Frequently Asked Questions

The AC 8050-1 is the FAA Aircraft Registration Application. Without it, you can’t legally operate a civil aircraft in the United States. This form captures essential information such as the aircraft's manufacturer, model, serial number, and ownership details. It serves as the formal request to the FAA to register your aircraft in your name or your entity's name.



This form isn’t just a formality — it’s your gateway to receiving a valid Certificate of Aircraft Registration, which must be on board during flight.
Who Needs to Submit AC 8050-1?
If you're a new aircraft owner, whether you purchased the aircraft domestically or imported it from another country, you’ll need to submit this form. It also applies when:

Transferring ownership due to sale or inheritance


Registering an aircraft under a corporation or LLC


Registering an aircraft that was previously deregistered


Applying for an initial Certificate of Registration



We help aircraft owners across all scenarios submit this essential form quickly and without hassle.
How Can Our Service Help With AC 8050-1?
Completing FAA forms can be a time-consuming and sometimes confusing process. Our online portal streamlines the AC 8050-1 submission by providing:

A simplified online interface that removes unnecessary clutter


Smart fields that auto-populate wherever possible


On-demand customer support to answer your questions


Secure submission of sensitive data


Integrated documentation for related forms (like AC 8050-2, AC 8050-3, etc.)



We’ve removed the obstacles that come with handwritten forms and mail delays, giving you a much more efficient experience.
Do I Still Need to Submit a Physical Copy of AC 8050-1?
Traditionally, the FAA requires an original signed copy of this form to be sent by mail. However, by using our services, we can help you begin the process digitally and reduce the steps required on your end. We ensure your application is properly formatted and includes all necessary elements, so nothing gets held up once submitted.

We stay current with FAA processing changes so that your documentation is always compliant with the most up-to-date requirements.
What Information Do I Need to Provide for AC 8050-1?
To complete the form correctly, you’ll need to provide:

The aircraft’s manufacturer, model, and serial number


Your name or your entity's name, and mailing address


Legal ownership documentation (such as a bill of sale or contract)


Signature from the appropriate party (individual owner, corporate officer, etc.)



We make it easier to upload and organize this information through our portal, so you don’t miss a single step.
Can I Use AC 8050-1 for International Registrations?
No. The AC 8050-1 is only valid for civil aircraft operating under U.S. jurisdiction. However, if you are deregistering a U.S. aircraft for international sale or export, we offer related services to help you with that transition. These include filing forms like AC 8050-2 (Deregistration Request) and providing documentation of ownership history.

If you’re unsure whether your aircraft qualifies for registration under U.S. rules, our support team can help you make that determination.
How Does Our Digital Process Work?
With the National Aviation Center, everything is handled through our encrypted and secure platform. Here’s how it works:

You select the service that fits your situation (initial registration, re-registration, etc.)


You’re guided through a simplified form that matches AC 8050-1, with helpful prompts


You upload any necessary documentation directly through our portal


Our system checks for errors or missing fields before submission


We handle the paperwork and send it to the FAA on your behalf



There’s no printing, mailing, or faxing required on your part — we manage the process from start to finish.
What Happens After I Submit AC 8050-1 Through Your Portal?
Once you complete the AC 8050-1 form using our system and upload the necessary documents, we begin processing immediately. We double-check for accuracy and completeness, then submit everything securely to the FAA. After submission:

You will receive a confirmation from us


We follow up with the FAA as needed


Once the FAA processes your form, they issue a Certificate of Aircraft Registration (AC Form 8050-3)


We notify you as soon as your certificate is mailed or available



You can track your submission’s status through our portal or reach out to our team if you need updates.
How Long Does Aircraft Registration Take With Your Help?
While the FAA has its own processing timeline, using our services speeds up everything on the front end. We reduce the risk of rejection due to errors, ensuring your form is accepted the first time. Though registration timelines vary depending on FAA volume, starting with a properly completed AC 8050-1 puts you on the fastest possible track.
Do You Offer Additional Services Beyond AC 8050-1?
Yes. While the AC 8050-1 is a critical step, aircraft documentation often involves more than just initial registration. Our portal also provides help with:

Renewal of aircraft registration


Replacement of lost or damaged certificates


Transfer of ownership


De-registration for export


Obtaining a certified copy of aircraft records


Filing for a security agreement



If your documentation needs extend beyond the initial form, we make it easy to take care of everything in one place.
Is It Safe to Submit Aircraft Documents Online?
Security is one of our top priorities. We use secure encryption and protected servers to safeguard your information. Your personal data, legal documents, and aircraft details are never exposed to third parties. We stay compliant with FAA guidelines and data protection best practices.
What If I Make a Mistake on the AC 8050-1 Form?
One of the advantages of using our system is that we flag common errors before submission. If something needs clarification, our team reaches out directly. If you already submitted a form and later realize it contains incorrect info, we can help you submit corrections or supporting amendments to the FAA.

Our goal is to make sure you don’t lose time or run into compliance issues because of avoidable mistakes.
All the Ways We Can Help With AC 8050-1
At the National Aviation Center, we offer a range of tools and services to support your AC 8050-1 form submission:

A straightforward digital interface that makes it easy to complete and submit your form


Real-time guidance and support for each section of the form


Assistance with ownership structure documentation (trusts, LLCs, co-ownership, etc.)


