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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/ifr-lostcomm-limit

After radio failure, when do you leave a clearance limit that is not an approach fix?

At the expect-further-clearance time.

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  1. Immediately upon arrival, no matter the EFC
  2. At the EFC time, or on arrival if none was given ✔
  3. Never; hold until contacted by ATC

Why: 91.185(c)(3) says to leave the clearance limit at the expect-further-clearance (EFC) time if you received one. If you didn't, leave upon arrival over the limit and proceed to a fix where an approach begins.

Huh, didn't know that: If the limit is an approach fix, start descent as close as possible to the EFC time.

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References

Answer: At the EFC time, or on arrival if none was given. 91.185(c)(3) says to leave the clearance limit at the expect-further-clearance (EFC) time if you received one. If you didn't, leave upon arrival over the limit and proceed to a fix where an approach begins.

  1. 14 CFR 91.185 IFR operations: two-way radio communications failure www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/14/91.185
    leave the clearance limit at the expect-further-clearance time if one has been received
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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FlyingIn IFR lost communications, which route does 91.185 put first?FlyingAfter radio failure in IFR conditions, which altitude must you fly for each route segment?FlyingYou lose radios in IFR conditions, then reach VFR conditions. What does 91.185 say?

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