Squawk Codes....

[chade7320]

Is there any meaning beind the numbers in an assigned squawk code, or is it just a randomly generated number.

Why during flight after certain requests (new alt, or direct to, ect.) do you sometimes get assigned a new one? Is it just coincidence?

 

[Vector4Food]

Each center or area has a "bank" of codes to assign.

You would get new ones enroute likely because for some reason the data didn't get distributed properly from unit to unit, so the flight plan is entered into the system, and you get issued a new code,

Or, another plane is already using your code, or the system is holding an inactive flight plan with your code.

 

[troopernflight]

I was curious about that as well. We got assigned 0006 the other day. I thought it was interesting to get issued such a low number. I wonder if 0001 have ever been handed out.

 

[Autothrust Blue]

Not a controller, but: If you're curious, 7110.65 actually has a bunch of ground rules for squawk code assignments. Each facility probably has its own directives (it's been a while since I've read this part of that publication), but I do know that the 4*** block belongs to aircraft rapidly changing altitude strata (think TEC in SoCal), for instance.

I was curious about that as well. We got assigned 0006 the other day. I thought it was interesting to get issued such a low number. I wonder if 0001 have ever been handed out.

Vanity squawk codes!

 

[genot]

I don't know if its the same at every TRACON but any time we or one of out towers does a local code, 02XX is VFR without MSAW processing, 03XX is VFR with MSAW processing (must be requested or an emergency) and 04XX is local IFR.

 

[fbm2009]

Vanity squawk codes!

I've often been tempted to put in the remarks section: request code 0007...

 

[Autothrust Blue]

I don't know if its the same at every TRACON but any time we or one of out towers does a local code, 02XX is VFR without MSAW processing, 03XX is VFR with MSAW processing (must be requested or an emergency) and 04XX is local IFR.

I thought MSAW was provided to everyone?

 

[TripSix]

I thought MSAW was provided to everyone?

It isn't. Different code banks than what genot uses, but the principle is the same. I think ours are broken down to local VFR with MSAW, local VFR without MSAW (default). NAS VFR gets the MSAW.

 

[FM_Weasel]

Our book says VFRs are never supposed to receive MSAW processing unless the pilot specifically requests it or an emergency exists.