Chapter 2: Buying an Aircraft
Things to consider when buying an amateur-built
aircraft:
•Examine the Special Airworthiness Certificate
and its operating limitations. This certificate is
used for all aircraft that fall under experimental
status and states for what purpose it was issued.
The operating limitations specify any operating
restrictions that may apply to the aircraft.
•Check the aircraft maintenance records of
the airframe, engine, propeller, and accessories.
Under 14 CFR part 91, sections 91.305 and
91.319(b), all initial flight operations of experimental aircraft may be limited to an assigned
flight test area. This is called Phase I. The
aircraft is flown in this designated area until it
is shown to be controllable throughout its normal
range of speeds and all maneuvers to be executed,
and that it has not displayed any hazardous
operating characteristics or design features.
The required flight time may vary for each
type of aircraft and is covered in the operating
limitations.
•After the flight time requirements are met, the
owner/operator endorses the aircraft logbook
with a statement certifying that the prescribed
flight hours are completed and the aircraft
complies with 14 CFR part 91, section 91.319(b).
Phase I records are retained for the life of the
aircraft.
•In Phase II, the FAA may prescribe Operating
Limitations for an unlimited duration,
as appropriate.
•Before taking delivery of the aircraft, make
a final pre-purchase inspection. Ensure that
the Special Airworthiness Certificate, Operating
Limitations, Aircraft Data Plate, Weight and
Balance data, Aircraft Maintenance Records,
and any other required documents are with the
aircraft. If the Special Airworthiness Certificate,
Operating Limitations, and Aircraft Data Plate
are surrendered to the FAA by the original
builder, you may not be able to recertificate the
aircraft because you are not the builder.
•Amateur-built aircraft require a condition in-
spection within the previous 12 calendar months.
This inspection requirement and those who are
eligible to work on the aircraft are addressed
in the Operating Limitations of that particular
aircraft.
military surplus Aircraft
Certain surplus military aircraft are not eligible for
FAA certification in the STANDARD, RESTRICTED,
or LIMITED classifications. The FAA, in cooperation
with the Department of Defense (DOD), normally
performs preliminary “screening” inspections on
surplus military aircraft to determine the civil certification potential of the aircraft. For aircraft eligible
for potential certification, you must “show”the FAA
that your aircraft conforms to the FAA-approved
type design (type certificate), and that the aircraft is
in a condition for safe operation (airworthy). This
means you are required to provide the technical
data necessary to support this showing.
For example, certain military surplus aircraft may
be eligible for certification in the RESTRICTED
category and modified for special purpose operations.
Military-derived RESTRICTED category aircraft may
be manufactured in the United States or in a foreign
country, but military surplus aircraft must be surplus
of the U.S. Armed Forces. The FAA bases its certification on the operation and maintenance of the aircraft including review of the service life of the aircraft
and any modifications.
When an aircraft has been modified by the military, you
must either return the aircraft to the originally approved
civil configuration, or obtain FAA design approval for
the military modification. This is accomplished through
the STC process. The STC process is also necessary
for modifications to the aircraft for a special purpose
operation (e.g., crop dusting). Once the FAA determines
that the military surplus aircraft conforms to the FAAapproved type design, as noted in FAA Order 8130.2
(as revised), Airworthiness Certification of Aircraft and
Related Products, and military records, you may apply
for an airworthiness certificate.
Since no civil aircraft may be flown unless certificated, you should discuss this with an ASI at your local
FSDO, who can advise you of eligible aircraft and
certification procedures. An additional source for
advice on amateur-built and surplus military aircraft
is the EAA.
2
2-6
Plane Sense
Figure 2-1. Buying an Aircraft Checklist. This checklist is intended to provide a suggested list of items to
consider when purchasing an aircraft. It is not an all-inclusive list, and if you have any questions, you should
consult with an experienced aviation professional prior to purchasing an aircraft.
Buying an Aircraft Checklist
stAtUs item desCriPtion
•Selecting the Aircraft Consider the location of the seller.
Consider factors affecting resale value:
•Engine hours
•Installed equipment
•ADs
•Damage history
•Paint/Interior
Consider the condition of the engine
(e.g., overhauls).
•Aircraft Title Ensure the aircraft has “clear title.”
•Aircraft Documents Ensure the appropriate documentation is reviewed
and transferred with the aircraft:
•Proof of purchase (bill of sale or conditional
sales contract)
•Airworthiness certificate
•Maintenance records
•Manuals Ensure all aircraft manufacturer and other manuals
are transferred with the aircraft.
•Maintenance Review the maintenance records to ensure they are
complete and all inspections are current.
2
3
3-1
A
n airworthiness certificate is issued by a representative of the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA) after the aircraft has been inspected, is found to meet the requirements of Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) and is in condition for safe
operation. The certificate must be displayed in the aircraft so that it is legible to passengers
or crew whenever the aircraft is operated. The airworthiness certificate is transferred with
the aircraft, except when it is sold to a foreign purchaser.
An airworthiness certificate is an FAA document that grants authorization to operate an aircraft
in flight. The FAA provides information regarding the definition of the term “airworthy”in
FAA Order 8130.2 (as revised), Airworthiness Certification of Aircraft and Related Products,
chapter 1.
Classifcations of Airworthiness Certifcates
The FAA initially determines that your aircraft is in condition for safe operation and conforms
to type design or American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) International standards,
then issues an airworthiness certificate. There are two different classifications of airworthiness
certificates: Standard Airworthiness and Special Airworthiness.
Standard Airworthiness Certificate
FAA Form 8100-2, Standard Airworthiness Certificate is the FAA’s official authorization
allowing for the operation of type certificated aircraft in the following categories:
•Normal
•Utility
•Acrobatic
•Commuter
•Transport
•Manned free balloons
•Special classes
A standard airworthiness certificate remains valid as long as the aircraft meets its approved
type design, is in a condition for safe operation and maintenance, preventive maintenance, and
alterations are performed in accordance with 14 CFR parts 21, 43, and 91.
Airworthiness Certifcate
3-2
Plane Sense
Special Airworthiness Certificate
FAA Form 8130-7, Special Airworthiness Certificate, is an FAA authorization to operate an aircraft in
U.S. airspace in one or more of categories in Figure 3-1.
Figure 3-1. Special Airworthiness Certificate Categories.
