What does "expected" refer to in IFR NORDO altitude procedures?

In the context of IFR (Instrument Flight Rules) NORDO (No Radio) altitude procedures, "expected" refers specifically to an altitude that may be communicated to the pilot by air traffic control. When operating under IFR without radio communication, pilots are often required to follow specific altitude protocols in the absence of guidance from ATC. These expected altitudes serve as a standard operating procedure to ensure that pilots maintain safe separation from other aircraft, and they provide a framework for expected behavior during flight in uncontrolled situations.

Understanding that "expected" signifies the altitude provided by air traffic control is crucial for pilots who may need to continue on a course and maintain altitude without communication. The guidelines help establish a level of predictability and safety for pilots who might find themselves out of contact due to radio failure, ensuring that they adhere to altitudes that ATC would have instructed them to fly had communication been possible.