In IMC, vectored for a GCA approach, and you lose all communications before receiving lost comms instructions, how should you fly?

In IMC, vectored for a GCA approach, and you lose all communications before receiving lost comms instructions, how should you fly?

• A. Fly any published instrument approach at the airfield
• B. Fly the last assigned heading until you are established on the approach
• C. Return to the filed destination immediately
• D. Continue on your last expected route and hold

Answer: (A)

When communications are lost in IMC while you’re being vectored for a GCA approach, the safest and most practical course is to proceed with a published instrument approach at the airfield. Without ATC vectors, you can’t rely on further guidance, so using a published approach gives you a defined, protected path to the runway with published altitudes and a known missed-approach procedure. This approach minimizes uncertainty and maintains obstacle clearance, letting you land or execute the missed approach if needed. The other options would depend on vectors or allow indefinite holding, which isn’t appropriate when you’ve lost communications and need a stable, standard method to complete the flight.

When communications are lost in IMC while you’re being vectored for a GCA approach, the safest and most practical course is to proceed with a published instrument approach at the airfield. Without ATC vectors, you can’t rely on further guidance, so using a published approach gives you a defined, protected path to the runway with published altitudes and a known missed-approach procedure. This approach minimizes uncertainty and maintains obstacle clearance, letting you land or execute the missed approach if needed. The other options would depend on vectors or allow indefinite holding, which isn’t appropriate when you’ve lost communications and need a stable, standard method to complete the flight.