Aero-Tips!

A good pilot is always learning -- how many times have you heard this old standard throughout your flying career? There is no truer statement in all of flying (well, with the possible exception of "there are no old, bold pilots.") It's part of what makes aviation so exciting for all of us... just when you think you've seen it all, along comes a scenario you've never imagined.

Aero-News has called upon the expertise of Thomas P. Turner, master CFI and all-around-good-guy, to bring our readers -- and us -- daily tips to improve our skills as aviators, and as representatives of the flying community. Some of them, you may have heard before... but for each of us, there will also be something we might never have considered before, or something that didn't "stick" the way it should have the first time we memorized it for the practical test.

It is our unabashed goal that "Aero-Tips" will help our readers become better, safer pilots -- as well as introducing our ground-bound readers to the concepts and principles that keep those strange aluminum-and-composite contraptions in the air... and allow them to soar magnificently through it.

Look for our daily Aero-Tips segments, coming each day to you through the Aero-News Network. Suggestions for future Aero-Tips are always welcome, as are additions or discussion of each day's tips. Remember... when it comes to being better pilots, we're all in this together.

Aero-Tips 06.12.06

Flying under Air Traffic Control (ATC), the radios go silent. You're now "lost comm" --and you have some decisions to make.

The Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM) tells us to first attempt to regain radio contact by --

• monitoring nearby NAVAID voice features for possible contact attempts by ATC
• transmitting on the previously assigned frequency
• attempting contact through a Flight Service Station (FSS)
• For ARINC subscribers, by transmitting through ARINC

Note: Aeronautical Radio/Incorporated (ARINC) is a commercial communications corporation which designs, constructs, operates, leases or otherwise engages in radio activities serving the aviation community-mainly commercial airlines. ARINC has the capability of relaying information to/from ATC facilities throughout the country.

From a more practical standpoint, you might try simple things (making sure you're transmitting on the radio or frequency you think you are; checking that headset or microphone jacks are plugged in, etc.). You can also try transmitting on 121.5, the emergency frequency.

I'm baaack

If you reach FSS (or ARINC), tell them you're "lost comm." with ATC, give them your position and altitude and ask they contact the controlling agency for further clearance. If not... read the next edition of Aero-Tips.

Aero-tip of the day: Exhaust all methods of attempting contact if you go "lost comm" before you consider your options.

FMI: Aero-Tips