Lost Comms in IMC: When Are You Allowed to Climb?

What happens if you lose communications in IMC and the MEA ahead is higher than your assigned altitude? This is one of the most commonly misunderstood IFR scenarios, and getting it wrong can create serious terrain and obstacle clearance problems. In this video, we break down: The lost communications hierarchy under 91.185 When you’re required to maintain your assigned altitude When you’re allowed (or expected) to climb to a higher MEA How route structure and terrain affect the decision Practical IFR decision-making beyond simple rote memorization If you’ve ever wondered what actually happens when “your comms are out,” this lesson walks through the logic real instrument pilots need to understand. Whether you’re an instrument student, IFR refresher pilot, or CFII, this is one of those regulations that makes far more sense once you see the operational context behind it. Want to sharpen your real-world IFR judgment and scenario-based decision-making? Check out the IFR Decision Lab: https://www.flight-insight.com/ifr-de... It’s designed to help pilots go beyond memorization and build the kind of practical IFR thinking that actually matters in the cockpit.