Transponder and Squawk Codes

Occasionally, the radar facility will instruct you to "squawk ident." This means you should press the IDENT button on your transponder. This button sends a special signal to the radar that makes your radar target brighter and more distinctive for a few seconds, helping the controller to identify you on the screen. It is a useful tool when the controller is trying to locate your aircraft among many targets.

When instructed to squawk ident, press the button and hold it briefly (usually no more than one second). Then release it. Do not hold it down continuously. After you have pressed ident, acknowledge that you have done so:

"Ident, OE-CMV."

The facility will confirm that they have seen your ident on their scope:

"OE-CMV, ident confirmed, radar contact."

Always set your transponder to Mode C (altitude reporting) if your aircraft is equipped with it. Mode C sends your altitude along with your radar identification, allowing the controller to see your flight level directly on the radar screen. This is a valuable safety feature.