7700 = EMERGENCY
7600 = RADIO FAILURE
7500 = HI-JACKING
In FS, any code can be used at discretion except those listed above in red : 7700-7600-7500.
When squawking stand-by, controllers can still see the aircraft on their screens but without any tag.
Stand-by is required when on apron, before departure. That way, the pilot does not cause any disturbance in the ground traffic. Stop squawking stand-by when assigned a code (into the departure clearance for instance).
STANDBY mode is accessed via Squawkbox Menu.
Squawk IDENT can also be requested. This highlights the aircraft tag (add 3 slashes) on the scope so that the controller can easily make the difference between two traffics if he/she has a doubt.
IDENT is accessed with the little button in the upper left corner of the Squawkbox window.
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.
FOX is reporting it's a continuous squawk at 7500 frequency. Pilot was contacted once to verify (per protocols) and said everything was OK, but still sending signal. Canadian fighter jets scrambled.
Anyone know where Howard Dean might be?
If it is some kind of accident, the pilot, who should be a professional, will completely understand the need for a diversion. If he is insistent on it being an accident and not needing to divert, I would be all the more suspicious and make sure he lands where he is told and is under constant inflight security (fighters right there) and follows a flight plan that approaches NOTHING of significance.
I was watching "Dr. Pheeel" when ABC broke in to say it was 'constant chatter', constant repeating of the hijack code. As mentioned, it's a Virgin Air flight from LONDON to NYC, diverted to New Brunswick. With the pilot reassuring air traffic control that all was well and it was an error. Hmmmm... That doesn't strike me as accidental, but rather as a pilot with a gun to his head or a pilot as hijacker. I hope not. It's been diverted to Moncton, NB (Canada) with Canadian fighter jets scrambled to accompany it. It seems odd at best.
Praying that it is a false alarm and that the pilot some how screwed up,but by the way things sound it is not an accident!
FNC reporting that the plane should land in about 10 minutes at Halifax!
Fox is reporting plane has landed. Pilot says no error. Code continued to squawk. Riiiiight, accidental nonstop squawking. So they look in and nothing appears 'wrong'. Well, nothing to see here... eyeroll
Would that be one of 72 aircraft????
:-)
First I want to thank all the Pilots and Aviation experts who have provided data to help us all gain some understanding of what may be going on in the cockpit.
Unless highjacker were able to gain access through the reinforced cockpit doors, I suspect that this truly is a false alarm. I pray so.
Regardless - It does show that Homeland Security (at least the Air defense) is working just fine. If an airliner warns of a high-jacking it is very unlikely to come down on any strategic target. There is still much improvement needed at the airport security in the U.S. and abroad, but if a highjaker is successful and boards, it is highly unlikely he will be able to carry out his assigned mission if it involved another 9-11 type of attack.
Could you please update the title.
Plane has landed safely in Nova Scotia.
There is an article in ABC News -- in case you want to add a link at the top for those who are just tuning in.
Plane's Hijacking Signal Investigated
http://abcnews.go.com/International/story?id=816370
A Virgin Atlantic flight diverted en route to New York has landed in Nova Scotia after its hijack signal was activated.
Canadian fighter jets scrambled to escort the flight that was originally due to land at JFK International Airport in New York City at 12:10 p.m.
Virgin officials told ABC News the hijacking signal was a mechanical error. The airline said it was in constant contact with the pilot, who assured them the cockpit was secure. Air traffic control officials and Heathrow Airport security officials also confirmed it was mechanical error.
Considering all trading on the NY Stock Exchange was shut down at the end of the trading day this week due to an error message rerouted millions of times, I would say anything is possible.
Because of this problem, I was taught to always select a one as the last digit, prior to switching my transponder code.
Oh well, this demonstrated that some people actually pay attention to the transponder codes which are displayed on the radar screens.
This ATC should be given a cash award for a job well done.
If the passengers were taken off the plane and then reboarded, it would be interesting to count heads and see if anyone's not making the final leg of the trip.
I have a quick question ... why are these planes diverted to Canada? Not being dense, I've just never understood that. (And I'm an Air Force vet, non-flyer).
Thanks ...
Is the "check engine" light on?
My theory is that the pilot was jonesing for Moosehead beer - hello, New Brunswick!
;^)
False alarm, plane is on the ground and OK.
The pilot will be squawking when he finds out how much trouble he's in. Just a joke, but I bet the guy feels bad for all the hoopla.