# Voice Communication Failure (SERA.14083): Required Actions, 7601 and 20-Minute Rule

> Pilot actions for radio communication failure under SERA.14083, including SSR 7600/7601, transmitting blind, and the updated 20-minute IMC procedure.

- **Subject:** 090 — Communications
- **Section:** 090-04 — Voice Communication Failure
- **Topic code:** 090-04-01
- **Last reviewed:** 2026-04-01
- **Author:** Pablo Asensio Martínez
- **HTML version:** https://pilotsyllabus.com/en/communications/voice-communication-failure/required-action/

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## General Actions
In the event of a radio communication failure, the pilot should first attempt to re-establish communication by:
1.  Checking headsets and audio connections.
2.  Trying the **previous frequency**.
3.  Trying other appropriate frequencies for the route.
4.  Asking other aircraft to **relay** messages.
5.  Monitoring **121.5 MHz** (Guard).

### SSR Transponder Codes
*   **7600**: Radio Communication Information. (Mnemonic: "76 - I need a radio fix").
*   **7500**: Unlawful Interference.
*   **7700**: Emergency.
*   **7601**: (New SERA) IFR flight in VMC deciding to land visually.

## Blind Transmission
If communication cannot be established but the pilot believes the transmitter is working (or blindly hoping):
*   Phrase: "**TRANSMITTING BLIND**".
*   Procedure: Transmit the message **twice** on the designated frequency.
*   **Receiver Failure**: If the receiver is known to be failed, use "**TRANSMITTING BLIND DUE TO RECEIVER FAILURE**", repeat the message, and **advise the time of the next intended transmission**.

## Procedures by Flight Rules (ICAO/SERA)

### Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC)
If the failure occurs in VMC (or VMC is encountered):
1.  **Continue** to fly in VMC.
2.  **Land** at the nearest suitable aerodrome.
3.  **Report** arrival by the most expeditious means to the appropriate ATC unit.
    *   *Note*: At a controlled aerodrome, watch for **visual signals** (light gun signals).

### Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC)
**New SERA Rules (SERA.14083 - Applicable from 2025):**
*   **Level and Speed**: Maintain the **last assigned** speed and level (or Minimum Flight Altitude if higher) for a period of **20 minutes** following the failure (or setting 7600).
    *   *Note*: Older rules often cited "7 minutes", but new European regulations specify 20 minutes to give ATC time to clear the airspace.
    *   **After 20 minutes**: Adjust level and speed in accordance with the **filed flight plan**.

*   **Route**:
    *   Proceed according to the **current flight plan** route to the designated navigation aid serving the destination.
    *   **If Independent/Vectored**: Proceed in the most direct manner to rejoin the flight plan route no later than the **next significant point**.

*   **Descent and Approach**:
    *   Commence descent from the designated navigation aid at the **EAT (Expected Approach Time)** last received and acknowledged.
    *   If no EAT was received, commence descent at the **ETA (Estimated Time of Arrival)** from the flight plan.

*   **Landing**:
    *   Complete a normal instrument approach.
    *   Land within **30 minutes** after the ETA or EAT (whichever is later).

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Free study notes from pilotsyllabus.com. Not a substitute for training at an approved ATO.