When a NAV/COM radio fails, which action should be prioritized to maintain safe flight?

• A. Use standby instruments, enter direct-to procedures as needed, switch to secondary navigation sources, inform ATC.
• B. Continue using the failed radio; declare emergency.
• C. Turn off all navigation instruments and proceed VFR.
• D. Only inform ATC, ignore standby instruments.

Answer: (B)

When communications or navigation capability fails, the most important action is to get ATC aware of the situation so you can receive priority handling and guidance. Declaring an emergency is the formal signal that you require assistance and that you cannot rely on normal communications. Once that is established, you can focus on maintaining control of the aircraft with standby instruments and any available alternate navigation sources, and you can continue attempting to communicate using any remaining equipment or the emergency procedures you’re trained to follow. This prioritizes safety by ensuring ATC knows you’re in distress and can provide vectors, clearances, or shelter from conflicting traffic.

Other options neglect the critical first step of securing emergency status with ATC or rely on continuing with a failed system without acknowledgement from air traffic control, which would jeopardize safety.