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IRSquawk 7500 is a special transponder code used in aviation to signal hijacking or unlawful interference with an aircraft. It's one of three globally recognized emergency codes:
7500 — Aircraft hijacking / unlawful interference
7600 — Radio communication failure
7700 — General emergency (e.g., mechanical issues, medical emergencies)
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How It Works
1. Activation: If a pilot suspects a hijacking or that the aircraft is under unlawful interference, they discreetly enter 7500 into the transponder.
2. Signal Transmission: The transponder broadcasts this code to air traffic control (ATC), alerting them to the situation without announcing it over the radio, which may tip off the perpetrators.
3. ATC Response:
Acknowledge receipt of the code and attempt covert confirmation.
Alert law enforcement, security agencies, and potentially military support.
Clear airspace around the affected flight, possibly scrambling interceptor aircraft.
Provide priority handling to the distressed aircraft throughout its flight and approach.
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