Lost Procedures
Private Pilot ACS · Area VI · Task D · AIM, FAA-H-8083-25
Everything you need to know about Lost Procedures for your private pilot checkride. Aligned to FAA-S-ACS-6C Task VI-D, covering lost procedures.
The 5 Cs §
Climb: Gain altitude for better radio/radar coverage, wider visual range, and improved VOR/GPS reception. Altitude is an asset when lost.
Communicate: Contact ATC on current frequency, or try FSS on 122.2 MHz, or 121.5 MHz (monitored by all ATC facilities, military, and most airlines). Give aircraft type, last known position, altitude, fuel remaining.
Confess: Tell ATC you are uncertain of your position. They cannot help unless they know. No enforcement action for admitting you are lost.
Comply: Follow ATC vectors or instructions precisely.
Conserve: Reduce power slightly to extend fuel endurance while resolving the situation.
Communicate: Contact ATC on current frequency, or try FSS on 122.2 MHz, or 121.5 MHz (monitored by all ATC facilities, military, and most airlines). Give aircraft type, last known position, altitude, fuel remaining.
Confess: Tell ATC you are uncertain of your position. They cannot help unless they know. No enforcement action for admitting you are lost.
Comply: Follow ATC vectors or instructions precisely.
Conserve: Reduce power slightly to extend fuel endurance while resolving the situation.
AIM 6-1-6; ACS PA.VI.D
Radar Assistance & Squawk Codes §
Squawk 7700: Emergency (declares emergency, alerts all ATC facilities)
Squawk 7600: Lost communications (NORDO)
Squawk 7500: Hijacking
In a lost situation, squawking 7700 will trigger ATC response and can help radar-identify your aircraft. ATC can then provide vectors to the nearest suitable airport.
If in contact with ATC, they can provide: radar vectors, closest airport, weather at alternates, emergency service notification if needed.
Squawk 7600: Lost communications (NORDO)
Squawk 7500: Hijacking
In a lost situation, squawking 7700 will trigger ATC response and can help radar-identify your aircraft. ATC can then provide vectors to the nearest suitable airport.
If in contact with ATC, they can provide: radar vectors, closest airport, weather at alternates, emergency service notification if needed.
AIM 6-1-2; 14 CFR 91.3