The basic radio failure rule of just keep on truckin out of here when in IMC, is just so impractical and total BS.
Singapore is the only place I have operated where they have actually sat down and figured out a procedure for radio failure on departure in IMC. They give you the option to keep going, as well as a procedure for return.
One of these days they will change the ruling as I believe it really is crazy/impractical in it's present form.
I asked a local pilot what he would do if he had a complete radio failure on departure NRT to HNL. I said surely you'd turn back rather than complete a 7 hr 180 ETOPS flight, just because the book says continue to destination in IMC. I got the answer I expected, maybe.
With multiple radios, ACARS, satphones and mobiles, hardly a problem these days.
I recon they should replace the radio failure blurb with the local phone number for ATC at each airport so we can ring them directly after we've set 7600 in the unlikely event we have said problem.
Last edited by Roadrunner; 24th Jun 2004 at 10:51.