FAA Ground School Practice Test

What transponder code should be selected when operating under VFR below 18,000 feet MSL, unless otherwise authorized?

1. 7500

2. 1200

3. 7600

4. 7700

The correct answer is: 1200

When operating under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) below 18,000 feet Mean Sea Level (MSL), the appropriate transponder code to select is 1200. This code designates VFR operations and is universally recognized by air traffic control and other aircraft. When a pilot selects 1200, it indicates that they are flying under VFR conditions, which means they are not under direct air traffic control and are responsible for their own navigation and separation from other aircraft. In most airspace, pilots must adhere to certain codes assigned to various situations, such as emergencies or specific air traffic control instructions. While other codes can indicate hijacking (7500), communications failure (7600), or emergencies (7700), these are not applicable for standard VFR operations. Therefore, selecting 1200 provides a clear indication of the flight's status as VFR and facilitates the effective management of air traffic.