Definition
A function on an air traffic control radar system that highlights a specific aircraft's return on the controller's scope when the pilot presses the IDENT button on the transponder. Activating it causes that aircraft's data block or target symbol to momentarily brighten or blossom, allowing the controller to positively identify which target on the screen corresponds to that aircraft.
Plain English
A tool that lets a controller quickly pick your aircraft out from all the others on radar. When you press the IDENT button in the cockpit, your blip on the controller's screen lights up for a few seconds so they know exactly which one is you.
Context Anchor
You encounter this during radio communication when a controller says something like, “Ident,” or “Squawk ident,” and expects you to press the IDENT button on the transponder.
Derivation
Ident' is short for 'identification.' The feature does exactly what the name suggests — it identifies a specific aircraft to the controller.
Why Pilots Care
Allows rapid confirmation of your aircraft among others in radar coverage, reducing communication time and supporting safe separation in controlled airspace.
Analogy
It is like briefly raising your hand in a crowd so someone can tell which person you are.
Intuition Check
Do not assume “ident” means you are changing your assigned code or sending a message. It simply makes your aircraft’s display target stand out so air traffic control can identify you.
Example Sentence 1
When the controller said, 'Cessna Three-Four-Alpha, squawk ident,' the pilot pressed the IDENT button on the transponder.
Example Sentence 2
During a busy approach sequence the pilot pressed the ident button to help the controller locate the aircraft quickly on radar.