Almost 40 years ago there was a movie called “The never ending story”. It told the story of Atreyu’s journey, and suggested that it had happened many times before and would probably happen again. Aircraft registration is a bit like “The never ending story”. You will have to do it again every three years. Regardless of how organised you are, this article will help you to sort your documents out and how to keep them in order.
Aircraft Registration is Due Every Three Years
You got your flying licence, paid for your plane, registered it, took care of the bill of sale for the transaction, finally flew the aircraft for the first time, you serviced it every once in a while… I am overwhelmed already and I only wrote it.
Apart from all of that, you will need to complete a registration renewal every three years: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has to maintain accurate records just in case their pilots have moved, changed their names, or if the plane has changed its ownership.
Do I Have to Keep Track of my Expiry Date?
At least 5 months before you need to process your aircraft registration renewal you will receive a notice and a security code via mail. That is why it is always important to keep your information up to date.
Then two months before your registration is set to expire, the Federal Aviation Administration will remind you again. I would not let go of this chance: on one hand, it is illegal to operate an aircraft without valid registration, so you risk yourself paying costly fines. On the other hand, getting your N-number back can be a bit of a headache.
Furthermore, if your plane was registered before October 1st of 2010, you will need to complete a re-registration with the FAA. The reason for this is a change in the law that put all of the aircraft owners in the three-year renewal schedule.
All the Forms you Need in One Place
The form you need to complete is the AC 8050 1-B. After downloading it, you will need to print it, complete it promptly and send it via US postal mail to Oklahoma. It can also be done online if you kept the security code.
Of course the easiest way to do it is with the help of the National Aviation Center. Every form you need can be obtained on our website, and once you have filled it with your proper information, we will do the rest. In the end, this story might have an end.