List of transponder codes

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The following list shows specific aeronautical transponder codes, and ranges of codes, that have been used for specific purposes in various countries. Traditionally each country has allocated transponder codes by their own scheme with little commonality across borders. The list is retained for historic interest.

Pilots are normally required to apply the code, allocated by air traffic control, to that specific flight. Occasionally countries may specify generic codes to be used in the absence of an allocated code. Such generic codes are specified in that country's Aeronautical Information Manual or Aeronautical Information Publication. There also are standard transponder codes for defined situations defined by the International Civil Aviation Organization (marked below as ICAO).

Transponder codes shown in this list in the color RED are for emergency use only such as an aircraft hijacking, radio communication failure or another type of emergency.

CodeCountriesAllocated use
0000EuropeNon-discrete mode A code; shall not be used. [1]
UKMode C or other SSR failure [2]
USShould never be assigned. [3]
Military intercept code. [4]
Internal ARTCC subsets assigned by Enroute Safety and Operations Support. (Blocks of discrete codes except that xx00 is used as a non-discrete code after all discrete codes are assigned.) [3]
0021Germany(VFR squawk code for airspace 5,000 feet (1,500 m) and below prior to 15 March 2007 when replaced by the international 7000 code for VFR traffic.) [5]
0022Germany(VFR squawk code for airspace above 5,000 feet (1,500 m) – prior to 15 March 2007 when replaced by the international 7000 code for VFR traffic.) [5]
0025GermanyParachute dropping in progress.[ citation needed ]
0033UKParachute dropping in progress. [2]
0041–0057BelgiumAssigned for VFR traffic under Flight Information Services (BXL FIC).[ citation needed ]
0100AustraliaFlights operating at aerodromes (in lieu of codes 1200, 2000 or 3000 when assigned by ATC or noted in the Enroute Supplement). [6]
0100–0400USAllocated to Service Area Operations for assignment for use by Terminal/CERAP/industry/unique purpose/experimental activities. [3]
0100–0700USNon-discrete code assignments in accordance with FAA Order JO 7110.65, 5-2.
USAlso for use in oceanic airspace unless another code is assigned by ATC. [3]
0500, 0600, 0700USExternal ARTCC subsets. (Blocks of discrete codes except that xx00 is used as a non-discrete code after all discrete codes are assigned.) [3]
1000Canada Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) flight below 18,000 ft ASL when no other code has been assigned. [7]
ICAONon-discrete mode A code reserved use in mode S radar/ADS-B environment where the aircraft identification will be used to correlate the flight plan instead of the mode A code. [1]
USUsed exclusively by ADS-B aircraft to inhibit mode 3A transmission. [3]
USNon-discrete code assignments in accordance with FAA Order JO 7110.65, 5-2. Also for use in oceanic airspace unless another code is assigned by ATC (US). [3]
USExternal ARTCC subset. (Block of discrete codes except that xx00 is used as a non-discrete code after all discrete codes are assigned.) [3]
1100USNon-discrete code assignments in accordance with FAA Order JO 7110.65, 5-2. Also for use in oceanic airspace unless another code is assigned by ATC. [3]
USExternal ARTCC subset. (Block of discrete codes except that xx00 is used as a non-discrete code after all discrete codes are assigned.) [3]
1200AustraliaCivil VFR flights in class E or G airspace. [6]
Canada, US Visual flight rules (VFR) flight standard squawk code used in North American airspace when no other has been assigned or is applicable. [7] [3]
1201USAssigned via FAR 93.95 for use by VFR aircraft in the immediate vicinity of LAX. [3]
US(Visual flight rules (VFR) glider operations for gliders not in contact with ATC, through February 2012. [8] )
1202US Visual flight rules (VFR) glider operations for gliders not in contact with ATC; effective February 2012. [3] [9]
Canada Visual flight rules (VFR) glider operations for gliders not in contact with ATC; effective February 2017. [7] [10]
1203–1272USDiscrete 1200 series codes unless otherwise allocated (for example, 1255), designated for DVFR aircraft and only assigned by a flight service station. [3]
1255USAircraft not in contact with an ATC facility while enroute to/from or within the designated fire fighting area(s). [3] [11]
1273–1275USCalibration Performance Monitoring Equipment (CPME) "Parrot" transponders. [3]
1276US Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) penetration when unable to establish communication with ATC or aeronautical facility. [3]
1277USVFR aircraft which fly authorized SAR missions for the USAF or USCG while enroute to/from or within the designated search area. [3] [11]
1300USNon-discrete code assignments in accordance with FAA Order JO 7110.65, 5-2. Also for use in oceanic airspace, unless another code is assigned by ATC. [3]
USExternal ARTCC subset. (Block of discrete codes except that xx00 is used as a non-discrete code after all discrete codes are assigned.) [3]
1400CanadaVFR flight above 12,500' ASL when no other code has been assigned. [7]
JapanVFR flight above 10,000' MSL when no other code has been assigned.[ citation needed ]
USExternal ARTCC subset. (Block of discrete codes except that xx00 is used as a non-discrete code after all discrete codes are assigned.) [3]
1500USNon-discrete code assignments in accordance with FAA Order JO 7110.65, 5-2. Also for use in oceanic airspace unless another code is assigned by ATC. [3]
USExternal ARTCC subset. (Blocks of discrete codes except that xx00 is used as a non-discrete code after all discrete codes are assigned.) [3]
1600, 1700USExternal ARTCC subsets. (Blocks of discrete codes except that xx00 is used as a non-discrete code after all discrete codes are assigned.) [3]
2000AustraliaCivil IFR flights in class G airspace. [6]
CanadaUncontrolled IFR at or above 18,000 ft MSL. [7]
ICAO countriesCode squawked when entering a secondary surveillance radar (SSR) area from a non-SSR area used as uncontrolled IFR flight squawk code. [1]
EASA countriesCode that pilot shall set in the absence of ATS instructions related to code setting, unless when not receiving air traffic services. [12]
USNon-discrete code assignments in accordance with FAA Order JO 7110.65, 5-2. Also for use in oceanic airspace unless another code is assigned by ATC. [3]