Category Purpose(s) 14 CFr
Primary Aircraft flown for pleasure and personal use Part 21, section 21.24
Part 21, section 21.184
Restricted Aircraft with a “restricted”category type certificate, including:
•Agricultural
•Forest and wildlife conservation
•Aerial surveying
•Patrolling (pipelines, power lines)
•Weather control
•Aerial advertising
•Other operations specified by the Administrator
Part 21, section 21.25
Part 21, section 21.185
Multiple Multiple airworthiness certificates Part 21, section 21.187
Limited Aircraft with a “limited”category type certificate Part 21, section 21.189
Light-Sport Operate a light-sport aircraft, other than a gyroplane, kit-built,
or transitioning ultralight-like vehicle
Part 21, section 21.190
Experimental •Research and development
•Showing compliance with regulations
•Crew training
•Exhibition
•Air racing
•Market surveys
•Operating amateur-built aircraft
•Operating kit-built aircraft
•Operating light-sport aircraft
•Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS)
Part 21, section 21.191
Part 21, section 21.193
Part 21, section 21.195
Special Flight
Permit
Special-purpose flight of an aircraft that is capable of safe flight Part 21, section 21.197
Provisional Aircraft with a “provisional”category type certificate for special
operations and operating limitations
Part 21, subpart C
Part 21, subpart I
Part 91, section 91.317
3
3-3
Chapter 3: Airworthiness Certifcate
issuance of an Airworthiness Certifcate
Only an FAA aviation safety inspector (ASI)
or authorized representative of the Administrator
(i.e., Designees), as defined in 14 CFR Part 183,
Representatives of the Administrator, is authorized
to issue an airworthiness certificate.
Your local FAA Flight Standards District Office
(FSDO) processes requests for replacement
airworthiness certificates. You should contact your
local FSDO immediately upon discovering that
you need a replacement airworthiness certificate
for your aircraft.
Applying for an Airworthiness Certifcate
A registered owner may apply for an airworthiness
certificate by submitting FAA Form 8130-6, Applica-
tion for U.S. Airworthiness Certificate, to your
local FAA Manufacturing Inspection District Office
(MIDO). You can find your local MIDO contact
information on the FAA website at www.faa.gov.
Figure 3-2 at the end of this chapter is a sample
FAA Form 8130-6. You can find instructions for
completing FAA Form 8130-6 on the FAA website
at www.faa.gov or in FAA Order 8130.2 (as revised).
The FAA will issue the applicable certificate if
the aircraft is eligible and in a condition for safe
operation.
FAA Form 8100-2,
Standard Airworthiness Certificate
FAA Form 8100-2, Standard Airworthiness
Certificate, is issued for aircraft type certificated in
the normal, utility, acrobatic, commuter, and
transport categories, or for manned free balloons.
The airworthiness certificate remains in effect as
long as the aircraft receives the required main-
tenance and is properly registered in the United
States. Flight safety relies, in part, on the condition
of the aircraft, which may be determined on
inspection by mechanics, approved repair stations,
or manufacturers that meet specific requirements
of 14 CFR part 43. Figure 3-3 at the end of this
chapter is a sample FAA Form 8100-2.
FAA Form 8130-7,
Special Airworthiness Certificate
FAA Form 8130-7, Special Airworthiness Certificate,
is issued for all aircraft certificated in other than
the Standard classifications, such as Experimental,
Restricted, Limited, Provisional, and Light-Sport.
If you are interested in purchasing an aircraft classed
as other than Standard, you should contact the local
MIDO or FSDO for an explanation of airworthiness
requirements and the limitations of such a certificate.
The Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) is an
additional source of information on special airworthi-
ness certificates. Figure 3-4 at the end of this chapter
is a sample FAA Form 8130-7.
m CAUTION: The FAA can revoke an existing airworthiness certificate in any category (14 CFR part 21,
section 21.181), if the aircraft no longer meets its
approved design and/or is not in an airworthy
condition.
regulations and Policies
There are a number of regulations and policy documents that provide additional guidance on the subject
of airworthiness.
Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations
•14 CFR Part 21, Certification Procedures for
Products and Parts
•14 CFR Part 21, Subpart H, Airworthiness
Certificates
•14 CFR Part 45, Identification and Registration
Marking
•14 CFR Part 91, Section 91.313, Restricted
category civil aircraft: Operating limitations
•14 CFR Part 91, Subpart D, Special Flight
Operations
•14 CFR Part 91, Section 91.715, Special flight
authorizations for foreign civil aircraft
•14 CFR Part 375, Navigation of Foreign Civil
Aircraft Within the United States
FAA Orders (as revised)
•FAA Order 8130.2, Airworthiness Certification of
Aircraft and Related Products
•FAA Order 8900.1, Flight Standards Information
Management System (FSIMS)
FAA Advisory Circulars (ACs) (as revised)
•AC 20-27, Certification and Operation of
Amateur-Built Aircraft
•AC 20-139, Commercial Assistance During
Construction of Amateur-Built Aircraft
•AC 21-4, Special Flight Permits for Operation of
Overweight Aircraft
•AC 21-12, Application for U.S. Airworthiness
Certificate, FAA Form 8130-6
•AC 45-2, Identification and Registration Marking
•AC 90-89, Amateur-Built Aircraft and Ultra-light
Flight Testing Handbook
3
3-4
Plane Sense
Figure 3-2. FAA Form 8130-6, Application for U.S. Airworthiness Certificate. You can obtain instructions for
completing FAA Form 8130-6 on the FAA website at www.faa.gov or from your local FSDO.
SAMPLE
3
3-5
Chapter 3: Airworthiness Certifcate
Figure 3-2. FAA Form 8130-6 (page 2 of 2).
SAMPLE
3
3-6
Plane Sense
Figure 3-3. FAA Form 8100-2, Standard Airworthiness Certificate. The FAA issues FAA Form 8100-2,
Standard Airworthiness Certificate, for aircraft type certificated in the normal, utility, acrobatic, commuter,
and transport categories, or for manned free balloons.
SAMPLE
N2631A PIPER PA-22-135 22-903 NORMAL
NONE
08-10-95 MARION W. WILLIAMS SW-FSDO-OKC Marion W. Williams
3
3-7
Chapter 3: Airworthiness Certifcate
Figure 3-4. Form 8130-7, Special Airworthiness Certificate. The FAA issues FAA Form 8130-7,
Special Airworthiness Certificate, for all aircraft certificated in other than the Standard classifications,
such as Experimental, Restricted, Limited, Provisional, and Light-Sport.
SAMPLE
EXPERIMENTAL
OPERATING AMATEUR-BUILT AIRCRAFT
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
48SB
STUART R. SKYE
04-01-95
04-01-95
9411
PITTS SIS
UNLIMITED
OKC-MIDO-41
Darel A. Freeman
SAMPLE
3
3-8
Plane Sense
3
4
Aircraft registration
4-1
I
f you purchase an aircraft and intend to operate in the National Air Space, you must register
the aircraft with the Aircraft Registration Branch (AFS-750). Aircraft may be registered
under a Certificate of Aircraft Registration or Dealer’s Aircraft Registration Certificate issued
by AFS-750.
m CAUTION: The application must be submitted in the name of the owner(s), not in the name
of the bank or other mortgage holder.
Aircraft registration Branch
You may confirm any required fees with AFS-750 prior to submitting any aircraft documents
for processing. AFS-750 contact information is in the Federal Aviation Administration
(FAA) Contact Information appendix on pages A1–A2 of this handbook. Visit the “Aircraft
Registration” link on the FAA website at www.faa.gov for information regarding aircraft
registration, recording liens, fees, importing and exporting aircraft, requesting special
N-numbers, obtaining copies of aircraft records, downloading forms, an interactive aircraft
registration database, etc. You may also order aircraft records by mail, fax, or telephone.
