AIA AMIN User Guide
Aircraft Model Identification Number
Version 1.0 | November 2025
Introduction
About the Aviation Insurance Association (AIA)
The Aviation Insurance Association (AIA) is the premier trade organization serving the aviation insurance industry. AIA members include insurance companies, brokers, underwriters, and other aviation insurance professionals dedicated to advancing the industry through collaboration, education, and technology.
What is AMIN?
The Aircraft Model Identification Number (AMIN) is AIA's standardized aircraft identification system designed to solve the persistent problem of inconsistent aircraft model identification across the aviation insurance industry.
The Problem AMIN Solves
The FAA maintains over 7,000 unique aircraft type/model combinations in their database. These models are identified inconsistently, creating significant challenges for:
Insurance Underwriters
Difficulty accurately rating aircraft risks due to inconsistent model data
Insurance Brokers
Time-consuming research to identify correct aircraft specifications
Claims Adjusters
Challenges in claims documentation and valuation
Finance Professionals
Inconsistent data for aircraft valuations and transactions
The AIA AMIN Solution
AMIN provides a standardized, consistent identification system that:
- Normalizes manufacturer and model names across all FAA records
- Corrects unreliable FAA manufacturing year data using serial number analysis
- Maps every FAA aircraft model code to a standardized AMIN identifier
- Integrates with existing aviation systems via RESTful API
- Supports over 300,000 registered aircraft with 100% model coverage
Getting Started
Accessing the AIA AMIN System
The AMIN system is accessible through your web browser. No software installation is required. Contact AIA for access credentials if you are an AIA member.
System Navigation
The main navigation menu provides access to all system features:
| Menu Item | Description | Access Level |
|---|---|---|
| Home | System overview and quick links | Public |
| N-Number Search | Look up aircraft by FAA registration | Public |
| AMIN Model Lookup | Find AMIN codes by year and model | Public |
| FAA Model Dashboard | Browse and search all FAA models | Public |
| Submit Feedback | Report issues or request features | Public |
| Terms & Disclaimer | Legal information and usage terms | Public |
| User Guide | This documentation | Public |
AIA Member Features
AIA members with contributor or admin access have additional features:
| Menu Item | Description | Access Level |
|---|---|---|
| AIA Model Dashboard | Manage AMIN model records | Contributor |
| AIA Make Dashboard | Manage manufacturer records | Contributor |
| Mapping Dashboard | FAA to AMIN mapping management | Contributor |
| FAA Database Admin | FAA data loading and management | Admin |
| User Management | System user administration | Admin |
N-Number Search
Overview
The N-Number Search allows you to look up any aircraft registered with the FAA by its registration number (N-Number) and receive the corresponding standardized AMIN identification.
How to Use
- Enter the N-Number
- Type the aircraft's N-Number in the search field
- You can enter with or without the "N" prefix (e.g., "N12345" or "12345")
- Press Enter or click the Search button
- View Results
- The system displays comprehensive aircraft information organized in sections
Understanding the Results
AMIN Match Section
| Field | Description |
|---|---|
| AMIN Model | The AIA-standardized model name (e.g., "Cessna 172N") |
| AMIN Code | The unique 10-character AMIN identifier (e.g., "0000131978" for a 1978 Cessna 172N) |
| Year | The corrected manufacturing year |
| Serial Number Match | Indicates if the serial number was used to determine the model |
| Year Match | Indicates if the year was verified through serial number analysis |
Match Indicators
- Green checkmark - Information verified through AIA serial number analysis
- Yellow indicator - Information derived from FAA data (may be less reliable)
Aircraft Information Section
| Field | Description |
|---|---|
| N-Number | FAA registration number |
| Serial Number | Aircraft serial number |
| Manufacturer | Aircraft manufacturer name |
| Model | FAA model designation |
| Aircraft Type | Category (Fixed Wing Single-Engine, Multi-Engine, etc.) |
| Engine Type | Engine configuration |
| Number of Engines | Total engines installed |
| Number of Seats | Passenger capacity |
| Year Manufactured | FAA-recorded manufacturing year |
Tips for Aviation Insurance Professionals
- Always verify the AMIN model matches your policy documentation
- Check the Year Match indicator - A green checkmark means higher confidence in the manufacturing year
- Review registration status - Ensure the aircraft has a valid registration before binding coverage
- Note expiration dates - Certificate expiration may affect insurability
- Use AMIN codes in policy documents for consistent identification
AMIN Model Lookup
Overview
The AMIN Model Lookup provides a three-step process to find the correct AIA AMIN code for any aircraft when you know the manufacturing year and make/model.
