And if you see a tail number that starts with AW on an American Airlines aircraft, that means the plane was part of the America West Airlines fleet prior to its 2005 merger with US Airways.

The author’s airplane, wearing its original tail number in 1970. While the paint hasn’t changed over the years, its condition certainly has. [Courtesy: Jason McDowell] ...

There’s some information you’ll need to get started. The easiest way to find out all kinds of neat information about your plane is by find the tail number, or the N number.

This aircraft, tail number N483WC, is stationed at Mankato Regional Airport and replaces one of Mayo's older helicopters. New helicopters are on the way for Rochester and Eau Claire, Wisconsin.