An airplane is, in many ways, a true marvel of modern engineering. Sometimes it is difficult to comprehend just how much air travel has advanced, technologically speaking, since its advent just over 100 years ago. Still, with thousands of flights taking off every day in the United States alone, it stands to reason that there is a federal authority that manages what goes on in our skies. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), having existed in its current iteration for more than 70 years now, bears many important responsibilities. For one, they make sure there are no mid-air collisions by managing air traffic control across the country. They also issue instruction and pilot exams to aspiring aviators, ensuring that anyone who enters the cockpit has an advanced level of competency. The FAA also maintains a thorough database of all aircraft owned and operated in the United States. If you own your own aircraft, you have a duty to maintain current and accurate FAA aircraft records for your plane.
The journey to aircraft ownership can be a long one. Sure, starting out with a pilot’s license is a necessary first step, but many aviators get the itch to own their own plane, which allows them to take off whenever the urge should arise. As we know, airplanes are expensive, and for many, they represent the most significant investment they will ever make. Even on the low-end, small prop planes can net a high price, and on the other end of the spectrum, there are really no price limits. With this in mind, it makes sense to perform quite a bit of research before buying an aircraft. Beyond looking up the nuances of various makes and models, you can also browse the FAA’s aircraft records to get a sense of a plane’s history. Read on to learn more about FAA documents, as well as how you can file yours online.
Completing FAA Documents Online the Easy Way
Because aviation is such a tightly-regulated industry, there are quite a few different forms you may need to navigate as an aircraft owner. Most often, though, you will need to start by filling out Form AC 8050-1 – Aircraft Registration Application. This document, which will call for some basic details about yourself and your aircraft, will register your plane with the FAA and provide you with an N-number (sometimes referred to as a “tail number). Every three years, you will need to renew your registration with the FAA in order to keep it valid.
All the Forms You Need on One Site
There are also a number of other situations that warrant FAA paperwork. If you move to a new address, you will need to update the FAA in writing. If you buy or sell a plane, you will need to fill out Form AC 8050-2 – Bill of Sale. You may also need to obtain an airworthiness certificate, and, in some scenarios, you may need to re-register or deregister an aircraft. At the National Aviation Center, we have all the web forms you need–to learn more, take a few minutes to explore the rest of our site.