What squawk code indicates the intention to bingo?

What squawk code indicates the intention to bingo?

• A. 70
• B. 71
• C. 72
• D. 73

Answer: (B)

When a pilot declares they have reached bingo fuel, the transmission of that status through the transponder is a fast, standardized way to alert ATC that priority handling is required. In carrier ops, a small set of codes in the 70s is reserved for special statuses, and the one right in the middle of that group is the specific code designated to indicate bingo. Using the middle code creates a clear, unambiguous signal to the controller and other traffic that the aircraft needs to be sequenced for an immediate landing as soon as possible. This is preferable because it minimizes confusion: adjacent codes in the same group have different meanings, and using the exact bingo code ensures everyone involved—radar, approach, and deck control—recognizes the urgency and adjusts the approach and landing sequence accordingly. Choosing any other code in that block would not communicate bingo and could delay priority handling.

When a pilot declares they have reached bingo fuel, the transmission of that status through the transponder is a fast, standardized way to alert ATC that priority handling is required. In carrier ops, a small set of codes in the 70s is reserved for special statuses, and the one right in the middle of that group is the specific code designated to indicate bingo. Using the middle code creates a clear, unambiguous signal to the controller and other traffic that the aircraft needs to be sequenced for an immediate landing as soon as possible.

This is preferable because it minimizes confusion: adjacent codes in the same group have different meanings, and using the exact bingo code ensures everyone involved—radar, approach, and deck control—recognizes the urgency and adjusts the approach and landing sequence accordingly. Choosing any other code in that block would not communicate bingo and could delay priority handling.