What does NORDO indicate and how should a crew respond?

• A. Normal radio operations during flight.
• B. No radio communications capability; require alternate procedures.
• C. No oxygen required.
• D. Radar inoperative.

Answer: (B)

NORDO means the aircraft has no radio communications capability. When you see that, the crew must proceed using alternate procedures to ensure safe flight and coordination with air traffic control.

Start by trying to restore comms: check the radio power, antennas, frequencies, and switch to any backup radio if available. If communications cannot be restored, follow the published lost-communications or alternate procedures. In practice, this means proceeding with the flight using non-radio means of coordination and the established sequence for non-communications. For IFR operations, that typically involves squawking 7600 and continuing with the last assigned route and altitude, then the expected route/altitude, and finally the filed ones if needed, until communication is reestablished or the approach/landing is completed as you’re cleared. In VFR or non-IFR contexts, maintain your planned course and altitude and use standard non-radio signals and procedures to comply with ATC instructions as applicable, continuing to navigate and manage separation without radio.

So the best interpretation is that NORDO indicates no radio capability and requires the crew to follow alternate, non-radio procedures to safely continue the flight.