A319
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Troubleshooting
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
Air Traffic Control Issued New Clearance; Air Traffic Control Provided Assistance; Flight Crew Landed As Precaution; Flight Crew Requested ATC Assistance / Clarification; Flight Crew Overcame Equipment Problem
Aircraft; Manuals
On takeoff in moderate rain and turbulence we noticed an unusual sound in our headset followed by ECAM and loss of communication with ATC. We tried to use VHF 2 with no success. Once we realized that all communication with ATC was lost; we squawked 7600. Captain (CA) performed the ECAM procedure First Officer (FO) Pilot Flying (PF) at this point) for COM VHF emitting and again with no success. CA performed the QRH procedure for COM VHF emitting with limited success due to inability to locate all the circuit breakers. We were later told by the maintenance personnel that not all the circuit breakers listed on the QRH were installed in our aircraft. Later we established audio with ATC; but could not transmit and therefore acknowledged ATC by using transponder IDENT. We contacted dispatcher via ACARS explaining our situation and requested additional information/help/ideas. We then used SATCOM phone to contact our dispatcher via phone patch. We spoke to a mechanic and finally could also contact ATC. We entered a holding pattern over ZZZ VOR and eventually landed uneventfully.
On the take off in moderate rain and turbulence we had a loud noise in our headsets and speakers followed by a ECAM and loss off communication with the tower. We switched to VHF NUmber 2 with no success. We tried many different options including unplugging all mike's and headsets. Realizing we lost com with ATC we squawked 7600. I performed the ECAM for emitting COM VHF 1&2 with no success. It led me to the QRH  again no success there either. About the QRH procedure; It was very hard for me to find the circuit breakers that were identified to be pulled. I spent way too much time trying to find them in the dark with turbulence. Later I found out some Circuit Breakers (CB) don't exist in the aircraft; this was not the correct time to have me looking for things that don't exist. Later we established audio with ATC and acknowledged instructions with a Ident on the transponder. I used the ACARS to contact dispatch and inform them of our situation and ask for their guidance. I also tried to use COM 3 which led to another ECAM. We then used the SATCOM to phone patch the dispatcher. He gave me some suggestions on CB's to pull but again with 'NO' success. The dispatcher phone patched me to ATC and the three of us made our plan on diverting to ZZZ (VFR). The controller gave me the ZZZ towers phone number so I could call on the ground for directions to taxi to the gate.. Landing safely and uneventful.The mechanic could not fix the communication. He also could not find the circuit breakers identified in the QRH. I believe he said it could be the antenna and ordered parts.Make SATCOM available to the pilots at all altitudes and at all times.
A319 flight crew departing into moderate rain and turbulence experienced communication radio failure. All attempts to rectify the problem are unsuccessful; but eventually the dispatcher is contacted via satcom and a diversion plan is passed to ATC.