Regarding Lost Communications, what is the priority for heading to be maintained?

Regarding Lost Communications, what is the priority for heading to be maintained?

• A. Assigned, Vectored, Expected, and Filed
• B. ATC assigned heading only
• C. Current heading last set by the pilot
• D. Magnetic north (true north) preference

Answer: (A)

When radio failure happens in IFR, you still follow ATC’s guidance on routing, using a clear priority so you stay on a safe, predictable path until you can reestablish contact. The heading or route you should fly is determined in this order: the last heading and route assigned by ATC, then any heading you are being vectored to fly, then the heading you were advised to expect to fly, and finally the filed route heading if none of the previous instructions apply. This sequence ensures you don’t improvise or guess, and it keeps you aligned with ATC’s plan for separation and eventual recontact. Therefore, the correct approach is to follow the four-part priority of Assigned, Vectored, Expected, and Filed.