When an aircraft is blind and NORDO, what altitude will number 1 climb or descend to?

When an aircraft is blind and has no radio communications (NORDO), it is essential for safety and separation from other aircraft that the pilot adheres to the standard altitude management practices.

In VFR conditions, pilots flying in formation will utilize odd thousand foot altitudes when climbing, as this helps maintain vertical separation and improves the overall safety of flight, especially in situations where communication might be compromised. This practice minimizes the risk of mid-air collisions and ensures that the formation maintains a structured altitude strategy, enhancing situational awareness for all aircraft involved.

The choice of odd thousands for climbing ensures that formation flights remain predictable with respect to traffic flow and supports effective communication of altitude intentions, even when formal radio communication is not available. This standard also aligns with general aviation operating procedures regarding IFR and VFR flights in congested airspace or areas with potential cross-traffic.