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

In IFR lost communications, which route does 91.185 put first?

The route in the last ATC clearance.

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  1. The route filed in your flight plan
  2. The route assigned in the last ATC clearance ✔
  3. A direct route to your destination

Why: 91.185(c)(1) lists routes in order: the one in the last ATC clearance, the radar-vector rejoin route, the route ATC said to expect, and the filed route as the last choice.

Huh, didn't know that: If radar vectored, you fly direct from the point of failure to the fix, route or airway in the vector clearance.

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"Remember that the radio is only an electronic suggestion box for the pilot."
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References

Answer: The route assigned in the last ATC clearance. 91.185(c)(1) lists routes in order: the one in the last ATC clearance, the radar-vector rejoin route, the route ATC said to expect, and the filed route as the last choice.

  1. 14 CFR 91.185 IFR operations: two-way radio communications failure www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/14/91.185
    By the route assigned in the last ATC clearance received;
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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