Communications: 6 Latest ATPL Questions Explained 

Radio failure questions in the ATPL exam are rarely as simple as “squawk 7600.” In this focused walkthrough, Airline Pilot Michal explains six recently reported questions taken from real EASA ATPL exams across multiple authorities, all centred on Topic 09004 – Voice Communication Failure.

You’ll learn how to interpret exam scenarios involving receiver failures, VFR procedures in controlled airspace, IFR communication loss rules, transponder codes, and ATC clearance issues — exactly the situations where students often lose marks.

Prefer video learning? A full video version of this walkthrough is available on the AirheadATPL YouTube channel, where we publish regular ATPL questions walkthroughs videos covering all 13 ATPL subjects.

Watch full Communications walkthrough sessions on our YouTube channel and boost your exam confidence. 

In addition, the Airhead team — together with ATPL pilot Michal — runs free live revision sessions designed to help you practise the latest questions shortly before your exam. Join us weekly to sharpen your understanding, avoid common traps, and approach your ATPL exams with greater speed and confidence. 

Let’s get started.

Recent ATPL Communications Questions | 09004 Voice Communication Failure

• AIR-254555: VFR Radio Failure in Controlled Airspace — Correct Actions and Landing Procedure

• AIR-253806: VFR Receiver Failure — Required Pilot Actions and Blind Transmission Procedures

• AIR-254013: Controlled VFR Flight — Communication Failure Procedures Inside a Control Zone

• AIR-254400: IFR Radio Failure in IMC — Holding Procedure at Destination Navigation Aid

• AIR-253910: SSR Transponder Procedures — Mode A Code for Communication Failure

• AIR-253627: IFR Clearance Lost in Procedural Airspace — Correct Action After Squawking 7600

Explore key subtopics & core concepts of Communications Syllabus

Question 1: VFR Radio Failure in Controlled Airspace 

Question ID AIR-254555: You are flying a VFR flight in VMC in a controlled airspace. Suddenly, you experience a radio failure. You should (1) _____ and land (2) _____.

• (1) Continue in VMC, and (2) at the nearest suitable airport.

• (1) Stay in the control zone, and (2) as soon as possible.

• (1) Fly at the minimum safe altitude, and (2) at the first aerodrome in sight.

• (1) Descend below the control zone, and (2) at your destination.

Correct Answer: You should continue in VMC, and  land at the nearest suitable airport.

Explanation

This is one of the most important rules in lost communications — and one you should know instantly. If you are flying VFR in VMC, the priority is simple:

• Remain in VMC

• Land as soon as practicable at the nearest suitable aerodrome

“Nearest suitable” means adequate runway length, safe approach conditions, open and available for landing.

This procedure is designed to minimise risk and complexity. Continuing the flight without communication in controlled airspace increases uncertainty for both pilot and ATC.

Even if you were on an IFR flight plan, if you are in VMC, the same principle applies: → Stay in VMC and land.

Memorise this trigger: VMC = Stay VMC + Land ASAP

Question 2: VFR Receiver Failure 

Question ID AIR-253806: A pilot is flying VFR in controlled airspace when he/she notices a receiver failure. Which of the following actions must the pilot take?

1. Squawk 7500 and ident

2. Transmit reports at the scheduled times or positions

3. Precede the transmitted reports with the phrase 'transmitting blind due to receiver failure'

4. Transmit the reports on the frequency in use.

5. Duplicate the reports on the emergency frequency 121.5 MHx.

6. Exit the controlled airspace as soon as possible

Correct Answer: 2, 3 and 4

Explanation

This question tests practical lost comms handling, including both exam logic and real-world awareness.

Key actions:

1. Set transponder code 7600. This immediately alerts ATC to a communication failure.

2. Continue transmitting “blind” Even if you cannot receive, ATC may still hear you. Always prefix transmissions with: → “TRANSMITTING BLIND DUE TO RECEIVER FAILURE”

The aircraft station shall transmit the intended message, following this by a complete repetition. During this procedure, the aircraft shall also advise the time of its next intended transmission.

3. Report at compulsory reporting points Maintain situational awareness for ATC and other traffic.

4. Stay on the current frequency Switching frequencies unnecessarily only increases confusion.

Common Distractors

• Squawk 7500 → unlawful interference

• Duplicate transmissions on emergency frequency → unnecessary workload

• Leaving controlled airspace immediately → not required

Exam Tip

Think structured: 7600 → Transmit blind → Report positions → Stay predictable

Fly safely across Europe. Our guide, See and Be Seen: Rules for Safe VFR Flying, breaks down the essential VFR rules you must know for confident piloting. 

Question 3: Communication Failure Inside a Control Zone

Question ID AIR-254013: When a controlled VFR flight transiting a Control Zone suffers a communications failure, what shall the pilot do?

1. Continue to fly in either VMC or IMC as meteorological conditions dictate.

2. Continue to fly in VMC.

3. Leave the Control Zone by the shortest route taking into account the weather conditions, obstacles and known areas of high traffic density.

4. Land as soon as possible at the nearest controlled aerodrome in the Control Zone, watching for visual signals when in the aerodrome traffic circuit.

