What do VFR aircraft involved in emergency operations squawk?

In situations involving emergencies, VFR (Visual Flight Rules) aircraft are required to squawk 7700. This transponder code is a universal signal for declaring an emergency, and it alerts air traffic control and other pilots of the distress situation. Squawking 7700 indicates that the aircraft is experiencing an emergency, which prompts appropriate attention and assistance from ATC.

While squawking 1200 is the standard code for VFR operations, the 7700 code specifically informs ATC that the aircraft requires immediate assistance and that normal operations may be compromised. This code provides an urgent signal and is universally recognized, ensuring that pilots and controllers alike are aware of the situation at hand.

Choosing other options like 1200 or suggesting that emergencies don’t require specific codes could lead to confusion and a lack of immediate response, which is critical during an emergency situation. Therefore, always squawking 7700 in emergencies is the best practice for VFR aircraft.