In compliance with statutory requirements, documents are processed in date-received order.
You may check to see if your documents have been received by using the FAA website “Aircraft
Registration” link, and selecting the “Download the Aircraft Registration Database” link to
search the document index.
The FAA updates the “Aircraft Registration Inquiry”site at midnight on each federal workday.
You can find new information immediately following this update. Please allow up to 20 days for
processing N-number reservations and renewals and up to 30 days for all other non-priority
actions.
m CAUTION: The act of registration is not evidence of ownership of an aircraft in any
proceeding in which ownership by a particular person is in issue. The FAA does not issue any
certificate of ownership or endorse any information with respect to ownership on a Certificate
of Aircraft Registration. The FAA issues a Certificate of Aircraft Registration to the person who
appears to be the owner on the basis of the evidence of ownership submitted with the Aircraft
Registration Application, or recorded at the FAA Aircraft Registry. Failure to properly register
your aircraft may invalidate insurance, as well as have other serious consequences. You may
need to follow up with AFS-750 to ensure that your aircraft registration was accomplished
successfully.
4-2
4
Plane Sense
m CAUTION: An aircraft may not be registered in
a foreign country during the period it is registered in
the United States.
eligible registrants
An aircraft is eligible for registration in the United
States if it is owned by:
•A U.S. citizen (as defined in Title 14 of the Code
of Federal Regulations (14 CFR), part 47, section
47.2, a U.S. citizen can be an individual, or partnership where each individual is a U.S. citizen, or
a corporation organized under the laws of the
United States of which the president and at least
two-thirds of the board of directors are U.S.
citizens and 75 percent of the voting interest is
owned or controlled by U.S. citizens)
•A resident alien
•A corporation other than one classified as a U.S.
citizen, lawfully organized under the laws of the
United States or of any state thereof, if the aircraft
is based and used primarily in the United States
•A government entity (federal, state or local)
registering Your Aircraft
To register an aircraft, you must send the following
documentation and fee to AFS-750:
•Aeronautical Center (AC) Form 8050-1, Aircraft
Registration Application,
•Evidence of ownership (such as a bill of sale), and
•The registration fee made payable to the FAA.
You must use an original AC Form 8050-1 when
applying for a Certificate of Aircraft Registration.
AC 8050-1 may be obtained from AFS-750 or your
local FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO).
If you use a P.O. Box as a mailing address, you must
also provide your street or physical location on the
application.
m CAUTION: The FAA does not accept photocopies
or alternate formats of AC 8050-1.
Your application for aircraft registration must
include the typed or printed name of each applicant
with his or her signature in the signature block.
m CAUTION: An aircraft may be registered only by
and in the legal name of its owner.
m CAUTION: The FAA will return any applications
that do not include the printed or typed name of the
signer.
Figure 4-1 at the end of this chapter is an aircraft
registration checklist you can use to assist you in the
registration process.
registration number
The United States received the “N”as its nationality
designator under the International Air Navigation
Convention, held in 1919.
How To Form an N-Number
N-numbers consist of a series of alphanumeric
characters. U.S. registration numbers may not exceed five characters in addition to the standard
U.S. registration prefix letter “N.”These characters
may be:
•One to five numbers (N12345),
•One to four numbers followed by one letter
(N1234Z), or
•One to three numbers followed by two letters
(N123AZ).
To avoid confusion with the numbers one and zero,
the letters I and O are not used. Also, please note that
a hyphen (-) is no longer used in U.S. registration
numbers.
Other Requirements
An N-number may not begin with zero. You must
precede the first zero in an N-number with any
number 1 through 9. For example, N01Z is not valid.
Registration numbers N1 through N99 are strictly
reserved for FAA internal use.
special registration number
A special registration number is an N-number of your
choice which may be reserved, if available.
Special registration numbers may be:
•Used to change the N-number currently on
your aircraft.
•Assigned to a new home-built, import, or
newly manufactured aircraft in preparation
for registering that aircraft.
•Reserved for 1 year. Upon reservation, the
FAA will mail a confirmation notice to the
requester. A renewal notice will also be
sent prior to the expiration date. An online
reservation request program is available
on the FAA website at www.faa.gov.
•Renewed annually. The renewal fee is $10 each
year. An online renewal program is available on
the FAA website at www.faa.gov.
Chapter 4: Aircraft Registration
4-3
Chapter 4: Aircraft Registration
4
Requesting a Special Registration Number
You may reserve a special N-number from the List of
Available N-numbers for immediate use on a specific
aircraft or for future use. This number may not
exceed five characters in addition to the prefix letter
“N.”All five characters may be numbers (N11111) or
four numbers and one suffix letter (N1000A), or one
to three numbers and/or two suffix letters may be
used (N100AA).
In your written request, list up to five numbers in
order of preference in the event your first choice
is not available, and include the fee. The fee for a
Special Registration Number is $10.00. Forward
your request to AFS-750.
If your request is approved, you will be notified that
the number has been reserved for 1 year, and that
the reservation may be extended on an annual basis
for a $10 renewal fee.
Placing the Special Registration
Number on Your Aircraft
When you are ready to place the number on your
aircraft, you should request permission by forwarding a complete description of the aircraft to AFS-750.
Permission to place the special number on your
aircraft is given on AC Form 8050-64, Assignment of
Special Registration Numbers. When the number
is placed on your aircraft, sign and return the original
AC Form 8050-64 to AFS-750 within 5 days.
Figure 4-2 at the end of this chapter is a sample
AC Form 8050-64.
A duplicate AC Form 8050-64, together with your
airworthiness certificate, should be presented to an
aviation safety inspector (ASI) from your local FSDO
within 10 days from placing the new registration
number on your aircraft. The ASI will issue a revised
airworthiness certificate showing the new registration
number. The old registration certificate and the
duplicate AC Form 8050-64 should be carried in the
aircraft until the new Certificate of Registration is
received, in accordance with 14 CFR part 91, section
91.203(a)(1).
Aircraft Previously registered
in the United states
If the aircraft you are purchasing was previously
registered in the United States, you should immedi-
ately submit evidence of ownership, an AC Form
8050-1, Aircraft Registration Application, and
the registration fee to AFS-750 upon closing. Fees
required for aircraft registration may be paid by
check or money order made payable to the Treasury
of the United States. AFS-750 contact information is
in the FAA Contact Information appendix on pages
A1–A2 of this handbook.
AC Form 8050-2, Aircraft Bill of Sale, meets the
FAA’s requirements for evidence of ownership. An
AC Form 8050-2 does not need to be notarized.
AC Forms 8050-1 and 8050-2 can be obtained from
the nearest FSDO, and include information and
instruction sheets. Figure 4-3 at the end of this
chapter is a sample AC Form 8050-2.
m CAUTION: If a conditional sales contract is the
evidence of ownership, an additional fee is required
for recording.
