What does NORDO mean?

• A. Normal radio operations during flight.
• B. No radar display operation.
• C. No oxygen required.
• D. No radio communications capability.

Answer: (D)

NORDO means no radio communications capability. It’s used to indicate that an aircraft cannot establish or maintain voice contact with air traffic control or other required radio communications. This is strictly about radios and communication, not radar equipment or oxygen status.

So the correct interpretation is that you have lost or do not have working radio communications. In practice, pilots follow established radio failure procedures—attempting to regain contact, and if in IFR, squawking 7600 and continuing on the last assigned or expected route and altitude, ultimately proceeding to a suitable airport when able.