 Re: Another IFR Question
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One thing I bring up to my studs is that this whole business of lost comms is a great idea but if you lose them, what is typically going to be the reason? The answer is a total electrical failure, like a bad alternator. If this is the case you had better hope you have a handheld radio because your VOR won't work, your ADF won't work, your transponder won't be squawking 7600 for long, and your GPS won't work either (this brings up the idea of a handheld, battery powered GPS idea too). Typically, if you are using your plane's clock, you will not longer have your time for your EFC, unless your watch is running. (of course we all know that if you lost your alternator you will have some time to use only the battery.) All this brings up the question, "what if I really had a total electrical failure?" It scares me and when I think of it I realize why personal minimum are so necessary. Those minimums should be based on what backup equipment you have too.
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Very good points, Ophir. The FAA rules on continuing to furthest clearance, waiting for EFC, etc., etc., etc. are all fine and good as a starting point, but following those rules may not always be the best idea. If you are in IMC, 20 min. from departure and 4 hours from your destination, and your equipment starts to go Tango Uniform, is proceeding another 4 hours in IMC simply to follow FAA rules to abide by your last clearance really a good idea? Probably not, not for you and not for ATC (ATC, after all, has to completely clear out every possible place you might be expected to go until you turn up again).
In such a situation, I would be tempted to make a beeline for VMC (if nearby) or turn around and make for the nearest instrument approach (if nav radios still worked). If your transponder is still working, ATC will quickly figure out what you are doing and make way.
Of course, having a handheld com is about the cheapest insurance you can buy to be sure that you never end up in this situation.
MF |