Final Answer:
When experiencing communications failure in Instrument Flight Rules (IFR), the appropriate action is to follow the AVEF (Automatic Voice Environment Failure) procedure, which is a set of standardized procedures for dealing with loss of communications in IFR conditions.
Step-by-step explanation:
In IFR, the AVEF procedure is a crucial aspect of maintaining safe flight operations during communications failures. The AVEF procedure consists of two main steps:
Identify the failure: The pilot must first identify the nature of the communication failure. This can be done by checking the communication system’s status indicators and attempting to establish contact with air traffic control (ATC) on alternative frequencies.
Follow the checklist: If the failure is confirmed, the pilot must follow the AVEF checklist, which includes a series of pre-defined actions to be taken in order to maintain safe flight operations. These actions may include switching to alternate communication frequencies, using emergency communication procedures, and attempting to re-establish contact with ATC.
It is important to note that the AVEF procedure is intended to provide a standardized response to communications failures, and it should be followed without deviation. The procedure is designed to ensure that pilots respond to communications failures in a consistent and safe manner, regardless of the specific circumstances.
In addition to the AVEF procedure, pilots should also be aware of the MEA (Minimum Equipment List) requirements for their aircraft. The MEA lists the minimum equipment that must be operational for the aircraft to operate safely, and it should be consulted in the event of a communications failure.