An aircraft registration lookup lets you check a plane’s tail number against an official register. Choose the country from the registration prefix, then compare the result with the aircraft you photographed.
If you simply want to identify a plane from a photo, start with FlightCatcherPro. Use a register when you need to check the exact airframe.
In short
- Use the prefix to choose the official register.
- Review your photo’s identification before saving the catch.
Find the right aircraft register
Read the complete mark, including its prefix. A flight number identifies a service, so it is not the number to enter here. Our guide to reading aircraft registrations shows where to look.
| Registration prefix | Official lookup |
|---|---|
| United Kingdom: G- | CAA G-INFO |
| United States: N | FAA N-Number Inquiry |
| Canada: C-F or C-G | Transport Canada aircraft register |
| Australia: VH- | CASA aircraft register |
Follow the search form’s instructions about prefixes and hyphens. Compare the returned manufacturer and model with your photo; check the serial number and registration status where shown. The registered owner’s name may differ from the airline painted on the aircraft.
Identify the photo and save your catch
FlightCatcherPro helps you turn the sighting into a collection:
Identify the aircraft
Use the camera or upload your photo. Review the suggested aircraft details.
Check an uncertain registration
If the visible mark or suggested details do not match, use the relevant register above. Do not guess missing characters.
Save the catch
Save the aircraft once you are happy with the identification, then open your hangar to see your collection and its rarity label.
Identify your photo with FlightCatcherPro
The app’s Common, Rare, Epic and Legendary labels are based on aircraft type. For details, see what rarity means in plane spotting.
No result or an unclear tail number?
Check the original photo for a misread letter or number, and make sure you chose the right country. An older photo may show a previous registration; a current record does not automatically describe the aircraft at the time of your sighting.
Military serials use different systems and may not appear in civil registers. If the mark is unreadable, use the aircraft type as your starting point. Our photo identification guide explains the phone workflow.
Keep your original photo so you can check the identification again later.