Transponder code switching

What is the proper way to switch transponder codes? The way I have
been taught is to put the transponder in stand by, switch to the new
code. Then turn it to mode C
I had an instructor tell me to just change it to the new code without
turning it to stand by first.
Like to hear from controllers as to what they prefer.

I'm not a controller, but I do have a copy of the AIM that says in capital
letters (4-1-18) that you are supposed to have it on at all times, and in
4-1-19 regarding code changes, does not tell you to turn it off.

So the second instructor was right.

Bob Gardner

"Ken Pruchnick" wrote in message
om...
What is the proper way to switch transponder codes? The way I have
been taught is to put the transponder in stand by, switch to the new
code. Then turn it to mode C
I had an instructor tell me to just change it to the new code without
turning it to stand by first.
Like to hear from controllers as to what they prefer.

On 6 Oct 2003 13:41:42 -0700, (Ken Pruchnick) wrote:

Like to hear from controllers as to what they prefer.

We heard from a controller when this topic came up on another forum.
The word was, do not squawk standby unless they ask you to.



Mark Kolber
APA/Denver, Colorado
www.midlifeflight.com
======================
email? Remove ".no.spam"

AIM or no AIM, I'd put it to standby while changing the squawk. You're not
supposed to squawk an incorrect code either, and if you're not on standby,
that's what you're doing while changing.

I suspect it doesn't make much difference as it's over in a moment.

Jose

--
(for Email, make the obvious changes in my address)

In article , Teacherjh wrote:

AIM or no AIM, I'd put it to standby while changing the squawk. You're not
supposed to squawk an incorrect code either, and if you're not on standby,
that's what you're doing while changing.

I suspect it doesn't make much difference as it's over in a moment.

The only time it really makes a difference is if you accidentally
switch it to the 7500+ neighborhood. A good rule of thumb is to roll in
the first number (which at least in the Minneapolis area is never 7) and
then do the rest.

Do people get 7xxx codes elsewhere in the United States?

Regards,

Mike

"Mike Beede" wrote in message
...
The only time it really makes a difference is if you accidentally
switch it to the 7500+ neighborhood. A good rule of thumb is to roll in
the first number (which at least in the Minneapolis area is never 7) and
then do the rest.

Do people get 7xxx codes elsewhere in the United States?

Not sure about assigning 7xxx codes...

I found a list of transponder codes besides the 1200/7500/7600/7700:

1255 is for VFR aircraft engaged in fighting forest fires
1277 is for VFR aircraft engaged in search & rescue operations
4000 is reserved for VFR military aircraft on training missions
4400-4477 are reserved for aircraft operating above FL600
At no time should 7777 be used, as this is for military interception
procedures
(Source: 2003-2004 Iowa Airport Directory page 135)

Are there others?

Would be kind of cute to "accidentally" select 44xx and
see what altitude they assign...

"Sven" wrote in message
news:Ewqgb.701786$uu5.115368@sccrnsc04...
"Mike Beede" wrote in message
...
The only time it really makes a difference is if you accidentally
switch it to the 7500+ neighborhood. A good rule of thumb is to roll in
the first number (which at least in the Minneapolis area is never 7) and
then do the rest.

Do people get 7xxx codes elsewhere in the United States?

Not sure about assigning 7xxx codes...

I found a list of transponder codes besides the 1200/7500/7600/7700:

1255 is for VFR aircraft engaged in fighting forest fires
1277 is for VFR aircraft engaged in search & rescue operations
4000 is reserved for VFR military aircraft on training missions
4400-4477 are reserved for aircraft operating above FL600
At no time should 7777 be used, as this is for military interception
procedures
(Source: 2003-2004 Iowa Airport Directory page 135)

Are there others?

"John Harper" wrote in message
news:1065499936.802114@sj-nntpcache-3...
Would be kind of cute to "accidentally" select 44xx and
see what altitude they assign...


I doubt that they would confuse someone flying at FL065 with someone at
FL650.

The saying you won't hear: "Cessna Skyhawk, climb to FL650, Squawk 4444..."

"Sven" writes:

I found a list of transponder codes besides the 1200/7500/7600/7700:

1255 is for VFR aircraft engaged in fighting forest fires
1277 is for VFR aircraft engaged in search & rescue operations
4000 is reserved for VFR military aircraft on training missions
4400-4477 are reserved for aircraft operating above FL600
At no time should 7777 be used, as this is for military interception
procedures
(Source: 2003-2004 Iowa Airport Directory page 135)

Are there others?

Here are some Canadian default codes (uncontrolled, or no transponder
code yet assigned):

1400 VFR above 12,500 ft
1000 IFR in low-level airspace
2000 IFR in high-level airspace


All the best,


David

Ken,

leave it on while switching. The AIM says so.

--
Thomas Borchert (EDDH)