When they terminate service and say squawk VFR/1200 the
discrete code they had you using is released. It could be
assigned to another aircraft within the area, that could
cause trouble.
What is important to remember, you just were dumped with
zero traffic advisories and you should be looking outside.
Good pilots can tune their radios/transponders without
looking, just count the clicks.

The issue of squawk code changes is more important on
departures from radar service areas and the caution about no
traffic advisories is still the most important issue.

A reasonable time to make such a code change is 1-2 minutes
IMHO.


--
James H. Macklin
ATP,CFI,A&P

--
The people think the Constitution protects their rights;
But government sees it as an obstacle to be overcome.
some support
http://www.usdoj.gov/olc/secondamendment2.htm
See http://www.fija.org/ more about your rights and duties.


"Brien K. Meehan" wrote in message
oups.com...
| Robert M. Gary wrote:
| I'm curious how important it really is to punch in 1200
as soon as the
| controller instructs squawk 1200 as you approach for
landing at an
| uncontrolled field. I've always blown it off and just
landed with my
| original code.
|
| You're violating FAR 91.123(b) by not complying with his
instruction.
|