Small Aircraft; High Wing; 1 Eng; Fixed Gear
Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Private
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 29.4; Flight Crew Total 296; Flight Crew Type 260
Communication Breakdown; Distraction
ATC Issue All Types; Inflight Event / Encounter Other / Unknown
Air Traffic Control Provided Assistance; Flight Crew Overcame Equipment Problem; Flight Crew Requested ATC Assistance / Clarification
ATC Equipment / Nav Facility / Buildings; Company Policy
I was on a flight and had been talking to South Bend Approach on 132.05. The Controller handling the sector had me on my initial descent from 5;000 feet to 4;000 feet. At approximately 15 mile from VPZ the controller informed me that VPZ was at my 12 o'clock and 15 miles and to report in sight. I responded with 'I have the field in sight would like to cancel IFR and proceed VFR for the rest of the way.' I received no response from the Controller but there were other aircraft on the frequency that he was handling so I thought nothing of it. About 2 minutes later the Controller reissued the report in sight request. I again stated that I had the field in sight and I would like to cancel IFR and proceed VFR thinking he just didn't hear my previous response. I again received no response. A moment later the Controller called my tail number and transmitted 'How do you copy?' I responded that I copied him 5x5 how did he hear me. The Controller again called my tail number. I had my passenger transmit a message thinking it might be my microphone that is not transmitting. They could not hear the passenger either. A couple of moments later another Controller came on the frequency and gave me a new frequency to come up on. I transmitted on the new frequency and we were able to reestablish communications. I was able to cancel IFR and proceeded into VPZ under VFR conditions. After the flight I was able to make phone contact with South Bend Approach. I told them I was involved in a possible lost comms situation and wanted to verify that they knew I was safe on the ground in VPZ. The Controller I spoke with stated that it wasn't lost comms; it is a known issue in that area and that the transmitters and receivers that Approach uses are extremely weak and there are several times that pilots and controllers are not able to hear each other. I thanked them for their professional approach and that the secondary frequency that they had me come up on worked fine. This is an extremely dangerous situation. Pilot and controllers need to be able to talk to each other; especially during an approach or departure stage when the dangers of flying increase. There is a lot of flight activity at VPZ and the surrounding airports. There are a lot of agricultural planes that fly around as well as skydiving operations. The area that we fly in is also on the STAR for arriving MDW traffic which is handled by the same Approach Controller that I could not communicate with. Having these aircraft flying around and ATC is unable to give separation instructions for IFR traffic is very dangerous; especially at an altitude of 4-5;000 feet. Thankfully the controller on frequency had an idea of what the problem was and once we figured out one of us couldn't hear the other it was corrected. It would be extremely prudent to inspect/repair/replace or upgrade the transmitters and receivers that South Bend Approach uses in and around the area of VPZ. These controllers should have access to equipment that is going to function properly and allow them to remain in contact with traffic on their frequency.
GA pilot reported they lost communications with ATC while on approach to VPZ in SBN TRACON airspace. The reporter was issued a new frequency to re-establish communications and was advised by ATC that communications loss in this area is a known problem.