Definition
A set of recommended actions a pilot takes when uncertain of the aircraft's position, including climbing for better radio and radar reception, conserving fuel, attempting to identify landmarks, and contacting air traffic control or any available facility for navigational assistance.
Plain English
What to do when you're not sure where you are. The basic steps are: climb up so you can see further and get a better radio signal, slow down to save fuel, try to spot something on the ground you recognize, and ask someone on the radio for help.
Context Anchor
Encountered in flight planning, cross-country training, and any flight where a pilot may lose track of position relative to the planned route.
Why Pilots Care
Executing these steps promptly reduces the risk of fuel exhaustion, controlled flight into terrain, or airspace violations while attempting to regain orientation.
Grounding Statement
The key idea is to stop wandering, make the aircraft easier to locate, and get help while there is still time and fuel.
Intuition Check
Lost does not mean the aircraft has disappeared or that the pilot has failed. In this context, it means the pilot cannot confidently say where the aircraft is and should start the procedure right away.
Example Sentence 1
When the student became disoriented over unfamiliar terrain, the instructor walked them through lost procedures, starting with a climb to improve radio range.
Example Sentence 2
During the cross-country flight, the student applied lost procedures and contacted approach control for assistance.