USExternal ARTCC subset. (Block of discrete codes except that xx00 is used as a non-discrete code after all discrete codes are assigned.) [3]
2100AustraliaGround testing by aircraft maintenance staff. [6]
USNon-discrete code assignments in accordance with FAA Order JO 7110.65, 5-2.
USAlso for use in oceanic airspace unless another code is assigned by ATC. [3]
USExternal ARTCC subset. (Block of discrete codes except that xx00 is used as a non-discrete code after all discrete codes are assigned.) [3]
2200, 2300, 2400USNon-discrete code assignments in accordance with FAA Order JO 7110.65, 5-2.
USAlso for use in oceanic airspace unless another code is assigned by ATC. [3]
USExternal ARTCC subsets. (Blocks of discrete codes except that xx00 is used as a non-discrete code after all discrete codes are assigned.) [3]
2500, 2600, 2700USExternal ARTCC subsets. (Blocks of discrete codes except that xx00 is used as a non-discrete code after all discrete codes are assigned.) [3]
3000AustraliaCivil flights in classes A, C and D airspace, or IFR flights in class E airspace. [6]
USExternal ARTCC subset. (Block of discrete codes except that xx00 is used as a non-discrete code after all discrete codes are assigned.) [3]
3100, 3200, 3300,
3400, 3500, 3600,
3700		USExternal ARTCC subsets. (Blocks of discrete codes except that xx00 is used as a non-discrete code after all discrete codes are assigned.) [3]
4000AustraliaCivil flights not involved in special operations or SAR, operating in class G airspace in excess of 15NM offshore. [6]
USAircraft on a VFR Military Training Route or requiring frequent or rapid changes in altitude. [13]
USNon-discrete code assignments in accordance with FAA Order JO 7110.65, 5-2.
USAlso for use in oceanic airspace unless another code is assigned by ATC. [3]
USExternal ARTCC subsets. (Blocks of discrete codes except that xx00 is used as a non-discrete code after all discrete codes are assigned.) [3]
4100USExternal ARTCC subsets. (Blocks of discrete codes except that xx00 is used as a non-discrete code after all discrete codes are assigned.) [3]
4200, 4300USInternal ARTCC subsets assigned by Enroute Safety and Operations Support. (Blocks of discrete codes except that xx00 is used as a non-discrete code after all discrete codes are assigned.) [3]
4400–4477USReserved for use by SR-71, YF-12, U-2, B-57, pressure suit flights, and aircraft operations above FL600. [3] [13]
4401–4433USReserved in accordance with FAA Order JO 7110.67 (Federal Law Enforcement). [3]
4434–4437USWeather reconnaissance, as appropriate. [3]
4440,4441USOperations above FL600 for Lockheed/NASA from Moffett Field. [3]
4442–4446USOperations above FL600 for Lockheed from Air Force Plant 42. [3]
4447–4452USOperations above FL600 for SR-71/U-2 operations from Edwards AFB. [3]
4453USHigh balloon operations: National Scientific Balloon Facility in Palestine, Texas; and other providers, some in international operations. [3]
4454–4465USAir Force operations above FL600 as designated in FAA Order 7610.4. [3]
4466–4477USReserved in accordance with FAA Order JO 7110.67 (Federal Law Enforcement). [3]
4500, 4600, 4700USInternal ARTCC subsets assigned by Enroute Safety and Operations Support. (Blocks of discrete codes except that xx00 is used as a non-discrete code after all discrete codes are assigned.) [3]
5000AustraliaAircraft flying on military operations. [6]
US, CanadaReserved for use by NORAD. [3]
5061, 5062, 5100,
5200		USReserved for special use by Potomac TRACON. [3]
5100, 5200, 5300,
5500		USInternal ARTCC subsets assigned by Enroute Safety and Operations Support. (Blocks of discrete codes except that xx00 is used as a non-discrete code after all discrete codes are assigned.) [3]
5100–5300USMay be used by DOD aircraft beyond radar coverage but inside US controlled airspace with coordination as appropriate with applicable Area Operations Directorate. [3]
5400US, CanadaReserved for use by NORAD. [3]
5600, 5700USExternal ARTCC subsets. (Blocks of discrete codes except that xx00 is used as a non-discrete code after all discrete codes are assigned.) [3]
6000AustraliaMilitary flights in class G airspace. [6]
USExternal ARTCC subset. (Blocks of discrete codes except that xx00 is used as a non-discrete code after all discrete codes are assigned.) [3]
6100US, CanadaReserved for use by NORAD. [3]
6200, 6300USExternal ARTCC subsets. (Blocks of discrete codes except that xx00 is used as a non-discrete code after all discrete codes are assigned.) [3]
6400US, CanadaReserved for use by NORAD. [3]
6500, 6600, 6700USExternal ARTCC subsets. (Blocks of discrete codes except that xx00 is used as a non-discrete code after all discrete codes are assigned.) [3]
7000ICAOVFR standard squawk code when no other code has been assigned. [1]
EASA countriesCode that pilot shall set when not receiving air traffic services, unless otherwise prescribed by the competent authority. [12]
USExternal ARTCC subset. (Block of discrete codes except that xx00 is used as a non-discrete code after all discrete codes are assigned.) [3]
Australia Unmanned aerial vehicle in all classes of airspace and when instructed to enable transponder. [6]
7001FranceUsed in some countries to identify VFR traffic.
UKSudden military climb out from low-level operations. [2]
7004UK Aerobatic and display code in some countries. [2]
7100, 7200, 7300USExternal ARTCC subsets. (Blocks of discrete codes except that xx00 is used as a non-discrete code after all discrete codes are assigned.) [3]
Switzerland7100 in Switzerland for SAR (REGA). [14]
7400US, UK, Australia Unmanned aerial vehicle lost link. [15] [16] [17]
7500ICAO Aircraft hijacking. [3] [7]
7501–7577USReserved for use by Continental NORAD Region (CONR). [3]
7600ICAORadio failure (lost communications). [3] [7]
7601–7607USReserved for special use by FAA. [3]
7610–7676USExternal ARTCC subset (block of discrete codes). [3]
7615AustraliaCivil flights engaged in littoral zone surveillance. [6]
7700ICAOEmergency. [3] [7]
7701–7707USReserved for special use by FAA. [3]
7710–7776USExternal ARTCC subset (block of discrete codes). [3]
7777US, Germany,
UK, Belgium,
Netherlands		Non-discrete code used by fixed test transponders (RABMs) to check correctness of radar stations (BITE).
USDOD interceptor aircraft on active air-defense missions and operating without ATC clearance in accordance with FAA Order 7610.4. [3] [18]

