Emergency Procedures

Transponder Squawk 7700 Emergency Activation

FAA Ref: FAA-S-ACS-6C Area III Task A (Communications, Light Signals, and Runway Lighting Systems)

Scenario & Physics Summary

Radar scope primary/secondary target highlighting, emergency frequency 121.5 MHz / 243.0 MHz, and MAYDAY distress procedures.

Interactive 3D Visual Plates & Scenario Media

Transponder Squawk 7700 Emergency Activation Plate 1

Plate 1: Transponder Squawk 7700 Emergency Activation

Transponder Squawk 7700 Emergency Activation Plate 2

Plate 2: Transponder Squawk 7700 Emergency Activation

Transponder Squawk 7700 Emergency Activation Plate 3

Plate 3: Transponder Squawk 7700 Emergency Activation

Transponder Squawk 7700 Emergency Activation Plate 4

Plate 4: Transponder Squawk 7700 Emergency Activation

Aerodynamic & Operational Physics

Squawking 7700 instantly triggers visual emergency flashing alerts on all ATC radar scopes (Civil & Military).
Provides automatic radar tracking prioritization and alerts adjacent sector controllers.
Complement with MAYDAY declaration on current frequency or 121.5 MHz guard.

FAA Exam Gotcha Alert

FAA Exam Trap: If in contact with ATC, state emergency verbally first. Switch to 7700 when instructed or if unable to establish comms.

Frequently Asked Questions & Exam Explanations

What happens on ATC radar when you squawk 7700?

An emergency alert flash and target highlight triggers across all civil and military air traffic control radar consoles.

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