Chain of Ownership
If there is a break in the chain of ownership of the
aircraft (i.e., if it is not being purchased from the
last registered owner), you are required to submit
conveyances to complete the chain of ownership
through all intervening owners, including yourself,
to AFS-750.
Replacement Certificate
of Aircraft Registration
AC Form 8050-1 may also be used to report a change
of address by the aircraft owner. The FAA issues
a revised certificate at no charge. If the certificate is
lost, destroyed, or mutilated, a replacement certificate
may be obtained at the written request of the certi-
ficate holder. Send the request and fee to AFS-750.
The request should describe the aircraft by make,
model, serial number, and registration number. If
operation of the aircraft is necessary before receipt
of the duplicate certificate, AFS-750 may, if
requested, send temporary authority by fax. You
should include your full address, fax number, and
contact telephone number in your request AFS-750
contact information is in the FAA Contact Information appendix on pages A1–A2 of this handbook.
Aircraft Previously registered
in a Foreign Country
If you are considering the purchase of an aircraft
that is currently registered in a foreign country, you
should be aware that multiple issues are involved
with the registration process. You should contact
AFS-750 for registration assistance.
4-4
4
Plane Sense
AC Form 8050-1,
Aircraft registration Application
AC Form 8050-1, Aircraft Registration Application,
includes an information and instruction sheet.
Submit the white and green copies to AFS-750 and
keep the pink copy in the aircraft as temporary
authority to operate the aircraft without registration.
This temporary authority is valid until the date the
applicant receives the AC Form 8050-3, Certificate of
Aircraft Registration, or until the date the FAA denies
the application, but in no case for more than 90 days
after the date of the application. Pink copy operation
is valid only inside the United States. Figure 4-4 at
the end of this chapter is a sample AC Form 8050-1.
If by 90 days the FAA has neither issued the
Certificate of Aircraft Registration nor denied the
application, the FAA Aircraft Registry may issue
a letter of extension that serves as authority to
continue to operate the aircraft without registration.
m CAUTION: If you plan to operate the aircraft
outside the United States within 90 days of
submitting your registration documents, you should
contact AFS-750 to request a temporary certificate by
fax, also known as a “fly wire”.
AC Form 8050-3,
Certifcate of Aircraft registration
AC Form 8050-3 is issued to the person whose name
is on the application. The pink copy is valid for 90
days and is legal only in the United States.
An AC Form 8050-3 should be in the aircraft before
an Airworthiness Certificate can be issued. Some
of the conditions under which AC Form 8050-3
becomes invalid, as described in 14 CFR part 47,
section 47.41 include:
•The aircraft becomes registered under the laws of
a foreign country.
•The registration of the aircraft is cancelled at the
written request of the holder of the certificate.
•The aircraft is totally destroyed or scrapped.
•The holder of the certificate loses his or her U.S.
citizenship or status as a resident alien without
becoming a U.S. citizen.
•The ownership of the aircraft is transferred.
•Thirty days have elapsed since the death of the
holder of the certificate.
When an aircraft is sold, destroyed, or scrapped, the
owner must notify the FAA by filling in the back
of AC Form 8050-3 and mailing it to AFS-750.
The U.S. registration and nationality marking should
be removed from an aircraft before it is delivered
to a purchaser who is not eligible to register it in the
United States. The endorsed AC Form 8050-3
should be forwarded to AFS-750. AFS-750 contact
information is in the FAA Contact Information
appendix on pages A1–A2 of this handbook.
An AC Form 8050-6, Dealer’s Aircraft Registration
Certificate, is an alternative form of registration.
It is valid only for flights within the United States
by the manufacturer or dealer for flight testing or
demonstration for sale. It should be removed by the
dealer when the aircraft is sold.
To apply for a Dealer’s Aircraft Registration
Certificate, the applicant must complete AC Form
8050-5, Dealer’s Aircraft Registration Certificate
Application.
m CAUTION: AC Form 8050-3 serves as conclusive
evidence of nationality but it is not a title and is not
evidence of ownership in any proceeding in which
ownership is at issue.
Amateur-Built Aircraft
registration and inspection
The FAA recommends that you apply for registration
of your amateur-built aircraft 60–120 days before
you finish building your aircraft, and before you submit FAA Form 8130-6 to the FAA. The FAA will not
inspect your amateur-built aircraft before it has been
registered or during construction of the aircraft.
The FAA or a Designated Airworthiness Representative
(DAR) in your geographical area inspects your
amateur-built aircraft for general airworthiness
only after you have made an application for an
airworthiness certificate.
The FAA does not charge a fee to the public for
inspecting amateur-built aircraft. However, FAA
workload may delay inspection of your aircraft.
For this reason, the FAA staff is augmented by the
use of DARs who may charge a fee for their services
(14 CFR Part 183, Section 183.33(b), Designated
Airworthiness Representative).
You may locate a DAR in your geographical area by
reviewing the online DAR Directory. Manufacturing
DARs are listed by state in the first half of the
directory, and Maintenance DARs are listed by state
in the second half. A DAR who has authority to
inspect and certify amateur-built aircraft has the
Chapter 4: 4-5
Aircraft Registration
4
DAR Function Code “46” under his or her name.
(Also see FAA Order 8100.8 (as revised), Designee
Management Handbook, for designee program
details.)
light-sport Aircraft registration
If you purchased a newly manufactured light-sport
aircraft that is to be certificated as:
•An experimental light-sport aircraft under 14
CFR, part 21, section 21.191(i)(2); or
•A special light-sport aircraft under 14 CFR part
21, section 21.190;
Then you must provide the following documentation
to AFS-750:
•AC Form 8050-88 (as revised), Light-Sport
Aircraft Manufacturer’s Affidavit, completed
by the light-sport aircraft manufacturer,
unless previously submitted to AFS-750 by the
manufacturer;
•Evidence of ownership from the manufacturer for
the aircraft;
•AC Form 8050-1, Aircraft Registration
Application; and
•Registration fee.
The FAA Light Sport Aviation Branch (AFS-610)
or your local FSDO can assist you with questions
about the registration of light-sport aircraft.
AFS-610 contact information is in the FAA Contact
Information appendix on pages A1–A2 of this
handbook.
state registration requirements
Aircraft owners should remember that state registration of aircraft is required in many states. You
should check with your state government to ensure
that you have met any applicable state registration
requirements for your aircraft.
Additional information
14 CFR part 47 specifies the requirements for
registering an aircraft. For information concerning
14 CFR part 47 or any topics not discussed in this
chapter, please contact AFS-750. AFS-750 contact
information is in the FAA Contact Information
appendix on pages A1–A2 of this handbook.
4-6
Plane 4
Sense
Figure 4-1. Aircraft Registration Checklist. You can use this checklist to assist you with the aircraft
registration process.
Aircraft registration Checklist
stAtUs item desCriPtion
•Certificate of airworthiness Confirm the aircraft has a valid certificate of airworthiness or special certificate of airworthiness, if applicable.
