SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/pilot-lost-first-climb

If you become lost and can't see a town, what does the FAA say to do first?

Climb, watching for traffic and weather.

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  1. Descend to read road signs
  2. Circle at the same altitude
  3. Climb, watching traffic and weather ✔

Why: More altitude lets you see farther, receive radio and navigation signals from farther away, and be seen on radar. Then use radios, GPS and ATC help to find your position.

Huh, didn't know that: A controller may offer direction finding help: you hold the transmit button a few seconds so they can locate you.

The dad joke
I got lost once, so I climbed. Now I'm still lost, but with a much better view.
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References

Answer: Climb, watching traffic and weather. More altitude lets you see farther, receive radio and navigation signals from farther away, and be seen on radar. Then use radios, GPS and ATC help to find your position.

  1. Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge FAA-H-8083-25C, Chapter 16 Navigation www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/18_phak_ch16.pdf
    If a town or city cannot be seen, the first thing to do is climb, being mindful of traffic and weather conditions.
    Checked 2026-10-09.

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