Central Aviation Tracking

Track an aircraft by tail number

Start with the full aircraft registration, then check the matching identity and latest available position in CAT. A tail number identifies an aircraft; it is not the same as an airline flight number.

Open CAT and search a tail number

Registration search

Enter a tail number or aircraft registration to locate matching aircraft activity.

Aircraft map

Move from registration search to an interactive aircraft tracking view.

Favorites

Save frequently watched aircraft to make repeat searches faster.

What aircraft information can a tail number reveal?

A registration identifies an aircraft in the available source records. CAT can show matching aircraft type information, type-matched reference photos, recent observed positions and available flight history. Not every field is available for every aircraft, and the photograph may show a different registration or livery.

Find and follow an aircraft

Open CAT’s aircraft search and enter the complete registration, including its country prefix.
Check the returned registration, aircraft type and latest observation time before selecting a result.
Save the aircraft to Favorites or open available history to inspect an observed track. Current limits are listed on the plans page.

A missing result does not prove an aircraft is grounded or inactive. Registrations can change, identity records can lag and receiver coverage has gaps. CAT does not infer passengers or guarantee aircraft ownership from tracking observations.

For more guidance, see how to track private flights and recorded 3D flight playback.

Which identifier should I search?

Use the registration painted on the aircraft when following a particular airframe. Keep its country prefix and check the spelling. For a particular airline service, start with its flight identifier instead. A registration can operate different flights over time, so verify the date and latest observation rather than assuming every result is today’s flight.

Why might a tail number return no live position?

The aircraft may be outside available receiver coverage, its identity may not have matched, or its information may be restricted or unavailable. No result is not confirmation that it has landed. Check the observation timestamp before treating a position as current.

An aircraft registration lookup concerns identity records; a live observation concerns location. Neither establishes who is on board.

Follow the aircraft, then its route

After finding a match, use aircraft tracking for the available position and track. The flight route guide explains the difference between an observed trail and a reported destination. For corporate aircraft, see private jet tracking by tail number. Save a confirmed aircraft in Favorites for a faster return visit; current limits are shown on the plans page.