USAviation.info explains the subject in plain language. For flight, maintenance, certification or regulatory decisions, use the current official source and applicable approvals, procedures and guidance.
Model name vs. type designator
A manufacturer/model name identifies the aircraft product or variant—for example, a particular business jet or helicopter model. An aircraft type designator is a compact code used in air traffic management and flight-plan systems. Multiple closely related models can share a designator, while some variants require different designators.
What FAA JO 7360.1 provides
FAA Order JO 7360.1 provides aircraft type designators for aircraft commonly using air traffic services. The order also carries information used by ATC for items such as aircraft class, engine characteristics, weight/wake-turbulence treatment and separation planning.
Why exact variant identity matters
A familiar aircraft family name is not always enough to determine the correct designator. Variant, engine, weight or certification differences can matter. USAviation.info therefore keeps the common model identity separate from the verified type-designator field and marks variant-dependent or unverified cases instead of guessing.
Current-order maintenance
As of October 14, 2026, FAA lists JO 7360.1K as Active and also lists JO 7360.7 as a current associated notice. Type-designator data can change through revised orders and notices, so the official FAA order page is the controlling source and USAviation.info rechecks the registry on a recurring schedule.