EMB 545 flight crew lost communication with ATC. Flight crew monitored guard and re-established communication.
Synopsis
EMB 545 flight crew lost communication with ATC. Flight crew monitored guard and re-established communication.
Narrative
Departing out of ZZZ on the ZZZZZ departure with ZZZZZ1 transition; the crew of Aircraft X were issued an initial climb to 8000 ft. After checking in with ZZZ Departure/Approach the crew were given a secondary climb to 12000 ft. and continued the assigned departure procedure. Due to the clear skies and unlimited visibility the crew were clearly able to see the mountains in the distance. After a few moments; as the aircraft tracked closer to the terrain; both pilots communicated to each other whether or not ATC was planning to issue a further climb to altitude. The Pilot Monitoring attempted to contact ATC; with no response. As a result the PM (Pilot Monitoring) turned the volume up on Guard as a backup. Shortly after; ATC reached out via Guard; and assigned a northbound vector; an altitude climb; and a new frequency. A frequency transfer from the previous controller was never issued or received prior to the Guard communication. Continued diligence of the crew to notice a lack of communication; to assign a climb to a higher altitude; with the flight path toward the mountains; caused the crew to reach out to ATC for clarification. Without a response the crew reestablished communication with ATC through the Guard frequency. Once communication was established; a vector; a climb; and a frequency change were issued; with no further event.While there are always numerous causes to any event; an overall cause for the stated even would be a breakdown of communication between the aircraft and the Air Traffic Control. Without receiving a handoff from the previous controller; the crew never knew to switch to a new assigned frequency. After the aircraft tracked out of communication range; continued communication between the previous controller and the aircraft became impossible.The crew of Aircraft X reacted quickly once realizing communication with ATC had ceased; by re establishing communication through Guard. Once reestablished the crew immediately executed the ATC instructions as provided; leading to no further necessary action and ending the event in question.A breakdown in communication can happen in multiple ways. Everything from radio volume; inter-cockpit communication; and even other radio transmissions can play a role. While CRM within the cockpit is a great resource; it can sometimes distract from exterior aircraft communications. A sterile cockpit during critical phases of flight can mitigate this possibility. Also; even though Guard may be a distraction during normal operations; having it tuned; and at an appropriate volume allows for a backup in the event of a communication failure with the controlling frequency. Finally; reaching out the ATC quickly once communication reliability is questioned; allows for earlier recognition of any failures; allowing the crew to proceed accordingly.
Second reporter narrative
[Report narrative contained no additional information.]
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.