Definition
A radar or surveillance display feature that shows targets along with associated text data such as aircraft identification, altitude, ground speed, and other flight information presented as letters and numbers next to each return.
Plain English
A controller's screen that shows each aircraft along with a small block of letters and numbers giving its callsign, altitude, and speed.
Context Anchor
Seen on cockpit radios, navigation equipment, flight displays, and some control panels where information is shown as characters instead of only needles, lights, or symbols.
Derivation
From 'alpha' (letters, as in alphabet) and 'numeric' (numbers). 'Alphanumeric' simply means 'letters and numbers together' — which is exactly what appears next to each target on the controller's screen.
Why Pilots Care
It presents integrated textual and numerical data such as waypoint identifiers, frequencies, and performance values without requiring separate instruments.
Intuition Check
Do not read alphanumeric as meaning numbers only. It means letters, numbers, or both together.
Example Sentence 1
The controller used the alphanumeric display to confirm the aircraft's altitude before issuing a descent clearance.
Example Sentence 2
The controller monitored several aircraft on the alphanumeric display, each tagged with call sign and altitude.