Fast error checks to prevent delays


End-to-end document management so you don’t need to worry about follow-ups


Convenient access to related FAA forms and services in one place


Secure handling of your data from beginning to end



Whether this is your first time registering an aircraft or you’ve owned several, our platform simplifies the entire process. From gathering documents to monitoring FAA approval, we help you every step of the way.

If you’re ready to get started or have questions about how to move forward with your registration, visit our homepage and select the form that fits your situation. With the National Aviation Center, AC 8050-1 submission is no longer a hassle — it's a streamlined step toward getting your aircraft in the air.

An N-number is the registration number for an aircraft registered in the United States.
It's a unique identifier assigned by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The "N" stands for "National" and is followed by a combination of numbers and letters.

Airplane tail numbers are essentially the unique identification codes assigned to aircraft. They are similar to license plates for cars.


Purpose: They are used to identify specific aircraft for air traffic control, regulatory purposes, and for tracking ownership and maintenance records.
Location: Typically displayed on the tail of the aircraft, but can also be found on the fuselage.
Format: Varies by country, but generally consists of a combination of letters and numbers.

The "N" in US tail numbers stands for "National".

It was assigned to the United States under the International Air Navigation Convention held in 1919. This convention established a system of international aircraft identification, with each country being allocated a specific letter.

N-numbers, the registration numbers for U.S. aircraft, adhere to specific guidelines:


Format: Consists of the letter "N" followed by one to five alphanumeric characters.
Numeric Start: The initial character must be a number (excluding zero).
Character Limit: The total number of characters (excluding the "N") cannot exceed five.
Letter Placement: Letters can be placed at the end of the number, with a maximum of two letters.
Reserved Numbers: N1 to N99 are reserved for FAA use.
Obsolete Prefixes: NC, NX, NR, and NL are no longer issued.

An Aircraft Security Agreement is a legal document that establishes a security interest in an aircraft. This means that the aircraft is used as collateral to secure a loan or other financial obligation.

In the United States, aircraft registration is now valid for seven years.

This means that if you registered your aircraft after January 23, 2023, you won't need to renew it until seven years from the date of initial registration.

If your aircraft registration expired before January 23, 2023, it was valid for three years.

An Airworthiness Certificate is an official document issued by a civil aviation authority that certifies an aircraft is in airworthy condition. This means it meets the required safety standards for flight.

Essentially, it's like a driver's license for an aircraft. Without a valid Airworthiness Certificate, an aircraft cannot legally fly.

American Citizens and Foreign Country Citizens Lawfully Admitted for US Permanent Residence

United States citizens can register an aircraft, as can individual citizens of foreign countries who have been lawfully admitted for permanent residence in America. 

Additionally, a corporation can register an aircraft if the corporation is organized and doing business under American laws or in a State within America, provided that the aircraft is both primarily used in America or based in the country. 

Use the following link for FAA registration. 

An aircraft abstract is typically a concise summary of an aircraft's technical data and specifications. It provides essential information about the aircraft's design, performance, and capabilities.

No, you may not operate a U.S.-registered aircraft in the U.S. unless you possess a U.S. pilot license (certificate).

You can record a security agreement against an aircraft by filling out our Aircraft Security Agreement form.

Processing time is generally 12 to 16 weeks after documents are received. In compliance with statutory requirements, documents are processed in the order in which they are received.

An aircraft is eligible for U.S. Registration if it is not registered in another country and it is owned by:

An individual who is a United States citizen,
A partnership each of whose partners is an individual who is a U.S. citizen,
A corporation or association:
organized under the laws of the U.S. or a State, the District of Columbia, or a U.S. territory or possession,
of which the president and at least two-thirds of the board of directors and other managing officers are U.S citizens, and
in which at least 75% of the voting interest is owned or controlled by persons that are U.S. citizens,
An individual citizen of a foreign country lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the U.S.,
A U.S. governmental unit or subdivision
A non-U.S. citizen corporation organized and doing business under the laws of the U.S. or one of the States as long as the aircraft is based and primarily used in the U.S. (60% of all flight hours must be from flights starting and ending within the U.S.)

If you are registering an aircraft for the first time, you will need to submit a form for Initial Registration.

General aviation aircraft are aircraft operated under 14 CFR part 91 rules, which could be any category of airplane, including transport category and rotorcraft.  Additionally, airplanes operated under 14 CFR parts121 and 135, which may include small airplanes, are not considered General Aviation aircraft when operated under these rules.

The regulations do not consider physical cleaning of an aircraft as maintenance or preventative maintenance.  However, when preparing the aircraft for cleaning requires removal of components or protection of components, that may fall under the definition of maintenance or preventative maintenance.  For example, before cleaning an aircraft, it may be necessary to close and secure the upper and lower fan cowl doors on a transport category aircraft.  The FAA considers the closing and securing of the engine fan cowl doors maintenance.  Additionally, after the cleaning process, it may be necessary to reapply lubrication compounds and preservatives to aircraft components, both of which could be considered maintenance/preventative maintenance.  Conversely, we do not consider cleaning seat cushions/covers maintenance or preventative maintenance.

14 CFR part 1 defines a small aircraft as an aircraft of 12,500 lbs or less maximum certificated take-off weight.  Therefore, any airplane, including transport category airplanes, could be considered small by the Part 1 definition if the airplane is less than 12,500 lbs.

You may contact your nearest FAA Aircraft Certification Office with questions about airworthiness of an aircraft.

You can record an aircraft claim of lien by filling out our Claim of Lien form.