Use this order whenever two-way communications fail under IFR. Read the four rules here, then practice applying them in Scenario Drill.
1
VFR FIRST
Can you continue safely under VFR?
If the failure occurs in VFR conditions—or you encounter VFR conditions afterward—continue under VFR and land as soon as practicable.
2
ROUTE · AVEF
Use the first route source that applies.
Assigned Vectored Expected Filed
Start with the last assigned route. Move right only when the earlier source does not apply.
3
ALTITUDE · HIGHEST
Fly the highest altitude that applies.
Compare the last assigned altitude, the minimum IFR altitude for the segment, and an expected altitude when its specified time or fix has arrived.
4
APPROACH TIMING
Use EFC or ETA at the approach gate.
If the clearance limit is an approach fix, begin near the EFC—or ETA if no EFC was received. If it is not an approach fix, leave it as required and proceed to a fix where an approach begins.
Training aid based on 14 CFR §91.185. Always use current regulations, procedures, and pilot judgment.
ROUTE DECISION
Scan the priority stack
AVEF
FIRST QUESTION
Can VFR be continued?
ACTIVE ROUTE
ASSIGNEDFly the route in the last ATC clearance received.
Tap a source to make it unavailable. The scanner uses the first available source from top to bottom.
ALTITUDE DECISION
Fly the highest
FOR THIS SEGMENT
PROFILE VIEW · NOT TO SCALE
ASSIGNED6,000
MIN IFR7,000
EXPECTED8,000
FLY8,000
ASSIGNEDvsMINIMUM IFRvsEXPECTEDHIGHEST WINS
Apply an expected altitude at the time or fix ATC specified.
SCENARIO DRILL
Vector to the assigned airway
STREAK0BEST0
FLOWNACTIVEASSIGNEDEXPECTEDFILEDAPPROACH
CURRENT POSITIONPOSITIONNORDO
COM STATUSCOM FAILURE
XPDR
7600
STEP 1
VFR CHECK
Are VFR conditions available now?
INTEGRATED SCENARIO
Clearance received before failure
STREAK0BEST0
SET THE ROUTE SOURCE
BUILD YOUR DECISIONSelect a route source and altitude, then execute.
FREE IFR LOST COMMUNICATIONS PRACTICE
Apply AVEF, altitude priority, and clearance-limit timing
Work through randomized IFR radio-failure scenarios based on 14 CFR §91.185. The trainer separates continuing under VFR when appropriate, selecting a route, choosing the highest applicable altitude, and leaving a clearance limit.
Route priority
Practice AVEF: assigned, vectored, expected, then filed. The route depends on which elements ATC actually gave you.
Altitude priority
Compare the minimum IFR, expected, and assigned altitudes, then use the highest applicable value for the segment.
Operational caution
Real failures demand judgment and current information. Use this as a study aid and follow ATC clearances and current regulations.
