According to ICAO, Blind Transmission is “a transmission from one station to another station in circumstances where two-way communication cannot be established, but where it is believed that the called station is able to receive.” It refers to a communication procedure undertaken when two-way communication cannot be established, but the sender believes the intended receiver can still receive the message.
TYPICAL USE CASES
👉 Air Traffic Service (ATS) – Controllers or Flight Information Service (FIS) Officers may use blind transmissions during radio communication failures. If they expect that the loss of communication is one-way (i.e., the Pilot can hear messages but cannot respond), they may provide information about an aerodrome, weather, airspace restrictions, or issue clearances and instructions.
👉 Pilots – Pilots can also use blind transmissions in various situations such as a) At aerodromes where no ATS is provided, to inform other traffic of their intentions; b) While cruising through airspace where no air traffic service is provided, to inform other traffic of their position, level, direction of flight, and intentions; and c) In case of receiver failure, to inform ATS units and other traffic of their intentions.
Blind transmissions are essential for maintaining safety and communication in aviation, especially when traditional two-way communication is not possible.
REFERENCES
ICAO Doc 4444
www.wikipedia.org
www.aviationfile.com
