Transponder instruction phrases
Fixed ATS transponder wording, one meaning each.
| Phrase | Action | Source |
|---|---|---|
| SQUAWK (code) | Operate on assigned four-digit code, Mode A | TC AIM COM 8.5 |
| SQUAWK IDENT | Press IDENT, only when an ATS unit requests it | TC AIM COM 8.5 |
| SQUAWK MODE CHARLIE | Activate Mode C, automatic altitude reporting | TC AIM COM 8.5 |
| STOP SQUAWK MODE CHARLIE | Turn off automatic altitude reporting | TC AIM COM 8.5 |
| SQUAWK STANDBY | Select standby. Position symbol drops off (or becomes primary radar return) until normal operation resumes | TC AIM COM 8.5 |
| RESET TRANSPONDER | Cycle off, then on: resets and retransmits assigned code. Used if target or ident tag displays unexpectedly | TC AIM COM 8.5; NAV CANADA VFR Phraseology |
| REPORT YOUR ALTITUDE | State current altitude. Checks Mode C readout against it | TC AIM COM 8.5 |
| CONFIRM SQUAWK | Visually, then vocally, confirm selected mode and code | NAV CANADA VFR Phraseology |
| ROGER IDENT | FSS acknowledges request to squawk ident or change to new code | NAV CANADA VFR Phraseology |
| STOP A-D-S-B ALTITUDE TRANSMISSION | Turn off ADS-B altitude transmission | NAV CANADA VFR Phraseology |
| RESET A-D-S-B | Cycle ADS-B off, then on | NAV CANADA VFR Phraseology |
| YOUR TRANSPONDER APPEARS UNSERVICEABLE/MALFUNCTIONING | Not showing properly on surveillance display. Cycle off, then on | NAV CANADA VFR Phraseology |
Altitude readout check after REPORT YOUR ALTITUDE (TC AIM COM 8.5):
| Mode C vs reported altitude | Readout |
|---|---|
| Within 200 ft | Valid |
| 300 ft or more | Invalid |
Trap: Never press IDENT unprompted to "check you're on radar"; only when ATS asks.
References
- TC AIM COM 8.5
- NAV CANADA VFR Phraseology, Transponder Phraseology