Getting Lost

Source: www.pilotworkshop.com/tips/getting-lost, Featuring Bob Martens

Subscriber question:

"What should my first actions be if I become lost or disorientated on a flight?"
- Larry R.

Bob:

"First and most important - don't panic. Your aircraft will respond normally. It does not know you are lost.

Climb - remove the fear of running into terrain or obstacles.

Communicate - get ATC involved as soon as possible. 121.5 works in the absence of a local frequency.

Confess - tell ATC exactly what's going on and request assistance.

Comply - follow ATC's instructions. They know what to do to get you on the ground safely. Don't compound your situation!

Use all available resources. Navaids, other pilots, situational awareness. I know of a student pilot who crashed his airplane making an off airport landing after he got lost. There were three airports within ten minutes of his off airport landing site. Think!

Manage your fuel. If low fuel is an issue let ATC know immediately."