PA-24 Comanche
Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 25; Flight Crew Total 4100; Flight Crew Type 2800
Situational Awareness; Communication Breakdown
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Deviation - Altitude Excursion From Assigned Altitude; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance; Inflight Event / Encounter CFTT / CFIT
Flight Crew Became Reoriented; Flight Crew Took Evasive Action
Human Factors; Procedure
I was on an IFR flight plan from ZZZ1 to ZZZ2 after having transitioned from [Victor airway] to direct VOR. As I did not hear any hand off from ZZZ Approach to the next sector; I attempted to communicate with the last assigned frequency at ZZZ; but I was unsuccessful as I was most likely out of range. I then called Center on and was advised that they we're looking for me and to immediately climb from 7000 to 8000 ft which I complied with. While on that frequency I was advised to call ATC when I landed which I did. I was informed that I had flown for a period of time at 7000 ft. While the minimum vectoring altitude was 7;200 ft; but had not yet arrived at the point where it was 8;000 ft. During the period of deviation where I was 200 ft. Below the MVA I had visual contact with the terrain below as conditions were VMC with clear weather the entire time. I also advised ATC of that fact after they ordered me to climb to 8;000 ft. I believe that it would have been helpful and possibly avoided the situation had I attempted to check in with ATC sooner after not hearing a hand-off.
PA-24 Pilot reported being out of radio contact with ATC while on an IFR flight plan due to distractions.