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What does transponder code 7700 indicate?

Choices

Lost communications
Incorrect. Review the explanation and the cited FAA reference for the correct answer.
VFR flight
Incorrect. Review the explanation and the cited FAA reference for the correct answer.
Hijacking
Incorrect. Review the explanation and the cited FAA reference for the correct answer.
✓ Emergency (mayday/distress)correct
Squawk 7700 is the emergency code, alerting ATC that the aircraft is in distress. Memory aid: "77 — going to heaven." This code triggers an alert on ATC radar screens and ensures priority handling.

Why

Squawk 7700 is the emergency code, alerting ATC that the aircraft is in distress. Memory aid: "77 — going to heaven." This code triggers an alert on ATC radar screens and ensures priority handling.

FAA source: AIM 6-3-4, AIM 4-1-20(e)browse the reference library →

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Original study question written for this course — representative of FAA knowledge-test topics, not an actual current FAA exam question. Reviewed by a panel of three CFIs + AI review.