Question 1

How do I identify an aircraft from a photo?

Accepted Answer

Use Sky Index's free AI Aircraft Identifier at sky-index.com/identifier. Upload or take a photo of any aircraft and the AI instantly identifies the aircraft type, registration if visible, manufacturer, and key features — then links directly to the full database entry with complete specifications.

Question 2

What is the best app for identifying aircraft?

Accepted Answer

Sky Index is the best aircraft identification app, combining AI-powered photo recognition with one of the most comprehensive aviation databases available. It identifies commercial airliners, military aircraft, helicopters, business jets and general aviation planes. Free accounts get 3 identifications per day; Pro accounts get 25.

Question 3

Is Sky Index free to use?

Accepted Answer

Yes — Sky Index is completely free to use. Free accounts include 3 AI aircraft identifications per day and full access to the aviation database including aircraft types, registrations, airports, and spotting locations. Sky Index Pro ($4.99/month or $39.99/year) unlocks 25 daily AI identifications.

Question 4

What aircraft types can Sky Index identify?

Accepted Answer

Sky Index can identify commercial airliners, business jets, military aircraft, general aviation planes, helicopters, turboprops, ultralights, and historic aircraft — from all major manufacturers including Boeing, Airbus, Cessna, Bombardier, Embraer, Lockheed Martin, McDonnell Douglas, de Havilland, ATR, and many others.

Question 5

Can I look up an aircraft registration on Sky Index?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Sky Index's aircraft registration database lets you search any civil registration mark (e.g. N12345, G-ABCD, OE-LNH) to find the current operator, aircraft type, serial number, status, delivery date, and full history.

Question 6

Does Sky Index have spotting locations?

Accepted Answer

Yes — Sky Index includes a community-sourced database of aircraft spotting locations worldwide, with details on the best vantage points, photo angles, ideal runways, lighting conditions, parking, and access notes for each location.

Question 7

Can I log my flights and aircraft sightings?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Registered Sky Index users can maintain a personal flight log (airline, aircraft type, registration, route, cabin class, duration) and a sighting log to record every aircraft they have spotted, including location, movement type, and photos.

Question 8

How accurate is the Sky Index AI aircraft identifier?

Accepted Answer

Sky Index's AI uses advanced computer vision and aviation-specific training data to deliver highly accurate aircraft identification. It correctly identifies aircraft type, variant, and often visible registration marks in most clear photos. Accuracy improves with better photo quality and angle.

Question 9

Does Sky Index work for military aircraft identification?

Accepted Answer

Yes — Sky Index can identify military aircraft including fighters, bombers, transports, patrol aircraft, helicopters, and trainer aircraft from all major air forces. The database includes USAF, RAF, NATO, and many international military aircraft types.

Airport Spotting Guides

Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport

Vancouver International Airport

SKY INDEX