Aircraft registration facts for kids

This aircraft shows its registration number. The letter 'G' means it's registered in the United Kingdom.

An aircraft registration is like a special ID number for an aircraft. It's a unique mix of letters and numbers, much like a license plate on a car. This number helps everyone know which country an aircraft belongs to and who owns it.

Every aircraft must be registered with a special government office in its home country. For example, in the United States, it's the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). In Canada, it's Transport Canada. When an aircraft is flying, it must always carry a legal paper called a Certificate of Registration. This paper proves the aircraft is properly registered.

Most countries also require this registration number to be on a strong, fireproof plate inside the aircraft. This is very important. If there's ever an accident or a fire, this plate helps investigators identify the aircraft.

What is an Aircraft Registration?

An aircraft registration is a special code that helps identify every airplane, helicopter, or other flying machine. Think of it as the aircraft's unique name tag. This code is usually painted on the outside of the aircraft, often on the tail or side.

Why Do Aircraft Need Registration?

Just like cars need license plates, aircraft need registration numbers for several important reasons:

• Safety: It helps air traffic controllers keep track of all aircraft in the sky.
• Identification: If an aircraft gets lost or has an emergency, its registration helps people know exactly which one it is.
• Ownership: The registration shows who legally owns the aircraft.
• Rules: It helps make sure all aircraft follow international flying rules.

How Do Registrations Work?

Each country has its own special letter or letters that start the registration number. This is called a prefix. For example:

• Aircraft from the United States start with the letter N.
• Aircraft from the United Kingdom start with G.
• Aircraft from Canada start with C-F or C-G.
• Aircraft from Japan start with JA.
• Aircraft from France start with F.

After the prefix, there are usually more letters and numbers. These are unique to that specific aircraft within its country. So, no two aircraft in the world will have the exact same registration number.

The Certificate of Registration

Every aircraft must have a Certificate of Registration. This is a legal document, like a car's registration card. It proves that the aircraft is officially registered with the correct government authority. Pilots must carry this certificate whenever they fly the aircraft. It's a key part of the aircraft's official paperwork.

Fireproof Identification Plate

For safety and investigation, most countries require a special fireproof plate to be attached to the aircraft. This plate has the aircraft's registration number on it. It's designed to survive even if the aircraft is badly damaged in a crash or fire. This helps accident investigators identify the aircraft and learn what happened.

Images for kids

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  Registration JA8089 on a Japan Airlines Boeing 747-400

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  Air France Airbus A318 showing registration F-GUGJ on the wing underside and the last two letters, GJ, on the nose wheel doors.

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  An A321-231 showing American Airlines registration N102NN on the rear fuselage.

See also

In Spanish: Matrícula (aeronaves) para niños