Which procedure should be followed to initiate an approach after communication failure in IMC while holding?

In scenarios involving instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) and communication failure while holding, the procedure that should be followed is to depart the holding fix at the Expected Further Clearance (EFC) time. This approach ensures that the pilot adheres to the intended flight plan and minimizes the risk of deviations that could compromise safety.

The EFC time is provided by Air Traffic Control (ATC) when a holding pattern is issued and indicates when the pilot may expect to receive further instructions or clearance. By departing at this time, the pilot maintains compliance with ATC expectations and enhances the predictability of their actions within the airspace. This practice is critical, especially in IMC, where visibility is limited, and maintaining safe separation from other aircraft is crucial.

Initiating an approach after communication failure requires careful adherence to established procedures to avoid confusion or potential conflicts with other air traffic. Departing at the EFC time helps ensure that the pilot is executing the approach precisely as intended and keeps them within the structured framework that ATC relies on to manage air traffic efficiently.