Radiocommunications

The key to this section is common sense and good airmanship (as with so many other parts of flying!).

CAR 602.136 Continuous Listening Watch

• maintain listening watch on appropriate frequency
• establish communication with appropriate ATC, FSS, etc. when required

CAR 602.137 Two-way Radio communication Failure in IFR Flight

• in controlled airspace:
• maintain listening watch on appropriate frequency
• squawk 7600
• attempt to contact other ATS facilities or aircraft to relay info
• if unable to make contact, comply with procedures in CAP / CFS (unless other procedures were given by ATC)

Reference also AIM RAC 6.3.2:

• if VMC, or if VMC is encountered, remain VFR and land as soon as practicable (not the same as 'as soon as possible' - use good judgement)
• if IMC:
• Route:
• route last assigned and acknowledged
• if being vectored, go directly to fix/route/airway specified in clearance
• if no assigned route, use advised/expected
• if no advised/expected, use what has filed on flight plan
• Altitude: use highest of:
• altitude last assigned and acknowledged
• minimum IFR altitude
• expected in a further clearance
• Descent and approach: commence descent at most recent time of:
• calculated ETA
• ETA last notified and acknowledged
• EAT last received and acknowledged
• if assigned a hold, commence approach at EAT or EFC
• if cleared for a STAR, proceed to FAF via
• published routing
• from radar vectors direct fix for straight-in or full procedure
• CLOSED RNAV STAR as published for straight-in
• OPEN RNAV STAR as published to DTW and then turn to FACF to intercept for straight-in

Reference AIM COM 5.15: As a last resort, PIC may attempt to contact ATS using conventional cellphone or satellite phone.

CAR 602.138 Two-way Radio communication Failure in VFR Flight

• in class B, C or D:
• leave airspace (by landing or else shortest route)
• squawk 7600
• inform ATC ASAP of actions taken

Reference also AIM RAC 4.4.8: if you are outside of class B, C, D, you may enter and land if there is no nearby suitable aerodrome available.  See NORDO arrival procedures in AIM RAC 4.4.5.