•Eligible registrant In accordance with 14 CFR part 47: U.S. citizen,
resident alien, corporation or government entity
•
Aircraft Registration Application Original AC Form 8050-1, Aircraft Registration
Application
•
Evidence of ownership AC Form 8050-2, Bill of Sale or conditional
sales contract
•
Fee Check with AFS-750 to determine applicable fee (i.e.,
conditional sales contract as evidence of ownership
triggers additional fee).
•
Registration number Confirm registration number on aircraft.
•
Special registration number
(if applicable)
Complete FAA Form 8050-64, Assignment of Special
Registration Number, when you are ready to use the
new registration number.
•
Chain of ownership Ensure that chain of ownership is uninterrupted. If
chain of ownership is interrupted, you must submit
conveyances completing the chain of ownership to
AFS-750.
•
State registration requirements Check with your state aviation authority to confirm any
state requirements.
•
Light-sport aircraft
(if applicable)
You must send the following documents to AFS-750:
AC Form 8050-88A, Light-Sport Aircraft Manu-
facturer’s Affidavit; evidence of ownership from the
manufacturer for the aircraft; AC Form 8050-1, Aircraft
Registration Application; and the registration fee.
Chapter 4: 4-7
Aircraft Registration
4
Figure 4-2. AC Form 8050-64, Assignment of Special Registration Numbers. The FAA issues AC Form
8050-64 to give you permission to place your reserved special registration number on your aircraft.
You should place the special registration number on your aircraft, and then notify the FAA in accordance
with the instructions provided.
N401RZ
N402TS CIRRUS DESIGN CORP SR22
2917
RANDALL Z. BLACKHAWK
150 CESSNA ROAD
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK 73125
JUN 13, 2008
JUN 13, 2009
JAN 30, 2008
STANDARD
ICAO AIRCRAFT ADDRESS CODE FOR N401RZ - 50999999
4-8
4
Plane Sense
Figure 4-3. AC Form 8050-2, Aircraft Bill of Sale. You can download the form and obtain instructions for
completing FAA Form 8050-2 on the FAA website at www.faa.gov or from your local FSDO.
54320
5TH
JANE FLYER OWNER
103AZ
CESSNA 172
JUNE 2006
SAMPLE
Jane Flyer
FRED WINGTIP
44 ECLIPSE STREET
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK 73125
Chapter 4: 4-9
Aircraft Registration
4
Figure 4-4. AC Form 8050-1, Aircraft Registration Application. You must use an original AC Form 8050-1
which can be obtained from AFS-750 or your local FSDO. You can obtain instructions for completing AC Form
8050-1 on the FAA website at www.faa.gov or from your local FSDO. (Be sure to print your name below your
signature or your application will be rejected.)
142AZ
Beechcraft A200
BO-12
Glenn Navigator
GLENN NAVIGATOR
04-28-06
X
GLENN NAVIGATOR
405 555-8118
14 SKYCATCHER BLVD.
SAMPLE
73125 OK
OKLAHOMA CITY
OWNER
4-10
Plane Sense
4
Figure 4-5. AC Form 8050-3, Certificate of Aircraft Registration. The FAA issues AC Form 8050-3 to evidence
registration of your aircraft.
N505DH 8806
PITTS SIS
LINBERGH, DANIEL E.
800 GATEWAY ROAD
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK 73125
JUNE 3,1995
5199999
David Hinson
SAMPLE
Chapter 4: Aircraft Registration
5-1
special Flight Permits
5A special flight permit can be issued to any U.S. registered aircraft that may not currently
meet applicable airworthiness requirements but is capable of safe flight. Before the permit
is issued, a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) aviation safety inspector (ASI) may inspect
the aircraft or require it to be inspected by an FAA-certificated airframe and powerplant (A&P)
mechanic or repair station to determine its safety for the intended flight. The inspection is then
recorded in the aircraft records. This type of special flight permit is often referred to as a “ferry
permit” because it allows the aircraft to be ferried to a location for maintenance.
In the case of general aviation flights (e.g., flights conducted by operators other than Title 14
of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 121 or part 135 certificate holders), special
flight permits are issued by the FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO)/International Field
Office (IFO) having jurisdiction over the geographical area in which the flight is to originate.
Circumstances Warranting a special Flight Permit
A special flight permit is issued to allow the aircraft to be flown to a base where repairs,
alterations, or maintenance can be performed; for delivering or exporting the aircraft; or for
evacuating an aircraft from an area of impending danger. It may also be issued to allow the
operation of an overweight aircraft for flight beyond its normal range over water or land areas
where adequate landing facilities are not available.
The following list, which is not all-inclusive, sets forth the most common requests for special
flight permits:
•Flying the aircraft to a base where repairs, alterations, or maintenance are to be performed,
or to a point of salvage
•Flying an aircraft whose annual inspection has expired to a base where an annual inspection
can be accomplished
•Flying an amateur-built aircraft whose condition inspection has expired to a base where the
condition inspection can be accomplished
•Delivering or exporting the aircraft
•Production flight testing of new production aircraft
•Evacuating aircraft from areas of impending danger
•Conducting customer demonstration flights in new production aircraft that have
satisfactorily completed production flight tests
•Operating an aircraft at a weight in excess of its maximum certificated takeoff weight
5-2
5
m CAUTION: If an Airworthiness Directive (AD)
requires compliance before further flight and does
not have a provision for issuance of a special flight
permit, the operation of the aircraft to which it
applies would not be appropriate, and a special flight
permit will not be issued.
Foreign-registered Civil Aircraft
A special flight authorization allows a foreign-
registered civil aircraft that does not have the equivalent of a U.S. standard airworthiness certificate to be
operated within the United States.
A civil aircraft registered in a country that is a member of the International Civil Aviation Organzation
(ICAO) only needs a special flight authorization issued by the FAA. A civil aircraft registered in a country
that is not a member of ICAO must have both an
authorization from the United States Department of
Transportation (DOT) and a special flight
authorization issued by the FAA.
obtaining a special Flight Authorization
To obtain a special flight authorization, you must
apply by letter or facsimile. The application and
issuance procedures are provided in FAA Order
8130.2 (as revised), Airworthiness Certification of
Aircraft and Related Products, Chapter 7, Special
Flight Authorizations for Non-U.S.-Registered Civil
Aircraft. You can obtain assistance and the necessary
forms for issuance of a special flight authorization
from the local FSDO or IFO.
Application for Airworthiness Certifcate
A special flight permit is an FAA Form 8130-7,
Special Airworthiness Certificate, issued pursuant
to 14 CFR part 21, section 21.197, for an aircraft
that may not currently meet applicable airworthiness requirements but is safe for a specific flight.
m CAUTION: A special flight permit is not an
authorization to deviate from the requirements of 14
CFR part 91.
An applicant for a special flight permit must submit
FAA Form 8130-6, Application for U.S. Airworthiness
Certificate, including a statement indicating:
•Purpose of the flight;
•Proposed itinerary;
•Essential crew required to operate the aircraft;
•The ways, if any, in which the aircraft does not
comply with the applicable airworthiness
requirements; and
•Any other information requested by the
Administrator, considered necessary for the
purpose of prescribing operating limitations.
