What should a pilot do if they encounter lost communications while on an MTR?

When a pilot experiences lost communications while on a Military Training Route (MTR), the appropriate action is to maintain the last clearance received and proceed as planned. This is critical because pilots are trained to follow their last known instructions when communication is lost. The guidance ensures that the pilot continues to operate safely, using previously established routes and altitude levels until communications can be reestablished.

This procedure recognizes that the pilot has already received a clearance, and maintaining that clearance allows them to operate without making sudden or unnecessary changes that could compromise safety. Other options, such as contacting ground control or returning to base, might lead to confusion, as the pilot's last known instructions would be more relevant than attempting to change course without guidance. Squawking 7700 is also typically reserved for emergencies, which would not apply in cases of lost communications when the original clearance is still valid and can guide the pilot's actions.