IFR Squawk Codes

Source: www.pilotworkshop.com
Featuring John Krug

Subscriber Question:

"For IFR - if you are at a non-towered airport and you call for clearance on the phone and are given a squawk code, do you enter it before takeoff or in the air when you contact departure control?" - Norman

John:

"Enter the code in your transponder before takeoff and make sure it is on and altitude reporting. The quicker the controller can identify your aircraft, the quicker you will be provided service. It’s also one less thing to do when you should be concentrating on flying the aircraft and looking for traffic.

However, do not switch frequencies to Departure Control until you are clear of the local traffic pattern. Continue to monitor the Common Traffic Advisory Frequency (CTAF) and report your position so other aircraft know your location."