You should fax the completed form to the FSDO
closest to the location where the flight will originate.
You can locate contact information for the FSDO on
the FAA website at www.faa.gov. Figure 5-1 at the
end of this chapter is a sample FAA Form 8130-6.
Some FSDOs may ask you to include additional
information necessary for the purpose of prescribing
operating limitations when you submit FAA Form
8130-6. Examples of additional information might
include:
•A current copy of the Airworthiness Certificate.
•A current copy of the Certificate of Aircraft
Registration.
•A current copy of the front page of the aircraft
and engine(s) logbooks, with all entries completed, (i.e., aircraft, engine(s), propeller(s),
manufacturer, model, serial number).
•A current copy of the Aircraft/Engine/Propeller/
Appliance AD compliance status.
•A copy of the last Aircraft Log Book entry, stating
that the aircraft has been inspected and is in a
safe condition to fly/ferry, that the aircraft
is in compliance with all applicable ADs, and/or
a listing of the ADs with which the aircraft is not
in compliance. The entry must be signed by an
A&P mechanic or 14 CFR part 145 repair station.
The Administrator may also want to inspect the
aircraft in question before approving or issuing
a ferry flight permit.
You may be required to make appropriate inspections
or tests necessary for safety. (This means an A&P
mechanic or 14 CFR part 145 repair station will need
to inspect the aircraft prior to flight.)
You may request that the local FSDO transmit the
ferry permit via facsimile if the request is timesensitive. Figure 5-2 at the end of this chapter is
a sample FAA Form 8130-7.
The aircraft operator must display, in the aircraft, the
current airworthiness certificate and the special flight
(ferry) permit along with its operating limitations.
For additional information, please refer to 14 CFR
part 21, section 21.197, or your local FSDO.
Plane Sense
5-3
Chapter 5: Special Flight Permits
5
Figure 5-1. FAA Form 8130-6, Application for U.S. Airworthiness Certificate. You can obtain instructions for
completing FAA Form 8130-6 on the FAA website at www.faa.gov or from your local FSDO.
2-26-2003 SW 15
SAMPLE
X
X
X
X
Joe Pilot
X
5-4
5
Figure 5-1. Form 8130-6 (page 2 of 2).
Jane A. Aviator
JANE A. AVIATOR 1012 CIRRUS AVE., SHAWNEE, OKLAHOMA 74852
CESSNA C-182L
182-500000 N122A
2-26-2008 10 DAYS
SHAWNEE, OKLAHOMA
DIRECT
DOWNTOWN AIRPARK, OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA
2-26-2008 JANE A. AVIATOR
ANNUAL INSPECTION
AIRCRAFT INSPECTION AND LOGBOOK ENTRY
SAMPLE
Plane Sense
5-5
Chapter 5: Special Flight Permits
5
SAMPLE
Figure 5-2. FAA Form 8130-7, Special Airworthiness Certificate. The FAA issues FAA Form 8130-7,
Special Airworthiness Certificate, as a special flight permit.
SPECIAL FLIGHT PERMIT
MAINTENANCE
N/A
N/A
SHAWNEE, OKLAHOMA
DOWNTOWN AIRPARK, OKLAHOMA CITY, OK
25565
CESSNA
03-01-96
03-01-96
182-582672
C-182L
04-01-99
OKC-MIDO-41
Darel A. Freeman
N-
5-6
5
Plane Sense
L
ight-sport aircraft (LSA) is a growing sector of the general aviation community, specific
to the United States. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) promulgated sport pilot
(SP)/LSA regulations in 2004. This significant change in Title 14 of the Code of Federal
Regulations (14 CFR) allowed easier and lower-cost access to general aviation.
defnition
LSA as defined in 14 CFR part 1, section 1.1, “means an aircraft, other than a helicopter or
powered-lift that, since its original certification, has continued to meet the following:
(1) A maximum takeoff weight of not more than—
(i) 1,320 pounds (600 kilograms) for aircraft not intended for operation on water; or
(ii) 1,430 pounds (650 kilograms) for an aircraft intended for operation on water.
(2) A maximum airspeed in level flight with maximum continuous power (VH ) of not more
than 120 knots CAS under standard atmospheric conditions at sea level.
(3) A maximum never-exceed speed (VNE ) of not more than 120 knots CAS for a glider.
(4) A maximum stalling speed or minimum steady flight speed without the use of liftenhancing devices (VS1 ) of not more than 45 knots CAS at the aircraft’s maximum certificated
takeoff weight and most critical center of gravity.
(5) A maximum seating capacity of no more than two persons, including the pilot.
(6) A single, reciprocating engine, if powered.
(7) A fixed or ground-adjustable propeller if a powered aircraft other than a powered glider.
(8) A fixed or autofeathering propeller system if a powered glider.
(9) A fixed-pitch, semi-rigid, teetering, two-blade rotor system, if a gyroplane.
(10) A nonpressurized cabin, if equipped with a cabin.
(11) Fixed landing gear, except for an aircraft intended for operation on water or a glider.
(12) Fixed or retractable landing gear, or a hull, for an aircraft intended for operation
on water.
(13) Fixed or retractable landing gear for a glider.”
lsA Certifcation
Several different kinds of aircraft may be certificated as LSA. Airplanes (both powered and
gliders), rotorcraft (gyroplanes only, not true for helicopters), powered parachutes, weight-shift
control aircraft, and lighter-than-air craft (free balloons and airships) may all be certificated
as LSA if they fall within weight and other guidelines established by the FAA.
light-sport Aircraft
6
6-1
6-2
Plane Sense
6
lsA registration
If you purchased a newly manufactured LSA that is
to be certificated as an experimental LSA under 14
CFR part 21, section 21.191(i)(2), or a special LSA
under 14 CFR part 21, section 21.190, then you must
provide the following documentation to the FAA
Civil Aviation Registry Aircraft Registration Branch
(AFS-750):
•Aeronautical Center (AC) Form 8050-88 (as
revised), Light-Sport Aircraft Manufacturer’s
Affidavit, or its equivalent, completed by the LSA
manufacturer, unless previously submitted to
AFS-750 by the manufacturer,
•Evidence of ownership from the aircraft
manufacturer,
•AC Form 8050-1, Aircraft Registration
Application, and
•Registration fee.
The FAA Light Sport Aviation Branch (AFS-610) or
your local Flight Standards District Office (FSDO)
can assist you with questions about LSA registration.
Available resources
There are a number of resources available to assist
LSA owners and operators.
Light Sport Aviation Branch, AFS-610
AFS-610 manages and provides oversight of the SP
examiner and the LSA repairman-training programs,
and also provides subject matter experts for FAA
and the aviation industry concerning the SP/LSA
aircraft safety initiatives. AFS-610 performs the
following functions:
•Acceptance of LSA Repairman courses
•Light Sport Standardization Board
•Oversight of designated SP Examiners
•SP Examiner Initial Training Seminar
•SP Examiner Recurrent Training Program
AFS-610 contact information is available in the FAA
Contact Information appendix on pages A1–A2 of
this handbook.
