What transponder code indicates general emergency?

What transponder code indicates general emergency?

• A. 7600
• B. 7700
• C. 7500
• D. 0000

Answer: (B)

When a pilot faces an urgent or life-threatening situation, they set a specific four-digit transponder code that signals a general emergency to air traffic control and other radar observers. This code is 7700. Seeing this code tells ATC that the aircraft needs immediate priority handling, assistance, and possible rescue coordination. It prompts controllers to give priority to landings and separation, and to alert other aircraft in the area to exercise caution. For contrast, 7600 indicates a loss of radio communications, which is a different issue tied to inability to communicate rather than an immediate emergency; 7500 signals a hijack, a highly specific security situation; and 0000 is not used as a standard emergency signal in routine operations. So, the general emergency code is the one marked by 7700.

When a pilot faces an urgent or life-threatening situation, they set a specific four-digit transponder code that signals a general emergency to air traffic control and other radar observers. This code is 7700. Seeing this code tells ATC that the aircraft needs immediate priority handling, assistance, and possible rescue coordination. It prompts controllers to give priority to landings and separation, and to alert other aircraft in the area to exercise caution.

For contrast, 7600 indicates a loss of radio communications, which is a different issue tied to inability to communicate rather than an immediate emergency; 7500 signals a hijack, a highly specific security situation; and 0000 is not used as a standard emergency signal in routine operations. So, the general emergency code is the one marked by 7700.