What should a controller do if an aircraft reports losing radar contact?

• A. Instruct the aircraft to change frequency
• B. Communicate alternative procedures for the flight
• C. Request the pilot to climb to a higher altitude
• D. Immediately contact flight services for assistance

Answer: (B)

When an aircraft reports losing radar contact, the appropriate action for a controller is to communicate alternative procedures for the flight. This is crucial because the loss of radar contact can affect the controller's ability to provide traffic advisories and separation, making it essential to guide the pilot through established procedures for maintaining safe operations.

By providing alternative procedures, the controller ensures that the aircraft can continue its flight safely, possibly by instructing them to navigate using visual references or to follow certain waypoints. This guidance enables the pilot to manage their navigation and maintain safety until radar contact can be reestablished or until the situation is assessed further.

In contrast, changing frequency may not resolve the issue if radar contact is already lost, and simply instructing the pilot to climb could lead to further complications without a clear understanding of the situation. Meanwhile, contacting flight services might not be the immediate priority, as the controller should focus on directly assisting the aircraft in real-time.