Experimental Aircraft Association
The Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA)
was founded in 1953 by a group of individuals
in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, who were interested
in building their own airplanes. Through the
decades, the organization expanded its mission
to include antiques, classics, warbirds, aerobatic
aircraft, ultralights, helicopters, light sport, and
contemporary manufactured aircraft.
EAA is an excellent resource for light sport aircraft
owners and operators. You can contact the EAA at:
EAA Aviation Center
3000 Poberezny Rd
Oshkosh, WI 54902
(800) JOIN-EAA phone
www.eaa.org
regulatory Guidance
Regulatory guidance for LSA owners and operators
includes:
•FAA Order 8130.2 (as revised), Airworthiness
Certification of Aircraft and Related Products
•FAA Order 8130.33 (as revised), Designated
Airworthiness Representatives: Amateur-Built
and Light-Sport Aircraft Certification Functions
M
aintenance means the preservation, inspection, overhaul, and repair of aircraft,
including the replacement of parts. The purpose of maintenance is to ensure that the
aircraft remains airworthy throughout its operational life. A properly maintained aircraft
is a safe aircraft.
Although maintenance requirements vary for different types of aircraft, experience shows
that most aircraft need some type of preventive maintenance every 25 hours or less of
flying time, and minor maintenance at least every 100 hours. This is influenced by the kind
of operation, climactic conditions, storage facilities, age, and construction of the aircraft.
Maintenance manuals are available from aircraft manufacturers or commercial vendors with
revisions for maintaining your aircraft.
While the requirements for maintaining your aircraft are contained in Title 14 of the Code of
Federal Regulations (14 CFR), it is essential for every aircraft owner to remember that specific
maintenance requirements are available from the aircraft manufacturer.
maintenance responsibilities
14 CFR part 91, section 91.403, places primary responsibility on the owner or operator for
maintaining an aircraft in an airworthy condition. Certain inspections must be performed on
your aircraft, and you must maintain the airworthiness of the aircraft between the required
inspections by having any defects corrected. 14 CFR part 91, section 91.327 pertains to lightsport aircraft. Light-sport aircraft certificated in the light sport category under 14 CFR part
21, section 21.190 must be maintained by an FAA-certificated airframe and powerplant (A&P)
mechanic or a light-sport repairman with a maintenance rating.
14 CFr Part 91, subpart e
14 CFR part 91, subpart E, requires the inspection of all civil aircraft at specific intervals
to determine the overall condition. The interval generally depends on the type of operations
in which the aircraft is engaged. Some aircraft need to be inspected at least once every
12 calendar months, while inspection is required for others after each 100 hours of operation.
In other instances, an aircraft may be inspected in accordance with an inspection system set
up to provide for total inspection of the aircraft on the basis of calendar time, time in service,
number of system operations, or any combination of these factors.
7-1
7
Aircraft maintenance
Plane Sense
7
7-2
To determine the specific inspection requirements
and rules for the performance of inspections, you
should refer to 14 CFR part 91, subpart E, which
prescribes the requirements for various types of
operations.
manufacturer maintenance manuals
All inspections must follow the manufacturer main-
tenance manual, including the instructions for
continued airworthiness concerning inspection
intervals, parts replacement, and life-limited items
as applicable to your aircraft. The maintenance
manuals provided by the manufacturer of your aircraft are your best available resource on issues of
aircraft maintenance.
Preventive maintenance
14 CFR lists 32 relatively uncomplicated repairs and
procedures defined as preventive maintenance.
Certificated pilots, excluding student and recreational
pilots, may perform preventive maintenance on any
aircraft owned or operated by them that are not used
in air carrier service. These preventive maintenance
operations are listed in 14 CFR Part 43, Appendix A,
Preventive Maintenance. 14 CFR part 43 also contains other rules to be followed in the maintenance
of aircraft.
inspections
In order to provide a reasonable assurance that
aircraft are functioning properly, the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA) requires a series of aircraft
inspections somewhat similar to the many currency
requirements for airmen. This section outlines the
basic inspection requirements for aircraft.
Annual Inspection
Most general aviation aircraft require an annual inspection pursuant to 14 CFR part 91, section 91.409.
Excluded aircraft:
•Use an approved progressive inspection plan;
•Carry a special flight permit; or
•Carry a provisional airworthiness certificate.
The annual inspection must be completed and
approved by a mechanic with an inspection
authorization (IA) once every 12 calendar months.
For example, if the aircraft’s annual is endorsed on
June 16, 2008, the next annual inspection is due
before July 1, 2009; otherwise the aircraft may not
be flown without authorization (e.g., a special
flight or “ferry”permit).
A ferry permit is required to fly an aircraft that is
out of annual, such as in the case of flying to another
airport for the inspection. Chapter 5 discusses the
issuance of special flight permits. You can contact
your local Flight Standards District Office (FSDO)
for instructions on applying for a special flight or
ferry permit.
100-Hour Inspection
The 100-hour (14 CFR part 91, section 91.409)
inspection is required for aircraft that either:
•Carry any person (other than a crewmember) for
hire, or
•Are provided by any person giving flight
instruction.
The 100-hour limit may be exceeded by 10 hours
for the purposes of flying to a place where the
inspection can be completed. The excess time must
be included in computing the next 100 hours of
time in service.
Some examples of “for hire” operations under 14 CFR
part 91 that subject the aircraft to the 100-hour
inspection requirement include:
•An aerial photography flight, or
•A flight instructor providing an aircraft, or
any operation that supplies both flight instruction
and an aircraft. (An aircraft provided by the
(student) pilot receiving instruction is not subject
to the 100-hour inspection.)
Condition Inspection
A condition inspection is required once every 12
calendar months for light-sport aircraft certificated
in the light-sport category. In accordance with 14
CFR part 91, section 91.327, the condition inspection
must be performed by “a certificated repairman
(light-sport aircraft) with a maintenance rating, an
appropriately rated mechanic, or an appropriately
rated repair station in accordance with inspection
procedures developed by the aircraft manufacturer or
a person acceptable to the FAA.”
other inspection Programs
The annual and 100-hour inspection requirements
do not apply to large (over 12,500 pounds)
airplanes, turbojets, or turbopropeller-powered
multiengine airplanes, or to airplanes for which the
owner or operator complies with the progressive
inspection requirements. Details of these requirements may be determined by reference to 14 CFR
part 43, section 43.11; 14 CFR part 91, subpart E;
and by inquiry at the local FSDO.
Chapter 7: Aircraft Maintenance
7
7-3
Progressive Inspection
To minimize maintenance downtime, the owner may
opt for a progressive inspection plan. Progressive
inspections benefit owners whose aircraft experience
high usage such as fixed base operators (FBOs), flight
schools, and corporate flight departments. Unlike
an annual inspection, a progressive inspection allows
for more frequent but shorter inspection phases,
only if all items required for the annual and 100-hour
inspections are inspected within the required time.
