During Lost Comms, overfly the active runway at what altitude and airspeed?

During Lost Comms, overfly the active runway at what altitude and airspeed?

• A. 700' MSL and 70 KIAS
• B. 1000' MSL and 90 KIAS
• C. 500' MSL and 60 KIAS
• D. 1200' MSL and 80 KIAS

Answer: (D)

In a lost-communications situation, you want a safe, controlled path to land that gives you room to react and recover if needed. Overflying the active runway at 1,200 feet MSL and 80 KIAS provides that balance. The 1,200-foot altitude offers obstacle clearance and a comfortable height to assess the field, confirm the active runway, and transition into the approach with room to descend if you have the runway in sight. The 80-knot indicated airspeed gives a stable, manageable approach for a helicopter—enough airspeed to maintain handling authority and a practical energy state for a potential go-around, while still allowing a controlled descent to landing. The other options either put you lower (reducing margin for error) or at speeds that are less stable or efficient for a calm, controlled approach under lost comms.

In a lost-communications situation, you want a safe, controlled path to land that gives you room to react and recover if needed. Overflying the active runway at 1,200 feet MSL and 80 KIAS provides that balance. The 1,200-foot altitude offers obstacle clearance and a comfortable height to assess the field, confirm the active runway, and transition into the approach with room to descend if you have the runway in sight. The 80-knot indicated airspeed gives a stable, manageable approach for a helicopter—enough airspeed to maintain handling authority and a practical energy state for a potential go-around, while still allowing a controlled descent to landing. The other options either put you lower (reducing margin for error) or at speeds that are less stable or efficient for a calm, controlled approach under lost comms.