b. Once on both primary and secondary frequencies
c. Twice on both primary and secondary frequencies
d. Once on the primary frequency

29. If an aircraft transmits a message preceded by the phrase “TRANSMITTING BLIND

DUE TO RECEIVER FAILURE”, the aircraft station shall also:
a. Repeat the whole message and advise the time of the next transmission
b. Repeat the whole message
c. Proceed to the nearest alternate aerodrome
d. Enter the nearest en-route holding pattern

GSM-E-ATP.091_92 10 of 11 Version: 2.1

 2005 FTA Date: Jul 16
 CHAPTER 9
COMMUNICATIONS
COMMUNICATION FAILURE

30. What can be omitted in a blind transmission due to receiver failure communication?
a. The frequency of the station called
b. The repetition of the full message
c. The phrase “transmitting blind due to receiver failure”
d. The time of the next intended transmission.

31. You’re in the traffic pattern of a controlled airport and you notice a radio failure. Which
of the following is correct:

1. If you see a flashing red light, it means the airport is unsafe and you don’t land
2. You try to establish communication with the ATS unit with all possible means
available
3. If you see a flashing green light you approach to land

e. 2,3
f. 1,3
g. 1,2,3
h. 1,2

Version: 1.0 11 of 11 GSM-E-ATP.091_92

Date: Jun 13  2005 FTA