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Transponder Emergency Squawk

AIM ¶ 6-2-2 — Transponder Emergency Squawk

AIM 6-2-2 explains squawking 7700 in an emergency. Learn when, how, and why to alert ATC via transponder for distress or urgency conditions.

In Plain English

When you face a distress or urgency condition, your transponder is one of the fastest ways to alert ATC — even before you key the mic. Per AIM 6-2-2, pilots with a coded radar beacon transponder should:

  • Squawk Mode 3/A, Code 7700 (the emergency code)
  • Turn on Mode C altitude reporting
  • Immediately establish communications with the appropriate ATC facility

Why it matters operationally: Code 7700 normally triggers an alarm or special indicator at all control positions in radar facilities, so controllers are alerted instantly. However, you may not always be inside a radar coverage area (think low altitude, mountainous terrain, or remote regions). For that reason, the AIM recommends you continue squawking 7700 and keep trying to establish radio contact as soon as possible — don't assume your squawk alone has been seen.

This is a recommended practice in the AIM, not a regulation, but it's standard procedure expected on checkrides and in real-world emergencies.

AIM Source Text
FAA AIM ¶ 6-2-2
6-2-2. 6-2-2. Transponder Emergency Operation When a distress or urgency condition is encountered, the pilot of an aircraft with a coded radar beacon transponder, who desires to alert a ground radar facility, should squawk Mode 3/A, Code 7700/Emergency and Mode C altitude reporting and then immediately establish communications with the ATC facility. Radar facilities are equipped so that Code 7700 normally triggers an alarm or special indicator at all control positions. Pilots should understand that they might not be within a radar coverage area. Therefore, they should continue squawking Code 7700 and establish radio communications as soon as possible.
Oral Exam Questions a DPE Might Ask
Q1What transponder code should you squawk in an emergency, and what mode should be active?
Per AIM 6-2-2, squawk Mode 3/A, Code 7700 (Emergency) with Mode C altitude reporting on, then immediately establish communications with ATC.
Q2What happens at a radar facility when an aircraft squawks 7700?
Per AIM 6-2-2, Code 7700 normally triggers an alarm or special indicator at all control positions, alerting controllers to the emergency.
Q3If you squawk 7700 in an emergency, can you assume ATC has seen you?
No. Per AIM 6-2-2, you may not be within a radar coverage area, so you should continue squawking 7700 and establish radio communications as soon as possible.
Related Paragraphs in AIM Chapter 6
6-2-1
Radar Service VFR Difficulty
6-2-3
SAR Intercept and Escort
6-2-4
Emergency Locator Transmitter
6-2-5
FAA K-9 Explosives Detection
6-2-6
Search and Rescue
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AIM 6-2-2 — Transponder Emergency Operation