NYC-bound Virgin Air Flight 45 squawking Hijack code; being diverted to New Brunswick, Canada

ABC News | 6-3-5 | ABC News

[Petronski]

The pilot says the hijack code is an error and the plane is secure, but naturally the authorities are not trusting him.

[Petronski]

I don't think Duke809's details are secret.

[Moose4]

"Heavy" is used for any aircraft (I think) that has a max gross takeoff weight of 300,000 pounds or more--Boeing 747s, 767s and 777s, DC-8s, DC-10s and MD-11s, Airbus A330s and A340s. They would communicate to the controllers as "Virgin 45 heavy." I think it's mainly used for ATC communications as a way of reminding controllers, "Hey, I'm a big-arsed A340 over here, it probably wouldn't be a good idea to make me do a real sharp turn near the airport, or vector that little Cessna in two miles behind me because of the wake turbulence."

}:-)4

[babaloo]

Why the discrepancy?

[RushCrush]

I agree with you, but I'm sure this info is readily available on the internet anyway.

[relee]

FOX News: The plane will land in Halifax.

Canadian fighter jets looked at the plane and it looks normal.

[pissant]

I have. I shall pray for the best. But I'm guessing any hijackers will not survive a mob of pissed passengers!

[getmeouttaPalmBeachCounty_FL]

Heavy is a category of a/c - there are 4 Light-Med-Lg and Heavy. If you are a heavy a/c, it has to do with talking with the tower, and weight turbulence and space betw. your a/c and others.

[Petronski]

"Not to be is squawking hijack code. All is every fine."

"We land now. God love America. We land. Well is all going."

LOL

[NonValueAdded]

Several explanations possible ...

Pilot realizes he screwed the pooch, doesn't reset device so he can claim equipment malfunction

Set code, some ATC nimrod asks him if he is declaring a hijacking, bad dude listening to the comms with a pistol at pilot's head encourages a negative verbal response.

Pilots bored, wanted a couple of Molsons and some toast.

[Hatteras]

"Does anyone know if there is a code (verbal or otherwise) to confirm or deny an "all is well" statement from a pilot?"

Yeah, they just say, "Nevermind."

[azhenfud]

Think maybe the pilot or co-pilot scrolled through the frequency inadvertantly? I recall vaguely my F.I.'s words of always tuning one "set" before the others to be sure that didn't happen. Been a while ago though and I can't remember the details....:-(

[Hornet19]

i think heavy is in reference to a 747

[LIConFem]

There's nothing "need to know" about any of this info. Every pilot knows this stuff.

[johnandrhonda]

"heavy" means any aircraft with a take-off weight of 440,000 lbs. or more, I believe...

[marvlus]

I don't think Duke809's details are secret.

They certainly aren't now! :-)

[null and void]

*snrk*

[Moose4]

A Squawkbox reference...oh man, there's another VATSIM flyer on here? :)

}:-)4

[Gunrunner2]

You mean when turned on and then it automatically replies to a radar interrogation.

[RushCrush]

wanted a couple of Molsons

ROTFLAMO!

[Jet Jaguar]

Canacian fighter jets intercept and the jet goes into halifax.