Aircraft Registration Step By Step

You have spent your time with the right books, logged enough hours with an instructor, and now the time has come to purchase your own airplane. While you scour the internet for just the right listing, spending some time learning about the aircraft registration process can also prove helpful. With a solid knowledge base of what you need to do to register your plane, you can enter your transaction with prepared and thoughtful confidence.

So, how exactly do you register your aircraft? How do you get the N-number that’s painted on the side of your plane? These are excellent questions to ask yourself prior to a potential purchase, and having the answers will make you a more informed buyer.

Are You Eligible For Aircraft Registration?

Before you take the leap of buying an aircraft, you want to first make sure that you are eligible to register one with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Fortunately, for most, meeting the appropriate criteria is not a challenge. If you are a valid U.S. citizen or a permanent resident of the U.S., you can register an aircraft. You can also qualify if you are a corporation where the president/CEO and at least two-thirds of your board members are citizens of the United States.

Within the right parameters, a non-U.S. corporation can also register a plane with the FAA. In truth, airplane registration is fairly accessible to many. Assuming you or your business meet the correct criteria, you are ready to take the next step in the application process.

The Right Forms And Documentation

The next step in the registration process is assembling the correct forms, documentation, and fees needed to file your application with the FAA. You will need a Form 8050-1, also called an aircraft registration application. You will also need a bill of sale or other sufficient evidence of ownership. Lastly, the FAA currently commands a $5.00 registration fee.

Once your registration is processed and approved, your plane will be issued an N-number. This number, which begins with the letter “N” and is followed by one to five numbers, makes your plane distinct from the thousands of other aircraft in the U.S. skies. This N-number will serve as proof of your plane’s registration while also offering a way to identify the aircraft. Your registration number is a key piece of your aircraft’s records.

We Can Help You Register Your Aircraft

Between applications, fees, and various documents, you may not even know where to start in the registration process. Fortunately, the National Aviation Center is here to help. Our experienced customer service experts can help you navigate the right forms before navigating the skies. With our secure, encrypted portal and easy-to-use forms, we streamline the registration process for novice and seasoned aviators alike. Contact us today and learn more about how we can help you.