UK CAA published Aeronautical Information Circular (AIC) Yellow 128/2019. This AIC announces changes, effective from 27th February 2020, to RTF phraseology and conspicuity codes relating to transponder code procedures.
Conspicuity Codes
The code of 7000 has, to date, been called the conspicuity code and is selected on the transponder when operating within United Kingdom airspace and have not received a specific instruction from ATS concerning the setting of the transponder.
The Enroute section of the Aeronautical Information Package (AIP) ENR 1.6 now defines two different types of conspicuity code:
7000 – VFR conspicuity code: when operating within United Kingdom airspace in accordance with VFR and have not received a specific instruction from ATS concerning the setting of the transponder.
2000 – IFR conspicuity code: when operating within United Kingdom airspace in accordance with IFR and have not received a specific instruction from ATS concerning the setting of the transponder.
The choice of whether to select VFR conspicuity or IFR conspicuity is based on the flight rules being followed by the pilot not the meteorological conditions encountered.
Phraseology Changes
When changing from a previously issued discrete code to a conspicuity code the phraseology:
ATSU: “G-ABCD, squawk 7000”
Pilot: “Squawk conspicuity, G-ABCD”
CAP 413 will change to:
ATSU: “G-ABCD, squawk conspicuity”
Pilot: “Squawk conspicuity, G-ABCD”
Advanced Flight Training – Ground School – FRTOL