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References

  1. 1 2 3 4 ICAO doc 4444 & ICAO Annex 10
  2. 1 2 3 4 "UK AIP ENR 1.6.2 – SSR Operating Procedures and UK SSR Code Assignment Plan" (PDF). UK Civil Aviation Authority. 2007-11-06. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2009-01-24.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 US Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration. "JO 7110.66F, National Beacon Code Allocation Plan". US Government. Retrieved 2019-12-06.
  4. ↑ "Radio Communications". Cleared for Takeoff: Your Handbook for Becoming a Private Pilot (Revision E ed.). King Schools, Inc. 2006. pp. 4–16.
  5. 1 2 "Change of German VFR transponder codes A/C 7000 replaces A/C 0021 and A/C 0022". SkyControl Aviation & Aerospace News. 2007-11-06. Archived from the original on 2009-07-14. Retrieved 2018-07-16.
  6. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Australian AIP ENR 1.6 para 7.1.4
  7. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Transport Canada (2020-03-26). "TP 14371 – Transport Canada Aeronautical Information Manual (TC AIM) – Communications (COM) 8.0".
  8. ↑ FAA Order/Publication: 7110.65U dated 2011-ß5-18
  9. ↑ FAA Order/Publication: 7110.65V dated 2014-02-19
  10. ↑ Transport Canada. "Aviation Safety Flyer Issue 2/2017" (PDF).
  11. 1 2 FAA order JO 7110.65U
  12. 1 2 EASA SERA.13005
  13. 1 2 "FAA Order 7110.65R (Air Traffic Control procedural manual) chapter 5.2, Beacon Systems". Federal Aviation Authority. 2008-01-21.
  14. ↑ "DZ Transponder Codes/Separations Flashcards". quizlet.com. Retrieved 2016-07-21.
  15. ↑ FAA (11 October 2016). "Notice" (PDF). faa.gov. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2 January 2020. Retrieved 14 March 2022.
  16. ↑ "Enr 1.6 Ats Surveillance Services and Procedures". 19 December 2019.
  17. ↑ Australian AIP ENR 1.6 para 6.4.6
  18. ↑ "Aeronautical Information Manual, chapter 4 – Air Traffic Control". Federal Aviation Administration. 2007-11-06.
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