Dear students,

We have reviewed the official ECQB 2026 update and summarised the changes that directly affect current exam questions, to help you stay aligned with the current exam scope.

Loss of radio communications

010 Air Law & ATC · 090 Communications

New transponder code for IFR flights in VMC

In addition to the standard 7600 (radio failure), ECQB 2026 now introduces transponder code 7601 to represent a specific COM failure condition when an IFR flight experiences COM failure while in VMC.

Expect questions testing:

• Correct identification of the failure scenario for IFR flights in VMC

• Proper transponder selection

• Associated ATC expectations and pilot actions

Using the “old logic” will lead to incorrect exam answers.

From the 7-minute rule to the 20-minute rule

The well-known 7-minute timing rule in case of COM failure on an IFR flight in IMC in airspace where radar is used, has been extended to 20 minutes, significantly affecting procedures and interpretation of ATC expectations.

T+24 significant weather charts

050 Meteorology

The ECQB is aligned with the updated T+24 SIGWX chart format. In practice, students will encounter charts with a revised visual presentation, including colourised layouts using OCNL and FRQ CB categories, shaded areas representing total turbulence, a flight-level contour depiction of the tropopause, a FL600 cap on high-level charts, and medium-level charts depicting icing only using a high-visibility “T” line style.

Why this matters:

Timing, transponder codes, and failure handling are tightly linked in ECQB questions. Memorising outdated limits or codes = guaranteed traps in the exam.

Other ECQB 2026 notable developments

The ECQB 2026 update also references fuel management, all-weather operations, North Atlantic high-level airspace, and pavement strength. However, these items do not introduce new exam logic compared to the existing question bank and are already reflected in previous ECQB amendments or continue to use the same concepts and terminology as before.

Student pilot reminder

If your study material predates ECQB 2026, update your mental model — this is a conceptual change in specific areas, not just a number update.

Best regards,

The Aviationexam Team