Pilots can operate without air traffic control. They do it all the time. At some smaller airports they talk to each other over the frequency to let everyone else know what they are doing (I am taking the runway for departure, I am turning left base to land…) this is referred to as a unicom frequency. Pilots also fly under specific rules sets (Instrument Flight Rules) IFR, (Visual Flight Rules) VFR, or (Special Visual Flight Rules). It’s just like it sounds IFR they rely on instruments and ATC. Whereas VFR they rely on being able to fly the plane on what they see.
If you’re talking exclusively about a loss of communication, the control tower has a light gun to signal the plane to let them know it’s safe to land.
Latest Answers