If ATC instructs you to "squawk mayday," what should you do?

When ATC instructs you to "squawk mayday," it indicates that you are experiencing a serious emergency situation. In aviation, squawking 7700 is the standard transponder code that communicates an emergency. By entering this code into your transponder, you alert ATC and other aircraft in the vicinity of your distress signal, allowing them to provide you with the necessary assistance and prioritization required in an emergency.

The squawk codes of 7500 and 7600 represent hijacking and communications failure, respectively, which are not relevant in the context of an emergency situation that requires immediate attention for life-threatening circumstances. Not responding would also disregard the urgency implied by the instruction from ATC, potentially putting both your aircraft and others at greater risk.

In summary, squawking 7700 is the appropriate response to declare an emergency and ensures all parties are aware of the critical situation you are facing.