What term describes the situation when an aircraft senses no command link after a designated time-out?

The term that describes the situation when an aircraft senses no command link after a designated time-out is "Lost Link." This situation typically occurs in the context of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), where maintaining a continuous command and control link between the operator and the aircraft is crucial for safety and operational integrity.

When the aircraft experiences a loss of signal from the control station, it enters a state where it can no longer receive commands or telemetry data. This is particularly important in ensuring that the aircraft can take appropriate actions during such an event. For many UAS, predefined protocols are initiated during a lost link scenario, such as returning to a home location or entering a hold pattern until link is reestablished. Understanding this concept is essential for safe operation and effective risk management in UAS operations.