During navigation failure, what should be maintained until new instructions are issued?

During navigation failure, what should be maintained until new instructions are issued?

• A. Last ATC clearance
• B. Assigned altitude
• C. Filed flight plan
• D. Current heading

Answer: (A)

When navigation equipment fails, the safe approach is to continue to fly as ATC last instructed. Maintaining the last ATC clearance (which defines your route and altitude) keeps your aircraft on a predictable path, preserves separation from other traffic, and avoids introducing new risks while you’re unable to determine your precise position or reestablish navigation. You should adhere to that clearance until ATC issues new instructions or you regain navigation and communications. The other options are not as reliable in this situation: a fixed altitude or current heading aren’t guaranteed to align with the last clearance, and a filed flight plan isn’t a live directive to fly the number and route you’re currently following.

When navigation equipment fails, the safe approach is to continue to fly as ATC last instructed. Maintaining the last ATC clearance (which defines your route and altitude) keeps your aircraft on a predictable path, preserves separation from other traffic, and avoids introducing new risks while you’re unable to determine your precise position or reestablish navigation. You should adhere to that clearance until ATC issues new instructions or you regain navigation and communications. The other options are not as reliable in this situation: a fixed altitude or current heading aren’t guaranteed to align with the last clearance, and a filed flight plan isn’t a live directive to fly the number and route you’re currently following.