What should a controller do if they lose radar contact with an aircraft?

• A. Attempt to re-establish contact and provide instructions based on available information
• B. Inform the pilot to maintain their current altitude
• C. Notify other aircraft in the vicinity of the lost contact
• D. Immediately divert the lost aircraft to another airport

Answer: (A)

When a controller loses radar contact with an aircraft, the most appropriate action is to attempt to re-establish contact and provide instructions based on the available information. This approach prioritizes the safety and continued navigation of the aircraft, allowing the controller to guide the pilot appropriately and ensure their situational awareness.

Maintaining contact is crucial because the controller needs to ascertain the aircraft's intentions, altitude, heading, and any potential emergencies. By using available information, such as previous communications or flight plans, the controller can give the pilot specific instructions to aid in safe operations. This action can help resolve the situation quickly, whether through re-establishing radar contact or guiding the pilot using visual references.

The other options do not adequately address the need for re-establishing contact or ensuring safety. Simply informing the pilot to maintain altitude, notifying other aircraft, or diverting the lost aircraft could lead to potential risks, such as miscommunication or unsafe flight conditions, without first attempting to regain situational awareness of the aircraft in question.