Transponder codes

Your transponder replies to radar with a 4-digit squawk code. Five codes are examinable:

• 1200 = VFR at or below 12,500 ft ASL (the standard VFR code in Canada).
• 1400 = VFR above 12,500 ft ASL.
• 7500 = unlawful interference (hijack).
• 7600 = radio communication failure.
• 7700 = emergency.

The two VFR codes split at the 12,500 ft ASL line: 1200 at or below, 1400 above (TC AIM COM 8.4).

The three "seven" codes are the ones people swap: 7500 hijack (COM 8.8), 7600 radio (COM 8.7), 7700 emergency (COM 8.6).

Trap: mixing up 7500 / 7600 / 7700, or reading 1200 as an emergency code (it is just normal VFR).

Practice