Question

VFR aircraft which fly authorized SAR missions for the USAF or USCG may be advised to squawk ____ in lieu of 1200 while en route to/from or within the designated search area.

A) 7500
B) 7600
C) 7700
D) 7800

Answer 1

VFR aircraft on SAR missions for the USAF or USCG are advised to squawk code 7800. This code lets air traffic control know the aircraft is engaged in SAR, avoiding confusion with other traffic.

Step-by-step explanation:

VFR aircraft that are tasked with Search and Rescue (SAR) missions for the United States Air Force (USAF) or the United States Coast Guard (USCG) are often provided with unique transponder codes to differentiate them from other air traffic. When a VFR aircraft is involved in an authorized SAR mission, they may be advised to squawk a specific code. The correct answer to which code VFR aircraft should squawk during SAR missions is D) 7800. The codes 7500, 7600, and 7700 are internationally recognized emergency squawk codes indicating hijack, communication failure, and general emergency, respectively.

On a SAR mission, the transponder code 7800 informs air traffic control that the aircraft is involved in a search and rescue operation, allowing controllers to provide appropriate assistance and prevent confusion with non-SAR traffic.