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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/pilot-squawk-1200-vfr

Unless ATC says otherwise, which transponder code does a VFR pilot use?

1200, the VFR code.

  1. 1200 ✔
  2. 7600
  3. 7700

Why: The AIM says to set code 1200 for VFR unless ATC assigns another. 7600 means lost radio and 7700 means emergency, so they are never for routine flying.

Huh, didn't know that: When a transponder is required, pilots must keep altitude reporting on unless ATC says otherwise.

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Sources

  1. AIM 4-1 Services Available to Pilots https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/atpubs/aim_html/chap4_section_1.html
  2. FAA Private Pilot Airplane sample questions https://www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/training_testing/testing/test_questions/par_questions.pdf

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