How to Use
Step 1: Enter the Manufacturing Year
- Enter the aircraft's manufacturing year in the text field
- Click "Set Year" or press Enter
- The system filters available manufacturers to those producing aircraft in that year
Step 2: Select the Manufacturer
- Browse or search the filtered list of manufacturers
- Select the appropriate manufacturer
- The system displays models available from that manufacturer for the specified year
Step 3: Select the Model
- Browse the available models
- Select the specific aircraft model
- The system generates and displays the complete AMIN code
Important Notice
FAA manufacturing years are notoriously unreliable. The AIA AMIN system uses serial number analysis and production records to provide more accurate year determination.
Use Cases for Aviation Insurance
Insurance Quoting
When a customer provides aircraft year, make, and model but not the N-Number, use AMIN Model Lookup to obtain the standardized identification for accurate rating.
Policy Documentation
Ensure consistent aircraft identification across all policy documents by using the AIA AMIN code rather than varied manufacturer designations.
Fleet Management
Standardize aircraft identification across multiple aircraft for consistent reporting and analysis.
Underwriting
Quickly identify the correct AMIN model for risk assessment and premium calculation.
FAA Model Search
Overview
The FAA Model Search dashboard allows you to browse and search the complete FAA aircraft model database, with over 7,000 unique aircraft type/model combinations.
Search and Filter Options
| Filter | Description |
|---|---|
| Aircraft Type | Fixed Wing Single-Engine, Fixed Wing Multi-Engine, Rotorcraft, Glider, Balloon, etc. |
| Manufacturer | Aircraft manufacturer name (supports partial matching) |
| Model Name | Model designation (supports partial matching) |
| Builder Type | Certified, Light Sport, Amateur Built, UAV |
Additional Options
- Include Zero Registrations - Toggle to show/hide models with no current US registrations
- Page Size - Select 25, 50, 100, or 200 results per page
Search Results
| Column | Description |
|---|---|
| FAA Model Code | The FAA's internal model identifier |
| Manufacturer | Aircraft manufacturer |
| Model | Model designation |
| Type | Aircraft category |
| Builder Type | Certificate category |
| Registrations | Number of currently registered aircraft |
| AMIN Status | Mapped (linked to AIA AMIN) or Unmapped |
Submitting Feedback
Overview
The AIA welcomes feedback to improve the AMIN system. The feedback system allows users to report issues, suggest improvements, and help improve data quality.
Feedback Types
| Type | When to Use |
|---|---|
| General Feedback | General comments or suggestions about the system |
| Aircraft Mismatch | When AMIN mapping appears incorrect for a specific aircraft |
| Feature Request | Suggestions for new features or enhancements |
| Bug Report | System errors or technical issues |
| Data Quality Issue | Incorrect or missing aircraft data |
| User Experience | Usability suggestions and interface improvements |
How to Submit Feedback
- Select Feedback Type - Choose the category that best describes your feedback
- Enter Your Email (optional) - Provide if you want a response from AIA
- Enter Your Name (optional) - For follow-up contact
- Related Information (optional):
- N-Number - If feedback relates to a specific aircraft
- FAA Model Code - If feedback relates to a specific FAA model
- AMIN Code - If feedback relates to an AMIN mapping
- Describe the Issue - Provide detailed feedback in the text area
- Submit - Click the Submit Feedback button
Understanding AMIN Codes
AMIN Code Structure
AIA AMIN codes follow a standardized 10-character format:
3 chr 3 chr 4 chr
The AMIN code is a concatenation of:
- Make Code (3 characters) - Alphanumeric manufacturer identifier
- Model Code (3 characters) - Alphanumeric model identifier
- Year (4 digits) - Manufacturing year
Examples:
| AMIN Code | Make | Model | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
0000131978 | Cessna | 172N | 1978 |
00200G1990 | Piper | PA-28-181 Archer II | 1990 |
00100Y2000 | Beechcraft | A36 Bonanza | 2000 |
00300D2020 | Cirrus | SR22 G6 | 2020 |
00500H1985 | Mooney | M20J 201 | 1985 |
01I00D2020 | Robinson | R44 Raven II | 2020 |
AIA Manufacturer Codes
AMIN uses standardized 3-character alphanumeric manufacturer codes:
| Make Code | Manufacturer |
|---|---|
| 000 | Cessna |
| 001 | Beech (Beechcraft) |
| 002 | Piper |
| 003 | Cirrus |
| 004 | Diamond |
| 005 | Mooney |
| 028 | Bell Helicopter |
| 01I | Robinson |
Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
Q: Is the AIA AMIN system free to use?
