Plain English Meaning
The FAA paperwork a pilot fills out when they want to take a checkride for a new pilot certificate or to add a rating to one they already hold.
Full Definition
FAA Form 8710-1, the official application a pilot completes to apply for a new airman certificate or an additional rating. It records the applicant's personal information, pilot experience, training history, and the certificate or rating being sought, and is signed by the recommending instructor before submission to the examiner.
Context Anchor
Seen before a practical test, usually when an instructor helps an applicant complete the FAA’s online application and recommends the applicant to the examiner.
Derivation
Airman is the FAA’s legal word for a person who holds or applies for an certificate. Certificate comes from the idea of officially certifying that someone is , and rating means an added qualification attached to that certificate.