TailNumberLookup
Data & Registry

How to Read the FAA Aircraft Registry Data

February 23, 2026

The FAA Bulk Data Release

The FAA Civil Aviation Registry is not just a web lookup tool — the FAA releases the entire registry as a downloadable dataset, updated on a regular schedule. This bulk download powers third-party tools, research projects, journalism investigations, and fleet management systems. Understanding the structure of this data helps you get the most out of any registry-based tool, including this one.

Key Fields Explained

The core registry dataset includes the following important fields:

  • N-Number — The tail number without the leading N. The letter N is implied; the dataset stores just the numeric and alpha portion.
  • Serial Number — The manufacturer serial number, unique to each airframe.
  • MFR MDL Code — A code that maps to a separate reference table of makes and models. Requires a join to interpret.
  • ENG MFR MDL — Engine manufacturer and model code, similarly reference-table driven.
  • Year MFR — Year of manufacture.
  • Type Registrant — Who holds the registration: 1=Individual, 2=Partnership, 3=Corporation, 4=Co-owned, 5=Government, 7=LLC, 8=Non-Citizen Corporation, 9=Non-Citizen Co-owned.
  • Name and address fields — Registrant contact information.
  • Type Aircraft — Aircraft type code: 1=Glider, 2=Balloon, 4=Fixed wing multi-engine, 5=Fixed wing single-engine, 6=Rotorcraft, 7=Blimp, H=Hybrid lift.
  • Type Engine — Engine type code.
  • Status Code — Active, expired, deregistered, etc.
  • Mode S Code — The hex transponder code.
  • Expiration Date — When the current registration expires.

Reference Tables

The FAA releases several reference tables alongside the main aircraft file. The ACFTREF table contains all valid aircraft make and model combinations. The ENGINE table contains engine information. To get a human-readable aircraft description from the main registry file, you must join on these reference tables.

Data Freshness

The FAA updates the bulk download regularly — typically the data is current within a few days. This site processes each update to keep the aircraft search and state browsing pages current. The data sources page provides more detail on the update process.