Radio Failure Procedures: Maintaining Safety Without Communication

Radio failure in Class D (tower-controlled) airspace requires extra care. If you experience radio failure while inbound to a Class D aerodrome (towered field), you cannot land without clearance, and the tower cannot communicate with you by radio. However, the tower can issue light signals. Here is what to expect:

When you approach the aerodrome with squawk 7600 set, the tower will see your radar target and recognize radio failure from the transponder code. The controller will:

Clear all other traffic from the pattern and runway.
Position you for landing using light signals.
Flash green light signals (from the tower) as clearance to land.

Your job: watch the tower (a tall white or gray building, usually with a rotating beacon) for light signals. A green light means "cleared to land." A red light means "do not land—go around." If you see a red light, execute a go-around, climb to 1000 feet above the circuit altitude, and wait for further signals. Maintain a wide, stable circuit, and watch constantly for light signals from the tower.

Most instructors will not test you extensively on light signals, but you must know them. See the reference section below.