FAA Ground School Practice Test

Unless otherwise authorized, what VFR code should a pilot squawk when flying a transponder-equipped aircraft?

1. 1200

2. 1400

3. 1000

4. 1600

The correct answer is: 1200

When flying a transponder-equipped aircraft under VFR (Visual Flight Rules), the standard code that a pilot should squawk is 1200. This code is essentially a way for air traffic control and other radar-equipped facilities to identify VFR traffic. It indicates that the aircraft is operating outside of controlled airspace and is not under air traffic control instructions. Using the VFR code of 1200 allows for easier tracking and separation of VFR aircraft by ATC. It is vital for maintaining situational awareness in busy airspaces and helps in collision avoidance efforts among various pilots flying in the same area. Other codes like 1400, 1000, and 1600 may be used in specific situations for certain flight operations, but they are not the standard squawk code for general VFR flights. Therefore, 1200 is the correct and most widely accepted squawk code for pilots flying under VFR unless they receive different instructions from air traffic control.