When registering or making changes to an aircraft’s official record, there are a number of documents you may encounter along the way. Some forms are more commonly used than others, but each one plays a key role in keeping your aircraft legally recognized by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Among these is FAA Form 8050-2, a short but essential document that may become necessary during your ownership or transfer process. At the National Aviation Center, we make the filing of this form — and many others — quicker, easier, and more convenient for you.
Whether you’re updating your aircraft’s registration, selling your plane, or just trying to understand what paperwork may come next, knowing what the 8050-2 is and how it works can save you both time and trouble. We’re here to walk you through every step and to ensure that all of your forms are filed properly, securely, and efficiently.
Form 8050-2 Explained
FAA Form 8050-2 is officially known as the Aircraft Bill of Sale. It’s a document used to record the sale of an aircraft from one party to another. Whenever ownership of a plane changes, this form is required to establish a legal record of the transaction with the FAA. It is not just a purchase receipt — it’s a government-issued form that must be filled out accurately and submitted as part of the FAA’s registration process.
The seller typically completes the form, detailing the aircraft’s information, the buyer’s information, and the terms of the sale. Once completed and signed, this form is submitted to the FAA as part of the larger registration change process. Without it, the buyer cannot complete registration of the aircraft in their name.
What Information is Required on the 8050-2?
While the form itself is brief — a single page — it must be filled out precisely. It includes fields for:
- The aircraft’s make, model, and serial number
- The FAA registration number (also known as the N-number)
- The name and address of the purchaser
- The name and signature of the seller (or sellers, in the case of co-owners)
- The date of sale
Even though the form may appear simple, accuracy is critical. A small error, such as a misspelled name or an incorrect serial number, can result in the form being rejected or processing delays by the FAA. This is where using our service can make a real difference.
How We Help You Complete This Form Correctly
At the National Aviation Center, we make the process of filling out and submitting this FAA Form far more streamlined. Our site is designed to walk you through each required section step-by-step, helping you avoid the common mistakes that can lead to delays or rejections.
Instead of downloading the form, printing it, filling it out by hand, and mailing it in, you can complete the entire process online through our secure portal. We’ve optimized the form layout to guide you efficiently through each field. We also validate your entries in real time to reduce the chance of incomplete or incorrect submissions.
Should you run into questions while completing your forms, our customer support team is here to help clarify what’s needed so that your documentation is completed accurately the first time.
What Happens If You Don’t File the 8050-2 When You Need It?
If you purchase an aircraft and fail to submit a properly completed form, the FAA will not process the transfer of ownership. That means the aircraft will remain under the previous owner’s name in official records, and you will not receive a valid Certificate of Aircraft Registration.
This can create a variety of complications:
- You may be unable to legally operate the aircraft.
- You won’t be able to update insurance records accurately.
- You could face fines or enforcement action for flying an unregistered plane.
- Selling the aircraft later will be more difficult or even impossible without a clean ownership record.
Missing or improperly filed documentation can delay your ability to take full possession of your aircraft, create legal exposure, and compromise your investment. We help you avoid all of that by offering a platform that ensures your form is complete and compliant.
When Might You Need This Form?
There are a number of situations in which this form becomes necessary. The most common include:
- Buying or selling an aircraft: Every time a U.S. aircraft changes hands, a new 8050-2 must be filled out and submitted.
- Gifting an aircraft: Even if no money changes hands, the transfer must be documented.
- Transferring ownership between entities: If a plane is moving from personal to corporate ownership, this form is used.
- Settling estates: When an aircraft is transferred due to inheritance, this form may be required to finalize the transfer.
In each of these cases, our portal offers a clear, easy-to-navigate path to filing the necessary paperwork quickly and correctly.
A Digital Process Built for Modern Aviation Owners
Today’s aircraft owners expect services to be accessible, fast, and mobile-ready. Our platform is fully mobile-optimized, so you can complete and submit all of your forms from your phone, tablet, or desktop — whether you’re in your hangar, on the tarmac, or relaxing at home.
Unlike traditional forms that require printing, ink signatures, and physical mail, our service eliminates these extra steps. Everything is done digitally through a secure, FAA-compliant portal. It’s built to be intuitive and responsive, no matter what device you’re using.
We also make it easy to track your submissions. You don’t have to wonder whether your form was received or worry about it getting lost in the mail. We keep your forms on file and confirm submission, so you can feel confident about your paperwork status.
How the National Aviation Center Simplifies Registration Beyond This Form
Although FAA Form 8050-2 is a specific part of the registration journey, it rarely stands alone. Many aircraft owners find themselves needing to submit multiple forms at once — including applications for registration, renewals, change of address notices, or lien documentation.
We’ve built our platform to handle a wide range of FAA documentation needs beyond just this form. That includes:
- Aircraft registration and renewal
- Replacement of lost or damaged certificates
- Change of ownership forms
- Filing for aircraft liens and lien releases
- Change of mailing or physical address
All of these processes are centralized and available on our secure, cloud-based site. Instead of bouncing between different websites, you can manage your documents in one place, with support along the way.
A Faster, Safer Way to Stay Compliant
Filing with the FAA doesn’t have to be a slow or confusing process. By using the National Aviation Center, you can avoid common pitfalls and ensure that your documentation is in good hands.
We understand that aviation is already filled with enough complexity. We’re here to simplify the administrative side — starting with your 8050-2.
Let us help you take the next step in your aircraft journey. Use our online portal today to complete your FAA Bill of Sale and any other aircraft documentation you need, all in one convenient, secure place.