Ident?

[Chananya Freedman]

Controller says to pilot "Ident" I thinking that means identify but whats is it really? More info would be appreciated.

[sykocus]

It most often used to establish radar contact. When the pilot activates the ident function, the plane's transponder sends a signal. That shows up as some sort of flashing symbol in the plane's data block on the scope. Different radar systems are different. Some dispay a flashing "ID". Think some might flash "IDENT". I've also worked on equipment where the plane's beacon control slash or would "bloom".

[Switch Monkey]

Its also a good way to get the controllers attention if you think they forgot about you.

[joeyb747]

I've also heard of them using that in the event of a comm failure...

"ABC 123, if you hear center, IDENT please..."

[w0x0f]

Its also a good way to get the controllers attention if you think they forgot about you.

It's kind of amusing when someone flies 500 ft below Class B airspace without VFR advisories and hits the ident button when he is strafed by an air carrier. 

w0x0f

[sykocus]

I've also heard of them using that in the event of a comm failure...

"ABC 123, if you hear center, IDENT please..."

You can use that to figure out if someone is receiver only or completely nordo/not paying attention. If they're receiver only then you can use the ident to confirm they've heard you. "turn right heading 040, acknowledge with ident.