If no transmissions are received while on final for a PAR approach, after how many seconds should contact be attempted?

In a Precision Approach Radar (PAR) approach, maintaining communication with Air Traffic Control (ATC) is critical for flight safety. If there are no transmissions received while on final approach, it is standard procedure to make an attempt to re-establish contact after a lapse of time.

The correct answer is based on established aviation protocols, which dictate that a pilot should wait 5 seconds after the last transmission before trying to contact ATC. This timeframe allows for any potential brief communication disruptions or delays that may occur, ensuring that the pilot is not prematurely attempting to establish contact in case the radio communication has simply been interrupted momentarily.

Waiting for 5 seconds strikes a balance between maintaining awareness of the situation and taking proactive steps to ensure the safety of the approach. If a pilot were to wait longer, like 10 or 15 seconds, it could potentially lead to unnecessary delays in communication, which is especially critical when already in the final stages of approach. Therefore, this 5-second interval aligns with operational standards that prioritize both safety and efficiency during high-stakes flight operations.