Transponder squawk code change
Thread Starter
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 71
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From: FL350
Transponder squawk code change
Hi guys,
Just curious, when transitioning from Radar environment to non-radar then back to radar environment eg a flight from London to Dar-es-salaam...(through Malta----to Libyan & Khartoum(non-radar) ------Nairobi(radar)... would you change your squawk code when in the Libyan airspace to 2000 or would you leave your last assigned squawk code?
Regards
Just curious, when transitioning from Radar environment to non-radar then back to radar environment eg a flight from London to Dar-es-salaam...(through Malta----to Libyan & Khartoum(non-radar) ------Nairobi(radar)... would you change your squawk code when in the Libyan airspace to 2000 or would you leave your last assigned squawk code?
Regards
Last edited by B777Heavy; 22nd January 2011 at 16:04.
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,198
Likes: 32
From: France
I've done both.
Normally, as soon as you regain a radar service, the controller will assign a new squawk code anyway. There is a small risk that your retained code could have been assigned already in the new FIR and therefore cause confusion, hence the protocol of selecting 2000.
In the NAT, the procedure is formally laid down that when entering oceanic airspace, the assigned code will be retained for 20 minutes, then 2000 will be selected.
In other parts of the world the procedure is not so clear; in fact it's not always clear whether or not you are under radar control.
If in doubt, verify whether or not you are under radar; and if not, selecting 2000 may be the best option.
The important thing is to keep the transponder on to enable TCAS to work properly, and so that any military radar units can see you clearly. If your code causes confusion or is not recognised, the controller will quickly assign the one for his/her sector.
Normally, as soon as you regain a radar service, the controller will assign a new squawk code anyway. There is a small risk that your retained code could have been assigned already in the new FIR and therefore cause confusion, hence the protocol of selecting 2000.
In the NAT, the procedure is formally laid down that when entering oceanic airspace, the assigned code will be retained for 20 minutes, then 2000 will be selected.
In other parts of the world the procedure is not so clear; in fact it's not always clear whether or not you are under radar control.
If in doubt, verify whether or not you are under radar; and if not, selecting 2000 may be the best option.
The important thing is to keep the transponder on to enable TCAS to work properly, and so that any military radar units can see you clearly. If your code causes confusion or is not recognised, the controller will quickly assign the one for his/her sector.
