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

Prepare for your Private Pilot Glider Test with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each featuring hints and explanations. Ready yourself for the main exam!

Multiple Choice

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

Explanation:
When flying VFR in the US below 18,000 feet, the aircraft should be squawking the standard VFR code. This four-digit code lets ATC identify you as VFR and monitor you on radar. Unless ATC specifically assigns you a different discrete code for radar identification, set 1200. The other codes aren’t appropriate for this common VFR scenario: 0000 would indicate the transponder is off or not reporting; 7777 is reserved for military use in special cases; and 1000 is not the standard civil VFR code. So 1200 is the correct default to ensure you’re properly identified on radar.

When flying VFR in the US below 18,000 feet, the aircraft should be squawking the standard VFR code. This four-digit code lets ATC identify you as VFR and monitor you on radar. Unless ATC specifically assigns you a different discrete code for radar identification, set 1200. The other codes aren’t appropriate for this common VFR scenario: 0000 would indicate the transponder is off or not reporting; 7777 is reserved for military use in special cases; and 1000 is not the standard civil VFR code. So 1200 is the correct default to ensure you’re properly identified on radar.

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