Squawk 7401

[stocker]

A question for anyone from Scottish. Is it better to have 7401 set before initial contact, assuming Ive come from Class G or should I have 7000 and wait for instructions.

Im just visiting from private flying because I thought a response here would be short and correct.

[eyeinthesky]

Thanks for your question. In very general terms, the rule is:
Do not select an allocated squawk (as 7401 is) unless you are instructed to by ATS or unless you have other permission to do so (e.g. paradropping).

The idea of the 7401 or 1177 squawk is to show any radar unit who needs to know who you are talking to. If you select it before you are talking then that defeats the purpose.

[stocker]

Thanks for that...I will carry on as before.

[SwanFIS]

"The idea of the 7401 or 1177 squawk is to show any radar unit who needs to know who you are talking to. If you select it before you are talking then that defeats the purpose."

A fair number of pilots are trying to be helpful be preselecting 1177, but as the Eye says, only select when instructed.

[fisbangwollop]

Being one of the voice's on the end of 7401 wait till advised before changing the squak.....and dont forget if able use mode "C" also.