Definition
A short sequence of dots and dashes transmitted continuously by a navigation aid (such as a VOR, NDB, or ILS) that spells out the station's two- or three-letter identifier in International Morse Code. The pilot listens to this audio signal to confirm the correct station has been tuned and is operating normally; if the identification is absent or replaced by a continuous tone or the word 'TEST,' the station should not be used for navigation.
Plain English
A series of beeps that a navigation station broadcasts to tell you, by code, exactly which station you are listening to. You match those beeps to the letters printed on your chart to make sure you have tuned the right one and that it is working.
Context Anchor
Used when tuning and using a VOR navigation station, especially before following its course guidance.
Derivation
Named after Samuel Morse, who developed the dot-and-dash code in the 1830s for telegraph use. Long after telegraphs disappeared, aviation kept the code as a simple, reliable way to broadcast a station's identity through static and weak signals.
Why Pilots Care
Confirms the correct station is received and prevents navigation to the wrong facility due to a mistuned frequency.
Analogy
It is like checking the name on a phone call before acting on what the caller says. The signal may be coming in clearly, but you still need to confirm who it is from.
Intuition Check
Do not assume the navigation display alone identifies the station. In this context, identification means confirming the station by its transmitted code before relying on it.
Example Sentence 1
After tuning the VOR, she turned up the audio and verified the Morse code identification matched the three letters printed on the chart.
Example Sentence 2
Each VOR transmits its Morse code identification every few seconds on the audio channel.