Is it possible for an aircraft to retain the same beacon code from takeoff to touchdown?

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An aircraft can retain the same beacon code from takeoff to touchdown, as this is standard practice in certain air traffic control procedures. During a flight, an aircraft is typically assigned a transponder code, also known as a beacon code, which assists in its identification by air traffic control.

This code remains assigned to the aircraft for the duration of its flight within a specific air traffic control system, ensuring that the flight can be easily monitored and tracked. In many instances, the aircraft will continue to use this same beacon code from takeoff until it lands and has been handed off to a different air traffic control facility, or until it is instructed to change the code for a specific reason—such as a change in flight direction or assignment.

The consistency of the beacon code throughout the flight enhances situational awareness for controllers and helps mitigate confusion, thereby facilitating safer airspace management. Thus, it is indeed possible and often standard practice for an aircraft to retain the same beacon code from takeoff to touchdown.

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