Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) Practice Exam

Which transponder code should be set during an in-flight emergency?

1. 1200

2. 7500

3. 7700

4. 7600

The correct answer is: 7700

In the event of an in-flight emergency, the appropriate transponder code to set is 7700. This code is universally recognized by air traffic control as an indication that the aircraft is experiencing an emergency situation, thus prompting immediate assistance and priority handling. When the transponder is set to 7700, it alerts ATC that the pilot requires urgent support, which can range from technical failures to medical emergencies. It’s crucial for pilots to know and utilize this code, as it prevents confusion and enables quicker response actions from air traffic control and emergency services. Other codes serve different purposes: 7500 signals a hijacking, 7600 denotes a radio communication failure, and 1200 indicates a VFR (Visual Flight Rules) operation, which does not imply an emergency. Therefore, understanding these codes is vital for effective communication and response in aviation emergencies.