5. Land at the nearest suitable aerodrome.

6. Report the aircraft's arrival by the most expeditious means to the appropriate ATS Unit.

Correct Answer: 2, 5 and 6. Continue in VMC. Land at the nearest suitable aerodrome. Report arrival by the most expeditious means

Explanation

This builds directly on Question 1, but adds one key responsibility. After landing: → You must inform ATS that you have arrived safely.

Why? Because if ATC does not receive confirmation, they may:

• Initiate uncertainty phase procedures

• Escalate to search and rescue (SAR)

Typically, this happens within 30 minutes if no confirmation is received.

You can report arrival via telephone, airport office, or any available communication method.

From routine squawks to emergency alerts: Learn how transponder modes function and the critical codes every pilot must know. Get the full breakdown in our new guide: When Pilots Squawk: Transponder Codes Explained.

Question 4: IFR Radio Failure in IMC

Question ID AIR-254400: An aircraft experiencing radio communication failure on an IFR flight in IMC has to hold over the designated navigation aid serving the destination aerodrome…

• until the expected approach time last received and acknowledged.

• for 5 minutes in any case.

• until 10 minutes after the expected approach time last received and acknowledged.

• for 3 minutes, if an expected approach time has not been acknowledged.

Correct Answer: until the expected approach time last received and acknowledged.

Explanation

This is where lost comms becomes more procedural and less intuitive. Under IFR in IMC, you cannot simply divert visually — so you must follow published procedures.

Key principles:

• Squawk 7600

• Proceed according to last clearance received

• Follow published communication failure procedures (plates)

At many airports, these procedures are clearly published and include: navigation points to proceed to, altitudes to maintain, holding instructions, approach sequencing.

If required, you will:

• Hold over a designated navigation aid

• Begin the approach at your Expected Approach Time (EAT) or last assigned time

ATC will anticipate your actions and protect the airspace accordingly.

Question 5: Mode A Code for Communication Failure

Question ID AIR-253910: An aircraft experiences an air-ground communication failure while on an IFR flight. If equipped with an SSR transponder, what Mode A code is it expected to squawk?

1. 7600

2. 7500

3. 7700

4. 7000

Correct Answer: 7600

Explanation

Standard SSR codes are essential knowledge:

• 7500 → Unlawful interference

• 7600 → Communication failure

• 7700 → Emergency

• 7000 → Standard VFR code

A newer code has been introduced: 7601 → Lost comms with intention to divert

However: → This is not yet examinable — use 7600 for ATPL exams

Exam Tip

Use the classic memory aid:

• 75 → “man with a knife”

• 76 → “radio fix”

• 77 → “going to heaven”

Question 6: Correct Action After Squawking 7600

Question ID AIR-253627: You have been cleared to FL100 in procedural airspace. However, your flight plan states FL310 as your planned cruising level. You are IMC. You attempt to call ATC for clearance to FL310, but there is no response. After squawking 7600 you should then...

1. remain at FL100 for 20 minutes and then proceed with the flight plan.

2. remain at FL100 for 7 minutes and then proceed with the flight plan.

3. continue to climb according to the flight plan.

4. remain at FL100 for 1 minute and then proceed with the flight plan.

Correct Answer: remain at FL100 for 20 minutes and then proceed with the flight plan.

Explanation

This question tests one of the most commonly examined lost comms rules. If communication is lost under IFR, maintain the last assigned level and route

Time rules:

• 7 minutes → Radar-controlled airspace

• 20 minutes → Procedural airspace

After this period: → Continue according to the filed flight plan

Important note: Recent regulations (2025 update) have simplified this in real operations, but the exam still tests the classic 7 / 20 minute rule.

The reference for this is ICAO Doc 4444, Chapter 15, para 15.3.3 b) 1).

Practise Communications questions with Airhead ATPL Question Bank. 

FAQ

What should you do in a VFR radio failure in controlled airspace?

Continue in VMC and land at the nearest suitable aerodrome. This is a core rule in ATPL exams and real operations.

What is the squawk code for communication failure?

Squawk 7600 indicates a radio communication failure. It alerts ATC that you cannot communicate via radio.

Do you need to leave controlled airspace after radio failure?

No. There is no requirement to exit controlled airspace immediately. Follow published procedures and maintain predictable behaviour.

What is a blind transmission in aviation?

A blind transmission is when a pilot transmits without receiving replies, typically prefixed with: “Transmitting blind due to receiver failure…”

What should you do in IFR communication failure in IMC?

Follow the last cleared route, altitude, and speed, then proceed according to flight plan after:

• 7 minutes (radar-controlled airspace)

• 20 minutes (procedural airspace) (exam standard)

What is the difference between squawk 7600 and 7601?

• 7600: Standard communication failure (exam-relevant) 7601: Newer procedure (post-2025) for diverting after comms failure (not yet typically examined)

Lost communication questions are not about memorising random rules — they follow a clear logic:

• VMC → Stay visual and land

• IFR IMC → Follow procedures

• Always remain predictable for ATC