Definition
A standardized graphic icon displayed on an electronic Primary Flight Display (PFD) or Multi-Function Display (MFD) that marks the location of an airport on the moving map. The shape, color, and styling of the symbol convey information about the airport, such as whether it has a hard-surface runway, the runway layout, and whether the airport is selected as the active destination or nearest airport.
Plain English
A small picture on the cockpit map screen that shows where an airport is and gives a quick visual hint about what kind of airport it is.
Context Anchor
Seen on cockpit map displays, including nearest-airport pages on a primary flight display, and on aviation charts.
Derivation
Symbol comes from an older Greek word meaning a sign or token used to stand for something else. That fits aviation use: the airport symbol is not the airport itself or a drawing of its exact layout; it is a sign that marks an airport’s location.
Why Pilots Care
Allows rapid identification of nearby landing options during diversion or emergency planning.
Intuition Check
Do not assume an airport symbol shows the airport’s exact runway layout, size, or suitability. It is a location marker; the pilot still needs to check the airport information before deciding to use it.
Example Sentence 1
After losing oil pressure, the pilot scanned the PFD and turned toward the nearest airport symbol on the moving map.
Example Sentence 2
On the sectional chart, the airport symbol with a circle and star indicated a field with a control tower.