Known Aircraft

A known aircraft is one whose identity, equipment, and intentions are established and confirmed by ATC. The term is used in the context of identifying radar returns — a known aircraft has been correlated with a flight plan and its identity confirmed, distinguishing it from an unknown return that may require interception or investigation.

Squawk Ident

Controllers can request an aircraft to “squawk ident” — pressing the IDENT button on the transponder causes the aircraft’s return to briefly bloom on the radar scope, confirming its identity. This is used during initial radar contact and at any time the controller needs to confirm which target belongs to a specific aircraft.

Related Terms

See also: Transponder, Transponder Codes, SSR.