CARs Part II C-F, C-G & C-I
Canadian Aircraft Registration Marking Kit
Registration mark decals sized and coloured to CARs Part II, built from your tail number, letter size, and placement details.
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Compliance Guide
Aircraft Registration
Marking in Canada
Transport Canada requirements for displaying C-F registration marks on Canadian aircraft. Letter sizes, placement locations, colour contrast rules, and CARs Part II specifications.
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Canadian Aircraft Registration Overview
Every aircraft operating in Canada should be registered with Transport Canada and display its registration marks in accordance with the Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs), Part II — Aircraft Identification and Registration.
Canadian aircraft receive a nationality mark of C- followed by a registration mark of four letters (e.g., C-FABC). These marks are the legal identity of the aircraft and should be displayed on the exterior of the aircraft at all times during operation.
Registration Mark Format
Canadian aircraft registration marks follow a specific format assigned by Transport Canada:
C-FABC
Example: C- (nationality) + FABC (registration)
Registration Prefix Categories
C-F___Aeroplanes (fixed-wing aircraft)
C-G___Gliders and powered gliders
C-I___Ultra-light aeroplanes
C-H___Helicopters (rotary-wing)
C-B___Balloons and airships
Marking Size and Placement Requirements
CARs Part II and the associated standards specify the minimum sizes and locations for registration marks on aircraft:
Aircraft Marking Specifications
Wing MarksOn the lower surface of the wing, readable from left to right from behind the aircraft
Wing Letter HeightMinimum 50 cm (approximately 20 inches)
Fuselage / TailOn both sides of the fuselage or vertical tail surface
Fuselage Letter HeightMinimum 30 cm (approximately 12 inches)
Helicopter MarksOn the bottom of the fuselage and on both sides
ColourMust contrast with the background surface; typically black on light, white on dark
FontBlock letters without ornamentation, clearly legible from a distance
SpacingA hyphen or equivalent space between the nationality mark (C) and registration letters
DurabilityMarks should be permanent — painted, applied as decals, or bonded to the surface
Regulation Reference
Transport Canada — Aircraft Registration | Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs), Part II — Aircraft Identification and Registration
Aircraft Identification Plate
In addition to exterior registration marks, every Canadian aircraft must carry a fireproof identification plate. This is a separate requirement from the external markings:
Location
The plate should be secured to the aircraft in a prominent position near the main entrance or in the cockpit.
Material
Should be fireproof — typically stainless steel, brass, or anodized aluminum.
Required Information
Must include the aircraft manufacturer, model designation, serial number, and registration marks (C-XXXX).
Legibility
Engraved, stamped, or etched — must remain legible after exposure to fire.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Operating an aircraft without proper registration markings in Canada is a violation of the Aeronautics Act and CARs:
- Fines vary by authority for individuals and $25,000 for corporations
- Suspension or cancellation of Certificate of Registration
- Aircraft may be grounded until markings are corrected
- Insurance implications — coverage may be voided if aircraft is improperly marked
- Potential issues during international operations or landing at foreign airports
Frequently Asked Questions
What size do aircraft registration letters need to be?
Wing marks should be a minimum of 50 cm (20") tall, and fuselage or tail marks should be a minimum of 30 cm (12") tall. These are Transport Canada minimums under CARs Part II.
Can I use vinyl decals instead of paint for tail numbers?
Yes. Transport Canada accepts vinyl decals as long as they are durable, clearly legible, and meet the colour contrast requirements. Premium aviation-grade vinyl is the standard in the industry.
What colour should my tail numbers be?
The marks must contrast with the background surface of the aircraft. Black on white/light surfaces and white on dark surfaces are the most common. The key requirement is that they are clearly legible from a distance.
Do I need marks on both the wings AND the fuselage?
Yes. CARs Part II requires marks on the lower wing surface AND on both sides of the fuselage or vertical tail surface. Helicopters require marks on the bottom of the fuselage and both sides.
Order Aircraft Tail Number Decals
Aviation-grade vinyl rated for exterior aircraft use. Enter your C-F registration mark and select your size. Precision cut, UV-resistant, and built to meet Transport Canada display guidanceifications.
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