28 September 2006
NAT’s Division of Safety has issued Safety Notice which reminds pilots of one possible course of action in the event of a radio failure.
This has become all the more relevant in recent years, given the heightened awareness of airborne security – and is also linked to a 25 percent increase in reported radio failures last year.
“In order to ensure the safety of aircraft experiencing RT failure within the London and Scottish FITs, pilots and operators are able to use the following satellite telephone numbers to contact ATC.
“These telephone numbers connect directly to the appropriate UK Distress and Diversion Cells (D&D) who then alert the appropriate ATC unit and the Ministry of Defence confirming your RT failure. ”
The number for London D&D is 01895 426150; Scottish D&D is 01292 692380.