What is the squawk code for a hijacking situation?

The squawk code for a hijacking situation is 7500. This specific code is designated for situations where an aircraft is under unlawful interference, such as hijacking. When a pilot needs to discreetly communicate that they are in a distress situation related to hijacking, they can set their transponder to this code, which alerts air traffic control (ATC) and other nearby aircraft without drawing attention from the hijackers.

In practice, using the 7500 code is critical as it allows for a coordinated response while keeping the situation as contained as possible. Air traffic controllers are trained to recognize this transponder signal and will take necessary measures to assist the aircraft in distress, including alerting security agencies.

The other squawk codes serve different purposes: 7600 is used for radio communications failure, 4000 is a general VFR code, and 7700 indicates an emergency, but does not specifically denote hijacking. Understanding these specific squawk codes is crucial in aviation for ensuring safety and effective communication in various emergency scenarios.