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FAA Instrument Flight Instructor (FII)Instrument RegulationsHard

During an IFR flight in IMC, a pilot experiences a complete two-way radio communications failure. Per AIM guidance, what transponder code should the pilot squawk to alert ATC to the failure?

  1. A7700
  2. B1200
  3. C7600
  4. D7500
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: C. 7600

The AIM specifies that a pilot experiencing a two-way radio communications failure should squawk transponder code 7600, which alerts ATC facilities to the loss of communications so they can apply lost-communication procedures and provide traffic separation accordingly.

Why the other options are wrong

  • A. 7700 signals a general emergency, which may be used in addition to 7600 if the situation warrants but is not the specific comm-failure code.
  • B. 1200 is the standard VFR code, not applicable to an IFR comm failure.
  • D. 7500 signals a hijacking, not a communications failure.

Transponder Codes for Emergencies

Standard transponder codes alert ATC to specific situations: 7500 hijacking, 7600 radio failure, 7700 general emergency.

  • 7600 = two-way radio communications failure
  • 7500 = unlawful interference/hijacking
  • 7700 = general emergency

Memory trick: '5-High-jack, 6-No-talk, 7-Trouble.'

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