Is it time to finally take the plunge and buy an aircraft of your own? Are you eager to have the freedom to take to the skies whenever the urge strikes you? Well, if you have done the course work and instruction necessary to get your pilot’s license from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), getting a plane of your own can allow you to truly make the most of your airborne privileges. Buying a plane can be, however, one of the most significant purchases you ever make outside of buying a home. On the high end, plane prices really do not have a ceiling, and even previously owned aircraft can fetch a sizable price tag. Once you have done the research and decided on the make and model that is right for you, though, you can find a seller and close the deal on the aircraft of your dreams. Before you are officially cleared for takeoff, you will need to complete some paperwork first, and that all starts with adding your plane to the FAA registry.
Owning and operating an aircraft has some similarities with, say, a motor vehicle or boat. For instance, you need a license to fly it, and you need to register it with a central authority, which in the case of planes, is the Federal Aviation Administration. The FAA, in addition to monitoring air traffic control, maintains a complete registry of all aircraft in the United States. You can expect to work with the FAA fairly often in your time as an aviator, be it for registering a plane, renewing that registration, completing a change of address form, or taking continuing education classes. Still, it all starts with that registration form. At the National Aviation Center, we can help you register your plane online, which can save you valuable time that is better served for putting together flight plans.
How to Join the FAA Registry
So, you found the aircraft of your dreams, negotiated a price, and now the keys are in your hands. Whether you bought a large multi-engine jet or a more modest hobby aircraft, it will need to be registered with the FAA. To accomplish this, you will need to fill out Form AC 8050-1 – Aircraft Registration Application. This document will ask for your plane’s serial number, as well as its make and model. You will also need to provide your name and address. You can locate a PDF of this form on the FAA’s website, download it, print it out, ink it by hand, and mail it to the FAA’s office in Oklahoma City for processing. You should know, though, there is an easier way.
You can register your aircraft by using our simplified, fillable web forms. Your registration will also require renewal after three years, and we can help you with that as well. Just make sure you have your renewal code from the FAA when you go to use our easy-to-fill forms.
Here for Your Paperwork Needs
No matter what your FAA paperwork needs may be, we have the forms for you. To learn more, visit our Frequently Asked Questions page, or take a few minutes to explore our site for yourself.