If radio contact with ATC is lost during taxiing, what should you do?

• A. Stop immediately and wait for assistance
• B. Follow published lost-communication procedures and proceed cautiously, requesting assistance when regained
• C. Continue taxiing as if nothing happened
• D. Return to the starting point

Answer: (B)

When radio contact is lost during taxiing, you must follow published lost-communication procedures and move cautiously while trying to regain contact. This keeps you from improvising and helps prevent conflicts with other aircraft and vehicles on the ground. You should proceed according to the last clearance or the route you expect to be cleared for, maintain a safe speed, and stay alert to lights, signs, and other traffic. If/when you regain contact, inform ATC immediately and follow their instructions to re-establish normal clearance.

Blocking the taxiway by stopping right away can create hazards and delays for others. Continuing as if nothing happened ignores the lack of clearance and can lead to dangerous encounters with other traffic. Turning around and backtracking to the starting point disrupts flow and can put you into unfamiliar or unsafe positions on the movement area.