5-2-3

Emergency Code Assignment

JO 7110.65BB, Change 3, effective July 9, 2026 · Official text on faa.gov

Assign codes to emergency aircraft as follows:

Code 7700 when the pilot declares an emergency and the aircraft is not radar identified.
Phraseology

SQUAWK MAYDAY ON 7700.

Note

Instead of displaying “7700" in the data block, ERAM will display “EMRG,” and STARS/MEARTS will display “EM.”
After radio and radar contact have been established, you may request other than single-piloted helicopters and single-piloted turbojet aircraft to change from Code 7700 to a computer-assigned discrete code.
Note
1. The code change, based on pilot concurrence, the nature of the emergency, and current flight conditions, will signify to other ATC facilities that the aircraft in distress is identified and under ATC control.
2. Pilots of single-piloted helicopters and single-piloted turbojet aircraft may be unable to change transponder settings during an emergency.
Phraseology

RADAR CONTACT (position). IF FEASIBLE, SQUAWK (code).

Reference

FAA Order JO 7110.65, Para 5-3-3, Beacon/ADS-B Identification Methods.
The following must be accomplished on a Mode C equipped VFR aircraft which is in emergency but no longer requires the assignment of Code 7700:
1. TERMINAL. Assign a beacon code that will permit terminal minimum safe altitude warning (MSAW) alarm processing.
2. EN ROUTE. An appropriate keyboard entry must be made to ensure en route MSAW (EMSAW) alarm processing.