When you own your own aircraft, you are free to travel wherever you want, whenever you want. At just a moment’s notice, you can put together a flight plan, head down to the airfield, and take off for the friendly skies. It is worth noting, however, that this is a privilege reserved for a select few, and if you have made aviation your primary hobby, that is probably the end result of a lot of hard work. In order to get your pilot’s license, you had to study hard and log a great deal of training hours in the cockpit. Then, when it came time to purchase your own aircraft, you had to save for months–perhaps years–before you had the funds necessary to buy the plane of your dreams. Also, chances are you spent a fair amount of time researching the different types of aircrafts and scouring online listings to find just the right model for you. With your new plane secured, you then processed the necessary paperwork with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). If you maintain that same maverick, adventurous, and nomadic attitude on the ground, you may find yourself moving from time to time, and in such a scenario, you will need to complete an aircraft registration change of address.
Aviation is not for everybody. Those who take to the skies on their lonesome tend to be the bold type. If you consider yourself to be among this class, you probably do not hesitate too much about taking a new job in a new place, or making a move simply for a change of scenery. If you have moved before, you also probably realize that it can be something of a paperwork hassle. You will need to update your address with your bank, utility accounts, insurance agencies, and more. If you happen to own an aircraft in the United States, the FAA is also going to want to be informed of your move. As the nation’s premier agency in terms of regulating the skies, the FAA maintains a thorough registry of all aircraft in the U.S. They also issue pilot’s licenses and handle air traffic control. In order for their registry to maintain its accuracy, the FAA requires current mailing addresses for all airmen. There is a benefit for you, as an aircraft owner, to keep your address current, as it allows the FAA to keep you informed of aviation news and events in your area.
What is an Aircraft Registration?
While having your own aircraft is a significant privilege, it also comes with a great deal of responsibility. You will need to keep your plane clean and in good working order, which means staying on top of routine maintenance and repairs. You will also need to meet all of your FAA paperwork obligations. At the very outset of your journey as an aircraft owner, you will need to fill out what is called an FAA Form AC 8050-1 – Aircraft Registration Application. This document will prompt you for some fundamental details about yourself, such as your name and address. You will also need to provide your plane’s manufacturer, model, and serial number. Once issued, your registration will provide you with an N-number (also called a tail number), and it will be valid for a period of three years. For their part, the FAA will mail you reminders both six months and eight weeks before your registration is set to expire. In that reminder will be a security code that you will need to enter on your registration renewal request.
You can obtain your registration in a couple of ways. You can visit the FAA’s website, locate a PDF of the Form AC 8050-1, print it out, ink it by hand, and mail it to the FAA’s office in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma for processing. Or, you can work with us at the National Aviation Center. We are a private service that offers online forms for all of your FAA paperwork needs.
How Can I Complete an Aircraft Registration Change of Address Online?
If you move to a different physical address, you must update the FAA within 30 days. You can do this by preparing a written request, which should include your name, previous and new addresses, as well as your airplane’s N-number. While you have the option to create this document yourself, you can also use our streamlined web form instead. Simply select the “Change of Address” option from our navigation menu, and you will be brought to a fillable web form, which you can complete with just a few clicks.
Whether you need an aircraft registration change of address, an AC 8050-1, or a multitude of other FAA documents, we have got you covered. Take a moment or two to browse our website and learn how we can help you. You can also contact us by phone or email with any questions you may have.