What is the SSR code for communication failure?

The SSR code for communication (radio) failure is 7600.

What should you do if you lose radio communication with ATC?

Attempt to contact ATC on alternate and emergency frequencies, then set transponder code 7600 if unable to establish contact.

What are the three main emergency SSR codes and their meanings?

7500 is for unlawful interference (hijack), 7600 for communication failure, and 7700 for general emergency.

What additional information should be transmitted if only your receiver fails?

Transmit 'TRANSMITTING BLIND DUE TO RECEIVER FAILURE,' repeat the message, and state the time of your next transmission.

What is the radio failure squawk procedure for a controlled VFR flight?

Continue under VFR, proceed to the nearest suitable aerodrome, and contact ATC as soon as possible after landing.

SSR Codes for Communication Failure

Easy4 min readCommunications

Moderately Examined

Why this matters

Knowing and correctly using SSR codes for communication failure is vital for pilot safety and efficient air traffic management, especially when voice communication is lost. It ensures that controllers can identify your situation and provide appropriate assistance or separation from other traffic.

SSR codes are special transponder codes used by pilots to signal specific situations to air traffic control. For communication failure, the internationally recognized code is 7600. Setting this code alerts controllers that the aircraft has lost radio contact and is following established lost-communication procedures.

Quick Check

Which SSR transponder code should be set to indicate a communication (radio) failure?

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Explanation

SSR Codes and Their Purpose

Secondary Surveillance Radar (SSR) codes, also known as transponder codes, allow pilots to communicate critical situations to ATC without voice contact. There are three main emergency SSR codes:

7500: Unlawful interference (hijack)
7600: Communication (radio) failure
7700: General emergency (distress)

Communication Failure Code Explained

If you lose two-way radio communication, set your transponder to 7600. This 'squawk 7600' instantly notifies ATC of your radio failure, prompting them to monitor your flight closely and use alternative methods to communicate, such as observing your aircraft’s maneuvers or using visual signals.

Steps to Take in a Radio Failure

Check all radio equipment and settings for possible errors.
Attempt contact on alternate frequencies, including 121.5 MHz (international emergency frequency).
Try contacting other aircraft or ground stations.
If all attempts fail, set SSR code 7600 and transmit your intentions blind, prefacing with "TRANSMITTING BLIND."

Additional Actions

For receiver-only failure, transmit "TRANSMITTING BLIND DUE TO RECEIVER FAILURE" and repeat your message twice.
In VMC, continue visually and land at the nearest suitable aerodrome.
In IMC, follow published lost-communication procedures based on radar coverage and last assigned clearances.

Why Use SSR Codes?

SSR codes for communication failure ensure that ATC and other aircraft are aware of your situation, reducing confusion and maintaining safety in busy airspace.

The essentials

Key Points

SSR code 7600 is used for communication (radio) failure.

SSR code 7700 signals a general emergency or distress.

SSR code 7500 is reserved for unlawful interference (hijack).

After setting 7600, attempt contact on alternate and emergency frequencies.

Transmit your intentions blind if no contact is established.

Follow specific procedures based on VMC or IMC and radar coverage.

SSR codes allow ATC to identify and assist aircraft in non-standard situations.

Watch out

Exam Traps & Typical Mistakes

Confusing SSR code 7600 (communication failure) with 7700 (emergency) or 7500 (hijack).

Believing 7700 should be set for any emergency, including radio failure.

Forgetting to attempt contact on other frequencies before setting 7600.

Assuming SSR codes are only for emergencies, not for communication failures.

Overlooking the need to transmit intentions blind after setting 7600.

Test yourself

Example Exam Questions

Question 2Easy

What is the correct SSR code to squawk in case of unlawful interference (hijack)?

Question 3Medium

If you experience a radio failure, which frequency should you attempt to use before squawking 7600?

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