Ident

Ident (or IDENT) is a transponder function that, when activated by the pilot, causes the aircraft's radar target to "bloom" or flash brightly on the ATC radar screen for several seconds. ATC uses the ident function to positively identify a specific aircraft among multiple targets on their display.

The typical sequence is: ATC says "Callsign, squawk ident" — the pilot presses the IDENT button on the transponder panel — ATC sees the target flash and confirms identification: "Callsign, radar contact, [position]."

The ident function should only be activated when requested by ATC. Pressing ident without being asked can cause confusion, particularly in busy airspace where controllers are tracking many targets simultaneously.