Transponder and Squawk Codes

In European uncontrolled airspace, when you have not been assigned a discrete squawk, you squawk 7000. This tells every radar-equipped facility in the region that you are a VFR aircraft providing your own separation. Always remember to set 7000 before departure if you have not filed a flight plan or have not been assigned a specific squawk.

When you are assigned a discrete squawk (a code assigned only to you), read it back to confirm it is correct. Squawk codes are read as four single digits:

"Squawk two-three-four-five" (not "twenty-three forty-five").

After you have read back the code, set it into your transponder immediately. Do not delay. The sooner the code is active, the sooner the facility can identify you on radar.