A: The web interface is available for public use. API access for system integration requires AIA authorization.
Q: How current is the FAA data?
A: The FAA database is updated regularly. Check the FAA Admin page (admin access required) for the last update timestamp.
Q: Can I access AMIN data programmatically?
A: Yes, API access is available for AIA members and authorized users. Contact AIA for API documentation and credentials.
N-Number Search Questions
Q: What if my N-Number search returns no results?
A: Verify the N-Number is correct. The aircraft may be recently registered and not yet in our database, or may be deregistered.
Q: Why does the AMIN year differ from the FAA year?
A: FAA manufacturing years are often incorrect. AIA AMIN uses serial number analysis to determine more accurate years.
Q: What does "Serial Number Match" mean?
A: A serial number match indicates the AMIN model was determined using AIA serial number production records rather than just FAA data.
Terms and Disclaimer
Important Notice
The AIA Aircraft Model Identification Number (AMIN) system is provided as a reference tool for aircraft identification purposes. Users should be aware of the following important limitations and terms.
Data Accuracy
- AMIN data is derived from FAA and other sources - While AIA strives for accuracy, we cannot guarantee the completeness or accuracy of all data
- FAA manufacturing years are notoriously unreliable - The AMIN system attempts to correct manufacturing years using serial number analysis, but errors may still exist
- Aircraft specifications may vary - Individual aircraft may have been modified from original specifications
Limitation of Liability
- AMIN data should be used for reference purposes only
- Critical decisions (underwriting, claims, valuations) should be verified through official sources
- The AIA, AMIN system, and its operators are not liable for decisions made based on this data
- Users are responsible for verifying information for their specific use cases
For complete terms and conditions, please visit the Terms & Disclaimer page.
Contact Information
Aviation Insurance Association (AIA)
For questions about the AMIN system, API access, or AIA membership:
In-System Feedback: Use the Submit Feedback feature for:
- Technical issues
- Data quality concerns
- Feature requests
- General inquiries
Reporting Issues
Data Accuracy Issues: If you find incorrect aircraft information, please submit feedback with:
- The N-Number or FAA Model Code
- What information appears incorrect
- The correct information (if known)
- Your source for the correct information
Appendices
Appendix A: Aircraft Type Categories
| Code | Category | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Glider | Non-powered fixed wing aircraft |
| 2 | Balloon | Lighter-than-air, non-steerable |
| 3 | Blimp/Dirigible | Lighter-than-air, steerable |
| 4 | Fixed Wing Single-Engine | Powered airplane with one engine |
| 5 | Fixed Wing Multi-Engine | Powered airplane with multiple engines |
| 6 | Rotorcraft | Helicopters and powered lift aircraft |
| 7 | Weight-Shift-Control | Trike ultralight aircraft |
| 8 | Powered Parachute | Motorized parachute aircraft |
| 9 | Gyroplane | Autogyro aircraft |
| H | Hybrid Lift | Combination lift systems |
| O | Other | Other aircraft types |
Appendix B: Builder/Certification Types
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Certified | Standard type-certificated aircraft |
| Light Sport | Light Sport Aircraft (LSA) category |
| Amateur Built | Experimental - Amateur Built |
| UAV | Unmanned Aerial Vehicles |
Appendix C: Registration Status Codes
| Status | Description |
|---|---|
| Valid | Currently valid registration |
| Expired | Registration has expired |
| Cancelled | Registration cancelled by FAA |
| Reserved | N-Number reserved but not registered |
| Suspended | Registration suspended |
AIA Aircraft Model Identification Number (AMIN)
Standardizing Aircraft Identification for the Aviation Insurance Industry
Version 1.0 | November 2025
Copyright Aviation Insurance Association. All rights reserved.