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In all of my previous flying experience the controllers provided a squawk code only when I requested flight following. On a recent flight from Buttonville, Ontario (CYKZ), the controller provided a squawk code on the ground. I asked if she was providing a squawk code because she was going to provide flight following as well. She said the flight following will need to be requested after she hands me off to Toronto City Center.

Then why was the squawk code provided? Was the controller anticipating the need for a squawk code? Are all airports in the Toronto region required to provide squawk codes to departing flights?

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    $\begingroup$ I almost always get a squawk code departing from/arriving at my home Class-C. $\endgroup$
    – Ron Beyer
    Jun 12, 2018 at 3:09
  • $\begingroup$ Are you asking about Canadian rules or US/FAA rules. You flight appears to cross borders, jurisdictions and rule sets so you may wish to specify for a better answer as the various jurisdictions may handle this differently. $\endgroup$
    – Dave
    Jun 12, 2018 at 3:36
  • $\begingroup$ @Dave I am asking for the Canadian rule. $\endgroup$
    – Prashant Saraswat
    Jun 12, 2018 at 4:01
  • $\begingroup$ @PrashantSaraswat I'll leave that for someone else I can only answer for the FAA side of things $\endgroup$
    – Dave
    Jun 12, 2018 at 4:29

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The controller will assign you a squawk code if they want to differentiate your radar return from other aircraft. It has nothing to do with whether you're getting flight following or not. If they're happy they know which blip is you for the length of time that they'll be watching you, then they may not give you a squawk. In some airspace, the moment you begin talking to them then they'll give you a squawk. All depends.

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  • $\begingroup$ you are right. It looks like it is at the discretion of the controller. The squawk code gives them more visibility and control. $\endgroup$
    – Prashant Saraswat
    Jun 12, 2018 at 14:53

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