ZJX controller described a loss of communications event with a military aircraft; the reporter notin...

Narrative:

I attempted to switch aircraft X to ZDC. I notified the controller in charge; advised ZDC the aircraft was NORDO; and I attempted to contact the aircraft on UHF guard. I had aircraft relay on VHF guard and all of the VHF frequencies the aircraft could have been on. I never talked to aircraft X but the controller I relieved may have. The aircraft was about 5 or 10 minutes from the center boundary when I took over the sector. I don't know what frequency aircraft X was on. After going through the normal routine of attempting to contact the aircraft; and after sitting at the sector for quite awhile; I looked at the frequencies maybe an hour after the initial attempt and 343.6 was completely off. I'm not sure if aircraft X was on that UHF frequency or not; but it's possible when the sector was combined that this frequency was maybe never turned on by the previous controller. The sector was already combined when I sat down; so all of the frequencies should have already been on when I took over the position. I also know that frequency does not work well in general; the range is bad and noticed it was very scratchy. Once it was turned on toward the end of my session the controller who relieved me was unable to reach another unrelated military flight on 343.6 on the main and/or buec. Aircraft 2 replied to guard transmissions. I advised the relieving controller after the recorded briefing of the military airspace that was active and about the potential problems with 343.6. I notified the controller in charge about subsequent problem with 343.6 I recommend improving the range and clarity of UHF frequencies; specifically 343.6. Also; I recommend a procedure so when a sector is combined that the controller leaving the combined position (sector being closed) would double check that all frequencies are on. I believe this would improve overall safety and eliminate this from happening again. I will always look and double check that all the frequencies are selected on every time I sit down at the sector. The pilot should have been monitoring guard frequencies on the standby radio as well.

Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: ZJX Controller described a loss of communications event with a military aircraft; the reporter noting that a required UHF frequency was not selected at the position but went unnoticed.

Narrative: I attempted to switch Aircraft X to ZDC. I notified the CIC; advised ZDC the aircraft was NORDO; and I attempted to contact the aircraft on UHF guard. I had aircraft relay on VHF guard and all of the VHF frequencies the aircraft could have been on. I never talked to Aircraft X but the Controller I relieved may have. The aircraft was about 5 or 10 minutes from the Center boundary when I took over the sector. I don't know what frequency Aircraft X was on. After going through the normal routine of attempting to contact the aircraft; and after sitting at the sector for quite awhile; I looked at the frequencies maybe an hour after the initial attempt and 343.6 was completely off. I'm not sure if Aircraft X was on that UHF frequency or not; but it's possible when the sector was combined that this frequency was maybe never turned on by the previous Controller. The sector was already combined when I sat down; so all of the frequencies should have already been on when I took over the position. I also know that frequency does not work well in general; the range is bad and noticed it was very scratchy. Once it was turned on toward the end of my session the Controller who relieved me was unable to reach another unrelated military flight on 343.6 on the Main and/or BUEC. Aircraft 2 replied to guard transmissions. I advised the relieving Controller after the recorded briefing of the military airspace that was active and about the potential problems with 343.6. I notified the CIC about subsequent problem with 343.6 I recommend improving the range and clarity of UHF frequencies; specifically 343.6. Also; I recommend a procedure so when a sector is combined that the controller leaving the combined position (sector being closed) would double check that all frequencies are ON. I believe this would improve overall safety and eliminate this from happening again. I will always look and double check that all the frequencies are selected ON every time I sit down at the sector. The pilot should have been monitoring guard frequencies on the standby radio as well.

Data retrieved from NASA's ASRS site as of April 2012 and automatically converted to unabbreviated mixed upper/lowercase text. This report is for informational purposes with no guarantee of accuracy. See NASA's ASRS site for official report.

Attributes
ACN	961317
Time
Date	201107
Local Time Of Day	1801-2400
Place
Locale Reference	ZJX.ARTCC
State Reference	FL
Aircraft 1
Make Model Name	Any Unknown or Unlisted Aircraft Manufacturer
Flight Phase	Cruise
Flight Plan	IFR
Aircraft 2
Make Model Name	Fighting Falcon F16
Operating Under FAR Part	Part 91
Flight Phase	Cruise
Route In Use	Vectors
Flight Plan	IFR
Person 1
Function	Enroute
Qualification	Air Traffic Control Fully Certified
Events
Anomaly	ATC Issue All Types Deviation - Procedural Published Material / Policy

ZJX controller described a loss of communications event with a military aircraft; the reporter noting that a required UHF frequency was not selected at the position but went unnoticed.