Note: The Standardised European Rules of the Air (SERA) contain a new point SERA.14083, applicable as from 01 May 2025, describing the procedures to be followed in case of a radio communication failure experienced by an aircraft. Not all authorities may have updated their question databases, therefore if the 20 minute option is marked incorrect, please appeal the question.

The SERA rules have new procedures following a radio failure:

VFR flight: Squawk 7600 (as before)

IFR flight and opt to continue flight / no diversion: Squawk 7600 and maintain your last assigned level and speed for 20 minutes

• IFR flights are to maintain the last assigned speed and level for a period of 20 minutes following a radio communication failure before taking further action. This replaces the old "seven-minute rule" and applies to all IFR flights, including those in radar-controlled airspace. This gives ATC more time to identify the aircraft's position and protect it's track.

IFR flight in VMC and opt to divert to the nearest suitable airport instead of continuing the flight: Squawk 7601. This is a new code, intended to give ATC clarity that you intend to land visually.

SERA 14083: RADIO COMMUNICATION FAILURE PROCEDURES

(4) Except as provided for in point (5), an IFR flight shall:

• (i) maintain the last assigned speed and level, or minimum flight altitude if higher, for a period of 20 minutes following:

(A) the aircraft’s failure to make a required report; or
(B) the time the transponder is set to 7600 and/or the appropriate ADS-B emergency and/or urgency mode is transmitted if surveillance service is provided,
and thereafter adjust level and speed in accordance with the filed flight plan as amended by delay and modification messages to the filed flight plan;

• (ii) when being vectored or having been directed by ATC to proceed offset using area navigation (RNAV):

(A) with a specified limit, continue to that limit, then rejoin the last received and acknowledged route, taking into consideration the applicable minimum flight altitude; or
(B) without a specified limit, rejoin the last received and acknowledged route no later than the next significant point, taking into consideration the applicable minimum flight altitude;

• (iii) proceed according to the last received and acknowledged route clearance to the appropriate designated navigation aid or fix serving the destination aerodrome and, when required to ensure compliance with point (iv) below, hold over this aid or fix until commencement of descent;
• (iv) commence descent from the navigation aid or fix specified in point (iii) at, or as close as possible to, the expected approach time last received and acknowledged; or, if no expected approach time has been received and acknowledged, at, or as close as possible to, the estimated time of arrival;
• (v) complete an instrument approach procedure as specified for the designated navigation aid or fix; and
• (vi) land, if possible, within 30 minutes after the estimated time of arrival specified in point (iv) or the last acknowledged expected approach time, whichever is later.

(5) An IFR flight following a standard instrument departure route or a standard instrument arrival route shall comply with the procedures for radio communication failure specified on the Standard Departure Chart – Instrument (SID) or Standard Arrival Chart – Instrument (STAR), when provided.
(6) If an IFR flight encounters visual meteorological conditions and the pilot-in-command decides to continue to fly in visual meteorological conditions, the pilot shall set Mode A Code 7601, land at the nearest suitable aerodrome, and report arrival by the most expeditious means to the appropriate air traffic services unit.