Definition
A short label or code used in aviation to uniquely identify a specific item, such as an aircraft, airport, navigation aid, waypoint, or person. The exact form of an ID depends on what is being identified — for example, a tail number for an aircraft, a three- or four-letter code for an airport, or a Morse code signal broadcast by a VOR.
Plain English
A name, number, or code that tells you exactly which thing or person you are dealing with.
Context Anchor
Seen in FAA abbreviation lists, aircraft records, forms, and communications where something must be clearly identified.
Derivation
From the Latin idem, meaning 'the same.' To identify something is to confirm it is the same thing you think it is. The shortened form 'ID' is used everywhere in aviation paperwork and displays where space is tight.
Why Pilots Care
Aviation runs on precise identification. Tuning the wrong navaid, reading back the wrong call sign, or filing the wrong airport ID can cause real safety and operational problems. Confirming the ID before acting on information is a basic habit.
Intuition Check
ID does not only mean a personal ID card or driver's license here. In aviation, it can mean any reliable way to identify the exact aircraft, person, facility, signal, or record being discussed.
Example Sentence 1
Before tuning the VOR, the pilot confirmed the station ID by listening to the Morse code identifier.
Example Sentence 2
Enter your pilot certificate ID on the flight plan form.