What is the first action a controller should take if a pilot fails to respond?

• A. Wait for a minute before taking action
• B. Reset the radar display
• C. Attempt to re-establish contact through radio communication
• D. Notify other agencies about the situation

Answer: (C)

When a pilot fails to respond to communications, the first action a controller should take is to attempt to re-establish contact through radio communication. This action is crucial because the pilot's failure to respond could stem from a variety of issues, such as radio malfunction, interference, or distractions within the cockpit. By trying to re-establish contact, the controller ensures they are doing everything possible to ascertain the pilot’s status and situation. This step aligns with standard operating procedures in air traffic control as it allows for the possibility that the pilot is still within operational limits and able to respond again.

Waiting for a minute before taking action does not effectively address the immediate concern of ensuring safety through communication. Resetting the radar display might not be relevant to the lack of communication since the issue may lie outside radar functionality. Notifying other agencies can be important in more severe situations but is typically a later step, taken after confirming that communication cannot be re-established and there is a potential emergency situation developing.