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AhaBulb: Stuff Everyone Should Know · ahabulb.com/pilot-squawk-7600-radio-failure

Which transponder code tells ATC your two-way radio has failed?

7600.

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  1. 7700
  2. 7600 ✔
  3. 7500

Why: The AIM says to set 7600 after losing two-way radio. In VFR conditions, continue VFR and land as soon as practicable. 7700 is a general emergency and 7500 is a hijacking.

Huh, didn't know that: 'As soon as practicable' is not 'as soon as possible'; the pilot can pick a sensible airport.

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Why did the radio and the microphone break up? There was no communication.
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References

Answer: 7600. The AIM says to set 7600 after losing two-way radio. In VFR conditions, continue VFR and land as soon as practicable. 7700 is a general emergency and 7500 is a hijacking.

  1. AIM 6-4 Two-way Radio Communications Failure www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/atpubs/aim_html/chap6_section_4.html
    should adjust the transponder to reply on Mode A/3, Code 7600.
    Checked 2026-10-09.

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