The process of buying or selling an aircraft involves many steps, but one of the most critical is completing the Aircraft change of ownership. This crucial documentation officially transfers the legal title from one person or entity to another. Navigating this requirement correctly is essential for maintaining compliance with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and ensuring the new owner has clear, undisputed rights to the aircraft.
At the National Aviation Center, we simplify this process through our online portal, providing the necessary forms and support to make your transition as smooth as possible.
The Transfer of Ownership Form
When an aircraft is sold, gifted, or otherwise transferred, the FAA must be notified. This is not just a suggestion; it’s a federal requirement. The primary document for this is often referred to as a Bill of Sale, but through our service, it’s part of a streamlined “Transfer of Ownership” process.
This form serves as the legal instrument that proves the aircraft has been conveyed from the seller to the buyer. Without a properly executed transfer document, the new owner cannot legally register the aircraft in their name.
Who Needs to Complete a Change of Ownership?
Anyone involved in the transfer of an aircraft needs to ensure this documentation is handled correctly. This includes a wide range of individuals and entities.
Individual Buyers and Sellers
The most common scenario involves a private transaction between two individuals. The seller is responsible for conveying the aircraft with a proper Bill of Sale or transfer document. Meanwhile, the buyer is responsible for submitting this document, along with an aircraft registration application, to the FAA.
Both parties have a vested interest in making sure the transfer is recorded accurately to avoid future legal or financial complications. The seller wants to be released from liability, and the buyer wants to secure their new asset.
Dealerships and Brokers
Additionally, aircraft dealers and brokers handle these transactions regularly. They facilitate the sale between the owner and the purchaser, and managing the paperwork is a core part of their service. Using a reliable system like our portal ensures that they can process these changes efficiently and without error, maintaining their professional reputation and keeping their clients satisfied. For them, a smooth transfer is essential for business operations.
Corporations and LLCs
When an aircraft is owned by a corporation or an LLC, the transfer process can have added layers of complexity. The entity selling the aircraft must provide proof that the individual signing the transfer form is authorized to do so. This might require corporate resolutions or other legal documents.
Similarly, if the buyer is a business, they will need to ensure the aircraft is registered correctly under the company’s name. Our platform guides users through these specific requirements, helping to avoid common pitfalls associated with corporate ownership transfers.
Heirs and Beneficiaries
When an aircraft owner passes away, the aircraft becomes part of their estate. The heir or beneficiary who inherits the aircraft must go through a change of ownership process to transfer the title to their name.
This often involves providing additional documentation, such as a letter of executorship or a copy of the will, to prove their legal right to the aircraft. We can assist in gathering and submitting the correct paperwork to make this sensitive transition more manageable.
How Our Transfer of Ownership Form Helps
At the National Aviation Center, we designed our portal to take the complexity out of FAA documentation. Our online Transfer of Ownership form is a key part of that mission. Instead of deciphering confusing government forms, you can use our intuitive interface to complete the process correctly from the start.
Simplifying a Complex Process
The official FAA forms can be dense and difficult to understand. Our platform breaks down the information into easy-to-follow steps. We ask for the necessary details in plain language, ensuring you provide all the required information, such as the aircraft’s N-number, serial number, and the full legal names and addresses of both the seller and buyer. This guided process significantly reduces the chance of errors that could lead to rejection by the FAA.
Ensuring Accuracy and Compliance
A simple mistake on a form, like a misspelled name or an incorrect date, can cause significant delays. Our system has built-in checks to help you input the information accurately. We make sure that all required fields are completed before you can submit the form.
This attention to detail helps ensure your application for a change of ownership is processed by the FAA without unnecessary holdups. We stay up-to-date with the latest regulations, so you can be confident that the forms you complete through our service meet current standards.
The Importance of Proper Documentation
Failing to properly document an aircraft transfer can lead to serious consequences for both the buyer and the seller. The risks associated with an incomplete or incorrect change of ownership extend beyond simple administrative headaches.
Risks for the Buyer
For the buyer, the most immediate risk is the inability to secure a valid aircraft registration. Without a properly executed Bill of Sale or transfer form, the FAA will reject the registration application. This means the buyer cannot legally fly the aircraft. Furthermore, an improper transfer can create a cloud on the title, making it difficult to prove legal ownership.
This could pose major problems if you later decide to sell the aircraft or use it as collateral for a loan. Imagine investing a significant amount of money in an asset you cannot legally operate or control. This is the reality for those who neglect the proper paperwork. Your aircraft registration is your proof of ownership and your license to fly, and it all starts with a valid transfer.
Risks for the Seller
Sellers are not immune to problems either. If the change of ownership is not officially recorded by the FAA, the seller may remain the owner of record in the eyes of the government. This means they could still be held liable for any incidents, accidents, or legal infractions involving the aircraft, even though they no longer possess it.
If the new owner operates the aircraft illegally or abandons it, the registered owner could be the one facing fines or legal action. It is in the seller’s best interest to ensure the title is cleanly and officially transferred to the new owner.
The federal regulations governing aircraft registration and ownership transfer are detailed and strict. As outlined in government resources such as Title 14 Chapter I Subchapter C Part 47, the FAA has specific requirements for how an aircraft is to be registered and how ownership is to be conveyed. Failure to adhere to these rules can result in a rejected application, leaving your aircraft grounded.
Beyond the Initial Transfer
Managing your aircraft documentation doesn’t end with the change of ownership. Your aircraft’s registration needs to be maintained. For example, an FAA registration renewal is required every three years. Missing this deadline can lead to the expiration of your registration, making it illegal to operate the aircraft.
Our portal is not just for one-time transactions. We provide a suite of services to help you manage your aircraft documentation throughout its entire lifecycle. Whether you need to renew your registration, obtain a copy of your certificate, or update your address with the FAA, our platform offers a centralized and user-friendly solution.
We aim to be your long-term partner in FAA compliance, helping you keep your focus on flying, not paperwork.
Use Our Portal for an Aircraft Change of Ownership and More
Completing an aircraft change of ownership is a non-negotiable step in buying or selling an aircraft. Doing it correctly protects the interests of both the buyer and the seller and ensures compliance with federal law. While the process can seem daunting, it doesn’t have to be.
Our online forms are designed to guide you through every step, minimizing errors and saving you time. Don’t let paperwork ground you. Visit our portal today to complete your aircraft change of ownership and explore the other services we offer to keep you flying legally and with peace of mind.