Transport Canada Aircraft Marking Requirements — Complete CARs 222 Guide
All aircraft registered in Canada must display their registration marks (tail numbers) in accordance with Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs) Part II, Subpart 2. Here's everything you need to know about letter height, placement, font, and colour requirements.
Canadian Aircraft Registration Format
C-FABC
All Canadian aircraft registration marks begin with C-F or C-Gfollowed by 3 alphanumeric characters (e.g., C-FABC, C-GXYZ). This is your aircraft's unique identifier assigned by Transport Canada Civil Aviation.
Minimum Letter Height Requirements — CARs 222.01
Letter height requirements vary by aircraft type and weight:
300mm (12 inches) minimum height on fuselage or tail
300mm (12 inches) on fuselage sides; 500mm (20 inches) on underside (belly)
500mm (20 inches) on balloon envelope (both sides)
75mm (3 inches) minimum (much smaller requirement)
150mm (6 inches) minimum on fuselage or fin
Marking Placement Rules
CARs 222.02 specifies exactly where registration marks must be placed on different aircraft types:
Fixed-Wing Aircraft
- • Primary location: Both sides of fuselage, between wing and tail
- • Alternative: Both sides of vertical tail surface (fin)
- • Wing underside: Required if marks not visible from below (one wing only, usually left)
- • Fire-covered marks: If primary marks could be covered by fire/smoke, duplicate on wing underside
Helicopters
- • Fuselage sides: Both sides, clearly visible, 300mm (12") high
- • Underside (belly): 500mm (20") high, readable when viewed from below
- • Horizontal: Marks must be horizontal (not angled or vertical)
Balloons
- • Envelope: Both sides, 500mm (20") minimum height
- • Basket: At least one side of basket, 75mm (3") minimum
Font & Character Requirements
Recommended fonts: Helvetica Bold, Arial Bold, Futura Bold — these meet CARs specifications.
Colour Contrast Requirements
✅ Compliant Colours
- • Black marks on white aircraft
- • White marks on dark blue/black
- • Dark marks on light aircraft
- • High-contrast combinations
❌ Non-Compliant
- • Grey on silver
- • Blue on black
- • Similar tone colours
- • Low-contrast schemes
Rule of thumb: Marks must be legible from 150 feet (45m) away in daylight. If you can't easily read the registration from that distance, contrast is insufficient.
Method of Application
CARs 222.04 requires marks to be affixed by any method that ensures permanency. Acceptable methods include:
- Paint: Most common. Two-part epoxy or urethane aircraft paint.
- Vinyl decals: Premium cast vinyl designed for aircraft use (7+ year outdoor rating).
- Pre-painted plates: Aluminium or composite plates with painted marks, riveted to aircraft.
Not acceptable: Temporary stickers, paper, tape, chalk, or any removable marking method. Marks must withstand normal flight operations and weather.
Exemptions & Special Cases
Military Aircraft
Military aircraft may use alternative marking schemes as specified by National Defence. Civilian CARs 222 does not apply.
Historic Aircraft (Pre-1950)
May display period-correct markings if approved by Transport Canada. Must still meet minimum visibility and contrast requirements.
Experimental & Homebuilt
Follow same CARs 222 requirements as certified aircraft. No exemptions for experimental category regarding registration marking.
Drone Marking Requirements — CARs 901.01
Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (drones) over 250g have separate marking requirementsunder CARs Part IX:
- Display Transport Canada drone registration number (not aircraft C-F registration)
- Format: C-XXXX where XXXX is your 4-character alphanumeric code
- Must be legible and visible without tools or disassembly
- No minimum size specified, but must be readable
- Can use labels, engraving, or permanent marker
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Flying with improper or missing registration marks:
Fines up to $5,000 for individuals and $25,000 for corporationsunder the Aeronautics Act. Transport Canada can ground the aircraft until marking is corrected.
Annual inspections: Improper marking will result in failed annual inspection (C of A renewal). Aircraft cannot legally fly until marks are corrected and re-inspected.
Order Aircraft Registration Marks
We produce Transport Canada-compliant aircraft registration marks in any size. Premium aircraft-grade vinyl, high-contrast colours, custom sizing to meet CARs 222 specifications. Includes installation guide and sizing chart. Ships same day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put my aircraft registration marks anywhere on the plane?
No. CARs 222.02 specifies exact placement requirements. Fixed-wing aircraft must display marks on both sides of the fuselage between wing and tail, or on the vertical tail surface. Helicopters require marks on both sides and underside.
What if I repaint my aircraft — do I need new registration marks?
Yes, if the new paint scheme doesn't provide sufficient contrast. Your registration marks must always be clearly legible with high contrast against the aircraft surface. If you paint your white aircraft dark blue, your black marks won't be compliant.
Can I use smaller letters if I have a small aircraft?
Only for specific categories. Ultra-light aircraft can use 75mm (3") letters, and gliders can use 150mm (6"). Standard fixed-wing aircraft require 300mm (12") minimum regardless of aircraft size.
Do I need to display registration marks inside the aircraft?
No. CARs 222 only requires external markings visible from outside the aircraft. However, your Certificate of Registration must be carried inside the aircraft at all times.
Can I add decorative elements or logos near my registration marks?
Yes, as long as they don't obscure or reduce the legibility of the registration marks. The marks must be clearly separate from any decorative elements and maintain required size and contrast.