FAA Ground School Practice Test

What should a pilot do if a squawk code is needed but they do not have any special clearance?

1. Squawk a code of 7500

2. Squawk 7600 randomly

3. Squawk 1200 by default

4. Always request a new code from ATC before departure

The correct answer is: Squawk 1200 by default

In situations where a pilot needs to squawk a code but does not have any special clearance, they should squawk 1200 by default, which indicates that they are operating under VFR (Visual Flight Rules). This code is a standard transponder setting for civilian aircraft flying in uncontrolled airspace or when not in contact with air traffic control. When a pilot squawks 1200, it communicates to air traffic control that they are not participating in active ATC services, which is appropriate unless they have been given specific instructions for a different squawk code. The other codes, such as 7500 or 7600, indicate specific emergencies or situations that require ATC awareness and response. A squawk of 7500 is reserved for hijacking situations, while 7600 indicates a communication failure. Therefore, using these codes without the appropriate situation would create confusion and could lead to unnecessary alerts to ATC. Requesting a new code from ATC before departure is certainly prudent, but if there is no clearance or communication with ATC at that moment, the default should indeed be 1200. Thus, squawking 1200 is the safest and most appropriate choice when no special clearance is present.