SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/pilot-autoland-squawks-7700

When an Emergency Autoland system takes over, what transponder code does it set?

7700, the emergency code.

Start playing free

  1. 7700 ✔
  2. 7600
  3. 1200

Why: The AFH says the Emergency Autoland system squawks 7700 and broadcasts on the last frequency and on 121.5 MHz, using a synthesized voice to announce its plan to land.

Huh, didn't know that: The system can be turned on by a pilot or a passenger, and only picks airports with an RNAV or GPS approach.

The dad joke
My airplane can land itself. Now it wants a raise and its own parking spot.
Like this card?
Play the game

References

Answer: 7700. The AFH says the Emergency Autoland system squawks 7700 and broadcasts on the last frequency and on 121.5 MHz, using a synthesized voice to announce its plan to land.

  1. Airplane Flying Handbook FAA-H-8083-3C, Chapter 18 www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/regulations_policies/handbooks_manuals/aviation/airplane_handbook/19_afh_ch18.pdf
    Additionally, EAL sets the transponder to squawk 7700 to indicate an emergency.
    Checked 2026-10-09.

Think this answer is wrong? Tap "Challenge this answer" on the card in the game and tell us why.

Test yourself in the game

Flying & DronesThe Mode C veil requires an altitude reporting transponder within how far of listed major airports?Flying & DronesUnless ATC says otherwise, which transponder code does a VFR pilot use?Flying & DronesWhich transponder code tells ATC your two-way radio has failed?

That's stuff everyone should know.