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Lesson 12.4 – Lost Procedures and Diversion
Becoming temporarily uncertain of your position is not uncommon, especially for new pilots. The key is to remain calm, follow a structured procedure, and safely regain situational awareness or divert to a suitable airport.
Primary FAA Sources
Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (PHAK)
Airplane Flying Handbook
Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM)
Private Pilot Airman Certification Standards (ACS)
Immediate Actions When Lost
Immediate Actions When Lost
Climb (if terrain and weather permit)
Conserve fuel and electrical power
Confess – contact ATC or Flight Service and state that you are uncertain of your position
Comply with the instructions you receive
The “5 Cs” Memory Aid
The “5 Cs” Memory Aid
Climb
Communicate
Confess
Comply
Conserve
Using Available Navigation Resources
Using Available Navigation Resources
Tune nearby VORs and orient yourself with the CDI
Use GPS (if available)
Look for prominent landmarks, highways, rivers, or towers
Contact ATC or Flight Service for radar assistance
Additional practical resource – ADF / AM Broadcast Stations
Many aircraft are still equipped with an Automatic Direction Finder (ADF). In addition to low-frequency nondirectional beacons (NDBs), the ADF can also tune ordinary commercial AM radio stations.
The ADF needle points directly to the selected AM station, giving you a quick relative bearing. AM stations are often powerful and can be received over long distances, especially at night or over relatively flat terrain such as the Great Plains. On long VFR cross-country flights across states like North Dakota or Nebraska, monitoring a strong AM station can provide a useful backup confirmation of your general position and direction of flight. With 2 stations within range, you can find your precise position on the chart. It is difficult to read highway mile markers at much of an altitude.
While an ADF is not a primary navigation system for most modern private pilots, it remains a simple and practical tool when it is available in the aircraft.
Diversion
Diversion
Once you determine your approximate position (or receive vectors), the safest action is often to divert to the nearest suitable airport.
When diverting:
Estimate heading, distance, and time to the new airport
Check fuel remaining
Review airport information
Advise ATC or Flight Service of your new plan
Key Points
Key Points
When lost: Climb, Communicate, Confess, Comply, Conserve.
Use all available resources — VOR, GPS, landmarks, ATC, Flight Service, and (if equipped) the ADF tuned to a strong AM station.
Diverting to a nearby airport is a professional decision.
Early communication greatly improves the outcome.
Practice lost procedures and diversions so the process becomes automatic.
Links:
Intro to Aviation & Airplanes
Airfoils, Lift & Angle of Attack
Stalls, Critical Angle of Attack & Spin Awareness
Primary Flight Controls & the Three Axis
Stability, Controllability & Adverse Yaw
Engine Instruments & System Monitoring
Pilot Certification & Privileges
Medical Certificates & BasicMed
Flight Rules (Part 91 Highlights)
Airport Marking, Signs, & Lighting
Traffic Patterns & Airport Operations
Special Use Airspace & Other Airspace Areas
Airport Facility Directory & Chart Reading
The Atmosphere & Atmospheric Pressure
Airmasses, Fronts & Weather Patterns
Thunderstorms, Turbulence, Icing & Other Hazards
Weather Reports, Forecasts & Charts
Common Weak Areas & How to Fix Them
Private Pilot Privileges & Limitations
Lesson 11.2
Currency Requirements
Medical Certification & Basic Med After the Check ride
Continuing Education & Proficiency
Engine Failure & Forced Landings
In-Flight Fires & Electrical Problems
System and Instrument Failures
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