What is transmitting blind in aviation?

Transmitting blind refers to sending a radio message when two-way communication is not possible, but there is a reasonable belief the recipient can hear the transmission.

When should a pilot use blind transmission procedures?

Blind transmission is used during radio failure or loss of two-way contact, especially when the pilot can transmit but cannot receive.

How should a blind transmission be formatted?

Each message should be preceded by 'TRANSMITTING BLIND,' include the addressee, and state your position and intentions; transmit the message twice on the designated frequency.

What frequency should be used for blind transmissions?

Use the designated frequency in use for your flight, or if necessary, the international emergency frequency 121.5 MHz.

What transponder code is set during a communications failure requiring blind transmission?

Set the transponder to code 7600 to indicate radio communication failure.

Transmitting Blind

Medium4 min readCommunications

Occasionally Examined

Why this matters

Knowing how to transmit blind ensures that vital information about your position and intentions reaches ATC and other aircraft, even during radio failures. This enhances situational awareness for all parties and upholds safety during abnormal operations.

Transmitting blind refers to making a radio call when you cannot establish two-way communication, but believe the recipient might still hear you. In aviation, this is a critical procedure during radio failure or lost comms situations, ensuring that your intentions and position are broadcast even if you can't receive a reply.

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Explanation

What is Transmitting Blind?

Transmitting blind is a radio communication procedure used when two-way contact cannot be established, but there is a reasonable belief that the receiving station might still hear your transmission. This typically occurs during partial radio failures, such as when your receiver is inoperative but your transmitter may still work.

When to Use Blind Transmission

If you cannot receive but can transmit, or you suspect your transmissions are not being received, you must transmit your message twice on the designated frequency.
Always begin with the phrase "TRANSMITTING BLIND" (or "TRANSMITTING BLIND DUE TO RECEIVER FAILURE" if applicable), followed by your call sign, position, intentions, and any other relevant information.
Use the frequency in use or, if necessary, try 121.5 MHz (the international emergency frequency) or other suitable frequencies.

Key Techniques

Speak clearly and concisely, following standard radiotelephony phraseology.
Include all essential information: your aircraft identification, position, altitude, route, and intentions.
Pause briefly between transmissions and avoid unnecessary repetition beyond the required two calls.

Related Procedures

Set your transponder to code 7600 to indicate radio communication failure.
Continue to follow published lost comms procedures and comply with ATC clearances as far as possible.

Importance in ATPL Training

Understanding transmitting blind is essential for handling lost comms scenarios, ensuring safety, and meeting regulatory requirements for radio failure actions.

The essentials

Key Points

Transmitting blind is used when two-way radio contact cannot be established but reception is still possible.

Always start with 'TRANSMITTING BLIND' and repeat your message twice.

Include your call sign, position, intentions, and any relevant information.

Use the designated frequency in use; if unavailable, try 121.5 MHz or other suitable frequencies.

Set transponder code 7600 to indicate radio failure.

Follow standard radiotelephony procedures and phraseology.

Transmitting blind maintains communication flow and situational awareness during lost comms.

Watch out

Exam Traps & Typical Mistakes

Confusing blind transmission with a broadcast (broadcasts are not addressed to a specific station).

Thinking blind transmissions are only made once—in fact, they must be made twice.

Believing blind transmissions are only for VFR or only for IFR flights; they apply to both.

Assuming blind transmissions are made only on the emergency frequency—use the designated frequency first.

Forgetting to include the phrase 'TRANSMITTING BLIND' at the start of the message.

Test yourself

Example Exam Questions

Question 2Medium

When making a blind transmission due to suspected radio failure, how should the message be sent?

Question 3Medium

Which of the following is correct regarding the content of a blind transmission?

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