Overview

An aircraft registration is a unique alphanumeric mark assigned to an individual aircraft to identify it in the same way a licence plate identifies a car. Under the Convention on International Civil Aviation (the Chicago Convention) every aircraft engaged in international navigation must be registered with a national civil aviation authority and carry proof of that registration while operating.

Registration links an aircraft to a particular state for regulatory, safety and legal purposes. The national authority issues a Certificate of Registration that must be carried on board during flight. Authorities such as the Federal Aviation Administration or other state agencies handle the registration process, records and changes of ownership. Many jurisdictions also require a durable, fireproof identification plate to be fixed to the airframe to aid post-accident identification; this plate is intended to survive high temperatures and structural damage and is commonly described in regulations or advisory material (aircraft data plate).

Format and display

Registration marks normally begin with a national prefix allocated by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) followed by a sequence of letters or numbers chosen or assigned by the state. For example, civil registrations commonly start with 'N' for the United States, 'G' for the United Kingdom or 'C' for Canada, followed by additional characters. Marks must be painted or affixed to the exterior in a location and size prescribed by regulation so they are legible to observers and air traffic authorities.

Process and practical matters

To register an aircraft a registrant typically provides proof of nationality, ownership, and any financial encumbrances. Registration can affect the law that applies to the aircraft, including liability, taxes and the priority of mortgages. Owners who change country of residence or sell an aircraft normally arrange deregistration in one state and reregistration in another. Temporary or special registrations can be issued for ferry flights, test flying, or demonstration purposes in some jurisdictions.

Uses, importance and distinctions

  • Identification: Clear identification simplifies air traffic control, accident investigation and customs processing.
  • Regulation: Registration ties the aircraft to the state responsible for continuing airworthiness oversight.
  • Legal effects: Registration determines applicable national laws, rights of creditors and the authority to operate internationally.
  • Special marks: Military, government and experimental aircraft may carry different prefixes or exemptions from some display rules.

Examples and further reading

Different countries use different conventions; interested readers can consult national registries or official guidance to see formats and application procedures. Many civil aviation authorities publish searchable registries and explanatory material about ownership, transfers and marking requirements. For general information about how registrations are used in international aviation policy see registration guidance and national authority resources such as the FAA portal (FAA) or regulatory documents describing identification plates and certificates (data plate rules).