What transponder code should a VFR equipped aircraft below 12,500 feet ASL use?

A VFR equipped aircraft flying below 12,500 feet Above Sea Level (ASL) should use the transponder code 1200. This code designates a standard VFR flight and is widely recognized in air traffic control communications.

The use of 1200 allows air traffic control to identify the aircraft as a VFR flight, enabling them to provide appropriate services and maintain situational awareness in the airspace. This is essential for safety, as it helps both pilots and air traffic controllers keep track of VFR operations among potential IFR (Instrument Flight Rules) traffic and other VFR traffic.

The other codes are designated for specific situations: for instance, 7500 indicates a hijacking, which requires immediate attention and response from authorities; 4000 is not a standard code but could be representative of specific operations; and 1400 is commonly leveraged for specific air traffic control purposes, but not as a standard VFR identifier. Therefore, using 1200 is the correct approach for VFR operations below 12,500 feet ASL.