Missed Approach/No Comms/No Hold

[Prof. ATP]

But then again, I carry a handheld radio so I could use that too.

Not always. I've been in lost comm situations when ATC's equipment failed.

BTW, ATC does not know your alternate, unless things have changed recently. It's stored with your flight plan, at FSS or DUATS.

 

[Sam Snead]

I would only go to the alternate if I thought there was little chance to get in to the destination, either by trying the approach again, or perhaps trying a different approach/runway.

If you go to the alternate, you're taking a bigger risk (assuming the weather stays IMC for you) because as Prof ATP pointed out ATC does not have instantaneous access to your stated alternate, and they may or may not clear out the correct airspace as you proceed there.

Also if your transponder doesn't work, they might be guessing as to your exact location, trying to identify you off of primary return only. Nevermind non-radar "dead spots".

Overall, leaving the destination area under Lost Comm and in IMC is something I would be reluctant to do.

 

[nosehair]

Don't forget to turn up the volume on the vor that you are navigating on. Listen for FSS to relay ATC instructions.

If you can navigate, (with vor) you have communications.

 

[PURPLEHAZE21]

Always know where VMC conditions exist. Your whiskey compass is there for a reason...its not to drink at altitude.

 

[MauleSkinner]

Don't forget to turn up the volume on the vor that you are navigating on. Listen for FSS to relay ATC instructions.

If you can navigate, (with vor) you have communications.

Unless, of course, the reason that you lost comms is that you fried your audio panel, and have no method of bypass.

Fly safe!

David

 

[Princedietrich]

I'm going to have to side with JAFI and AC560 on this one. If I'm in IMC and I've got a comm failure, I'm invoking 91.3 and getting my butt on the ground even if it means a zero/zero landing. Yes, it can be done and I actually have done it (in a level C sim).

Now, if you don't have the skill level to do a zero/zero landing, or if you just don't feel safe/confident enough to do it, then by all means go miss and head somewhere that's more sunny.