Squawk

Squawk is the colloquial term for the act of setting a specific four-digit transponder code. ATC uses the instruction “squawk [code]” to assign or verify the transponder code. It also refers to the transponder code itself (“what is your squawk?”).

Common Instructions

  • “Squawk [code]”: Set the specified four-digit code on your transponder
  • “Squawk ident”: Press the IDENT button — your radar return blooms momentarily to confirm identification
  • “Squawk standby”: Place transponder in standby mode (not transmitting)
  • “Squawk altitude”: Ensure Mode C altitude encoding is enabled
  • “Squawk Charlie”: Enable Mode C (altitude reporting)

Related Terms

See also: Transponder, Transponder Codes, SSR.