ATC Zero Scenario

IFR Challenge: "ATC Zero" in IMC

Instrument pilots train for all sorts of failures: communication, navigation, instrumentation, and even propulsion. But what about a failure of the entire ATC system for your sector?

With COVID escalating, hearing “ATC Zero” is becoming a real possibility. What if this happens to you?

Hit the NEXT button below and you’ll be better prepared.

Watch This First

You will be presented with 5 options at the end of the video and must decide the best course of action for this pilot.
Click the play button to get started. Good luck!

Choose Your Option

Vote for the option you’d take. When you submit it you will see what over 1,000 other pilots chose.

Given your options, how would you proceed?

Change destination to Hobart (KHBR). Figure out your next move on the ground.
17.8% (393)
Change destination to Oklahoma City (KOKC). Figure out your next move from the ground.
12.2% (268)
Continue direct McAlester (KMLC) and stay quiet until spoken to.
33.2% (730)
Change destination to Kerr (KRKR) to overfly the affected area.
16.5% (363)
Change destination to Hobart (KHBR), but cancel IFR below the clouds. Continue VFR to McAlester (KMLC).
20.3% (448)

Learn From Our Expert

Now hear what Flight Instructor, Air Traffic Controller, and Charter Pilot John Krug would do.

Instructors Roundtable Audio

Listen to our team of experts share their ideas and techniques on handling this “ATC Zero” scenario.

John Krug: CFII, FAA ATC Instructor & QA Specialist
Bruce Williams: CFII, FAASTeam Rep, Aviation Author
Tom Haines: Editor in Chief at AOPA
Wally Moran: DPE, NAFI Flight Instructor Hall of Fame
Doug Stewart: National CFI of the Year, DPE
Ryan Koch: CFII, PilotWorkshops Course Designer/Producer
Jeff Van West: Moderator, PilotWorkshops Creative Director

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