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ATC Light Signals & Communications Failure
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- Written by Robbie
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In the event a communications radio fails, do not panic, fly the airplane. It is not an emergency. Initially, you should troubleshoot the problem by checking the volume of the transmitter and headset. Ensure that the headset plugs are properly installed. Make sure you are on the correct frequency. Verify that your push-to-talk (PTT) button is not stuck. Check the circuit breaker to see if it has popped. Request a radio check to help you determine if your radio has in fact failed.
Once you have determined that your radio has failed, you must determine what the most appropriate action to take is. If you are in controlled airspace (the airspace at an airport with an operating control tower) but outside of the traffic pattern, set the transponder to 7600 (Squawk radio failure) and look to the ATC tower for light signals. Look for the direction of the traffic pattern and once cleared, enter appropriately. If you are already in the traffic pattern, squawk radio failure and look for light signals from the ATC tower. Just as you would acknowledge a clearance by reading it back if you had a radio, you must acknowledge the light signal (clearance) by either rocking the wings during daylight hours or flashing the landing lights or navigation/position lights during night time hours.
If you are outside of controlled airspace, remain so, squawk radio failure and divert to an airport outside of controlled airspace without and operating control tower.
For light signals received on the ground:
Steady green - Cleared for takeoff
Flashing green - Cleared to taxi
Steady red - Stop
Flashing red - Taxi clear of runway in use
Flashing white - Return to starting point on airport
Alternating red & green - Exercise extreme caution
For light signals received in flight
Steady green - Cleared to land
Flashing green - Return for landing (to be followed by steady green at proper time)
Steady red - Give way to other aircraft and continue circling
Flashing red - Airport unsafe - DO NOT LAND
Flashing white - Not applicable
Alternating red & green - Exercise extreme caution
