How to Use OSINT to Investigate Aircraft, Ships and Vessel Movements

Public data can provide opportunities to identify the planes and ships linked to a person of business of interest.

Aircraft Research Using OSINT

There are a large number of useful aircraft-related resources listed at UK-OSINT Aircraft Research Resources.

Using sites such as Plane Finder and Flightradar24 you can view aircraft operating in a particular area on a map. By selecting a plane or helicopter shown on the map, you can usually view:

a photograph of the aircraft type,
aircraft registration details,
route information,
flight details,
and current location information.

Researching an Aircraft Registration

If you have an aircraft registration mark, there are a number of resources available which may provide additional details about the aircraft.

Aircraft with a G-prefix registration are UK-registered aircraft. These can generally be researched using the public aircraft register maintained by the UK Civil Aviation Authority: CAA G-INFO Aircraft Register.

The Civil Aviation Authority, commonly referred to as the CAA, performs a role broadly comparable to the vehicle registration functions of the DVLA for aircraft.

Whilst the DVLA maintains keeper details for UK motor vehicles, information which is generally restricted, the CAA maintains details of current and historic aircraft ownership for:

aeroplanes,
helicopters,
hot-air balloons,
gyrocopters,
and other aircraft types.

Importantly, this register is publicly searchable online.

Researching Pilots and International Aviation Records

Many aviation-related resources are international, meaning that even where one country limits access to information, useful details may sometimes be found elsewhere.

For example, while the UK pilot register is not publicly accessible, information relating to UK pilots may occasionally be identified through overseas aviation databases.

If the individual you are researching regularly flies within the United States, then it may be possible to search the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Aviation Administration aircrew database: FAA Airmen Inquiry Database.

As an example, searches relating to Alan Sugar show that he holds a licence to fly in the United States based on a UK pilot licence, which has the number GBR.FCL.PP. 426991H.A.

Ship & Vessel Research Using OSINT

Useful resources for ship and vessel research can be found at UK-OSINT Ships Research Resources.

Similar to aircraft tracking platforms, a number of free online resources allow investigators to view vessels operating in specific geographic areas.

Examples include:

These resources display ships transmitting an Automatic Identification System (AIS) signal, which is an automated vessel tracking system. By selecting a vessel shown on the map, investigators can usually view:

vessel information,
registration details,
route and voyage information,
current location,
and recent port visits.

Researching Individual Ships

Other resources can assist in researching individual vessels in more detail, including:

These sites may provide:

vessel specifications,
registration details,
ownership information,
and, depending on the service and subscription level, details relating to crew members or cargo.

Training Exercise

Exercise 1: Researching Aircraft in Your Area

Using:

Select an area close to where you are and identify an aircraft currently operating within that airspace.

Attempt to answer the following:

Aircraft registration mark
Aircraft owner
Where has it flown from?
Where is it flying to?

Exercise 2: Researching Aircraft Registrations

Using the Civil Aviation Authority database: CAA G-INFO Aircraft Register. Attempt to answer the following questions in relation to the aircraft shown in the images below:

Identify:

a) Aircraft Registration Mark

b) Any Previous Registration / ID

c) Manufacturer

d) Aircraft Type

e) Current Or Last Registered Owner

f) Registered Owners' Address

g) Registered Owner Since