When should a pilot squawk 1200 on the transponder?

Squawking 1200 on the transponder is the code generally used by pilots to indicate they are flying under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) in uncontrolled airspace. Specifically, when flying VFR at or below 12,500 feet Above Sea Level (ASL), the pilot identifies themselves as operating in a way that requires no further air traffic control services, allowing them to maintain a level of autonomy while also contributing to situational awareness for other aircraft.

When operating above 12,500 feet ASL, different transponder codes may be required to ensure proper air traffic service and to provide adequate separation from IFR (Instrument Flight Rules) traffic. Additionally, under IFR conditions, pilots are expected to communicate with air traffic control and utilize transponder codes designated for those types of operations rather than the general VFR squawk of 1200.

In a commercial flight, pilots typically use a specific transponder code assigned by ATC to track the aircraft and manage air traffic, which differs from the squawk code used for VFR operations. Thus, squawking 1200 is specifically linked to the context of VFR flight at or below the specified altitude.