Definition
A short, sharp deflection or spot of light on the screen of a cathode-ray tube (CRT) display, such as a radar scope or oscilloscope, that represents the return signal from a target or a measured value.
Plain English
A small bright mark on a radar or oscilloscope screen that shows where something is or what is being measured.
Context Anchor
Seen in radar and air traffic control discussions, especially in older descriptions of radar screens.
Derivation
From British signalling slang for a short, sharp sound or mark. The clipped form suits the brief, pointed appearance of the signal on a screen.
Why Pilots Care
Provides immediate visual awareness of nearby traffic or weather returns for collision avoidance and navigation decisions.
Intuition Check
Pip does not mean a seed, a playing-card mark, or a small sound here. In radar use, it means a small displayed mark that shows something has been detected.
Example Sentence 1
The controller saw the aircraft's pip appear on the radar scope shortly after takeoff.
Example Sentence 2
As we approached the airport, several pips appeared on the scope from arriving traffic.