What Are Aircraft Data Plates and Their Common Types?

Aircraft are complex vehicles consisting of a plethora of assemblies, systems, and components, and it is important that personnel, maintenance staff, and engineers have the ability to identify necessary information quickly and easily. With components known as aircraft data plates, labeling and identification is made easy for the means of enhancing risk management and the communication of vital information. In this blog, we will provide a brief overview of aircraft data plates, allowing you to better understand the various roles that they serve, as well as the many ways in which they are implemented.

Depending on the intended use of a particular data plate, such items may come in the form of metallic, instructional, safety warning, or barcoded plates. Metal nameplates such as identification plates are a requirement as per the FAA, and they are used for the proper identification of an aircraft. Generally, the data on the plate will include the aircraft manufacturer name, model, serial number, type certificate number, and more. It is crucial that the identification plate is placed in an area that will not be affected during standard maintenance, and it should be visible from the ground. To prevent the aircraft data plate from becoming damaged and unreadable, it must be designed with fireproof materials.

While the identification plate is quite important, so too are the other various data plates situated across the aircraft. For instance, barcoded nameplates are utilized for electronic components, easing their identification. Meanwhile, an instructional nameplate can be used for the operation of particular systems or assemblies, generally offering a detailed description on how a product is used. For easily conveying safety measures and risks to passengers, aircraft personnel, and others, safety warning nameplates can be implemented and customized as necessary. Alongside such examples, aircraft also take advantage of brand tags, parts labels, UID tags, control panel overlays, customized dials, and much more.

The aviation industry is highly regulated, and many rulings and processes are put in place to bolster safety and prevent hazardous situations from coming about. With the simple installation of a data plate, whether it be for part identification or a safety warning, one can increase the efficiency and safety of their aircraft. Traceability and asset management is a large aspect of airline operation alongside safety, and poor processes can lead to wasted time as personnel attempt to correct issues and track down missing items. With the use of a barcode or bracket identification plate, tracking and managing assets is simplified.

If you are in the market for aircraft data plates, it is important to consider the materials that will be used for their construction. For instance, data plates that are placed on the exterior of the aircraft will need to be much more robust as compared to those indoors, due to the fact that they will be subjected to much more extreme conditions. Stainless steel is a good example of a durable material that can withstand various extreme conditions, allowing for a long-lasting solution. Despite this, stainless steel is known for being heavier than other options. Aluminum is much lighter, all while still providing high strength for reliability. The last common material used for plates is metalphoto, that of which is a photosensitive anodized aluminum. Metalphoto is often popular due to its low weight and corrosion and abrasion resistance. Alongside materials, it is important to remember the role of each data plate type, ensuring that you purchase the right parts for your identification needs.

When you are in the market for various types of data plates for your aircraft, ASAP 360 Unlimited has you covered with our unrivaled inventory of items. Owned and operated by ASAP Semiconductor, we present customers access to over 2 billion new, used, obsolete, and hard-to-find parts that have been sourced from leading global manufacturers that we trust. With our dedication to quality control and export compliance, we proudly operate with AS9120B, ISO 9001:2015, and FAA AC 00-56B accreditation. Take the time to explore our massive set of offerings as you see fit, and our team is always on standby 24/7x365 to assist you through the purchasing process as necessary.

If you happen to be facing a time constraint and require parts fast, we offer expedited shipping for domestic and international orders alike through the use of our supply chain network. If you happen to be facing an AOG situation, we can even provide same-day shipping and/or delivery on select in-stock items. If you are ready to initiate the purchasing process, fill out and submit an RFQ form as provided on our website, and a dedicated account manager will reach out to you within 15 minutes with a customized quote for your comparisons. At ASAP 360 Unlimited, we are more than just dependable distributors; we are your strategic sourcing partner for all your operational needs.