FAA Airline Transport Pilot (ATM)Navigation, Air Traffic Control and ProceduresEasy
A first officer notices the flight is being hijacked by an unauthorized person in the cockpit. Air traffic control has not been contacted verbally. Which transponder code should the crew select to alert ATC of the situation?
- A7500
- B7700
- C7600
- D1200
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. 7500
Code 7500 is the discrete transponder code reserved for hijack situations and will alert ATC automatically. 7600 indicates lost communications, 7700 indicates a general emergency, and 1200 is the standard VFR code.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. 7700 is used for general emergencies, not the specific hijack alert.
- C. 7600 signals radio/communication failure, not a hijack.
- D. 1200 is the VFR code and has no emergency meaning.
Emergency Transponder Codes
Specific four-digit transponder codes alert ATC to different in-flight emergencies without requiring voice communication.
- 7500 = Hijack
- 7600 = Lost communications
- 7700 = General emergency
- 1200 = VFR (non-emergency)
Memory trick: '7-5 Stay Alive, 7-6 No Mics, 7-7 Mayday Heaven'