The authority to use a progressive inspection plan
is non-transferable. Once the aircraft is sold, an
annual becomes due within 12 calendar months of
the last complete cycle. The 100-hour inspection
is due at the completion of the next 100 hours of
operation. Most airframe manufacturers provide
a boilerplate progressive maintenance plan.
14 CFR Part 43, Appendix D, Scope and Detail of
Items (as Applicable to the Particular Aircraft) To
Be Included in Annual and 100-Hour Inspections,
contains a list of general items to be checked during
inspections.
Altimeter System Inspection
The aircraft’s static system, altimeter, and automatic
altitude-reporting (Mode C) system must have been
inspected and tested in the preceding 24 calendar
months before flying instrument flight rules (IFR) in
controlled airspace. 14 CFR Part 43, Appendix E,
Altimeter System Test and Inspection, lists the items
that must be checked.
Transponder Inspection
The transponder must be inspected every 24 calendar months. 14 CFR Part 43, Appendix F, ATC
Transponder Tests and Inspections, lists the items
that must be checked. Additionally, the installation of
or modification to a transponder must be inspected
for data errors as well.
Preflight Inspection
A pilot is required to conduct a thorough preflight
inspection before every flight to ensure that the
aircraft is safe for flight. Pilots should review the
maintenance status of the aircraft as a part of the
preflight inspection.
repairs and Alterations
All repairs and alterations of standard airworthiness
certificated aircraft are classified as either major
or minor. 14 CFR part 43, appendix A, describes the
alterations and repairs considered major. Major
repairs or alterations are approved for return to
service on FAA Form 337, Major Repair and Alteration, by an appropriately rated certificated repair
station, an FAA-certificated A&P mechanic holding
an IA, or a representative of the Administrator.
Minor repairs and minor alterations may be
approved for return to service with a proper entry
in the maintenance records by a certificated A&P
mechanic or an appropriately certificated repair
station.
Alterations to light-sport aircraft certificated in
the light-sport aircraft category under 14 CFR
part 21, section 21.190, must be authorized by the
manufacturer or a person acceptable to the FAA in
accordance with 14 CFR part 91, section 91.327.
minimum equipment list/Confguration
deviation list
If your aircraft has an approved Minimum Equipment
List (MEL), the MEL should be used to determine
if a flight may be initiated with inoperative aircraft
equipment without the issuance of a special flight
permit. Your Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) may also
include a Configuration Deviation List (CDL) prepared by the manufacturer.
If your aircraft does not have an approved MEL, and
you have inoperative equipment or instruments,
then you must refer to 14 CFR part 91, section 91.213,
to determine if a special flight permit is needed to
operate the aircraft.
FAA resources
You can find all of the maintenance requirements
applicable to your aircraft in 14 CFR by accessing
the relevant regulations on the FAA website at
www.faa.gov. The best resource for answering
questions about the maintenance necessary on
your aircraft is your local FSDO.
experimental Aircraft
If you make any major alterations to your
experimental aircraft, you must notify your local
FSDO of those alterations.
Plane Sense
7
7-4
A
n aircraft owner is required to keep aircraft maintenance records for the airframe, engine,
propeller, and appliances. These records must contain a description of the work performed
on the aircraft, the date the work was completed, the certificated mechanic’s signature, the type
of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certificate, and the certificate number and signature
of the person approving the aircraft for return to service.
responsibilities of the Aircraft owner
All recordkeeping is primarily the responsibility of the aircraft owner. The airframe and
powerplant (A&P) mechanic is responsible for the work he or she performs. The owner of an
aircraft must also ensure that maintenance personnel make appropriate entries in the aircraft
maintenance records indicating the aircraft has been approved for return to service. The
owner’s aircraft records shall also contain the inspections required pursuant to Title 14 of the
Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 91, section 91.409.
Proper management of aircraft operations begins with a good system of maintenance records.
A properly completed maintenance record provides the information needed by the owner and
maintenance personnel to determine when scheduled inspections and maintenance are to be
performed.
Aircraft maintenance records must include:
•The total time in service of the airframe, each engine, and each propeller;
•The current status of life-limited parts of each airframe, engine, propeller, rotor, and
appliance;
•The time since the last overhaul of all items installed on the aircraft, which are required to
be overhauled on a specified time basis;
•The identification of the current inspection status of the aircraft, including the time since
the last inspection required by the inspection program under which the aircraft and its
appliances are maintained;
•The current status of applicable Airworthiness Directives (ADs) including, for each, the
method of compliance, the AD number, and the revision date. If the AD involves recurring
action, the time and date the next action is required; and
•A copy of the major alterations to each airframe, engine, propeller, and appliance.
These records are retained by the owner and are transferred with the aircraft when it is sold.
Figure 8-1 at the end of this chapter is a maintenance records checklist you can use to document
compliance with the applicable maintenance requirements.
8
8-1
maintenance records
Plane 8
8-2
Sense
These records may be discarded when the work is
repeated or superseded by other work, or 1 year after
the work is performed.
m CAUTION: Keep in mind that as a result of
repairs or alterations, such as replacing radios and
installing speed kits, it may be necessary to amend
the weight and balance report, equipment list,
flight manual, etc.
logbooks
Most maintenance performed on an aircraft is recorded in the aircraft logbooks. As an aircraft owner, it
is important to ensure that your aircraft’s logbooks
are complete and up to date at all times. The aircraft
logbooks outline the maintenance history of your air-
craft, and any prospective buyer will want to review
the aircraft and all maintenance performed. In addi-
tion, any A&P or certificated repair station performing
maintenance on your aircraft will want to review the
prior maintenance performed on the aircraft.
Airworthiness directives
An aircraft owner is required to comply with all
applicable ADs issued by the FAA for his or her
aircraft. The FAA issues ADs to notify aircraft owners
and other interested persons of unsafe conditions
and to specify the corrective action required,
including conditions under which the aircraft may
continue to be operated.
The aircraft’s maintenance records should indicate
the current status of all applicable ADs, including for
each:
•AD number,
•Method of compliance,
•Revision date, and
•Recurring action (if applicable) including the time
and date of the next action required.
safety directives
The owner or operator of an aircraft having a
special airworthiness certificate must comply with
each safety directive applicable to the aircraft that
corrects an existing unsafe condition or corrects
the condition in a manner different from safety
directive specifications if the person issuing the
directive agrees with the action. Otherwise, the
owner or operator may, in accordance with 14 CFR
part 91, section 91.327, “obtain an FAA waiver from
the provisions of the safety directive based on a
conclusion that the safety directive was
issued without adhering to the applicable consensus
standard.”
Light-sport category aircraft certificated pursuant
to 14 CFR part 21, section 21.190 have mandatory
compliance with all manufacturer safety directives.
service Bulletins
A service bulletin contains a recommendation from
the manufacturer, with which that manufacturer
believes the aircraft owner should comply, that often
reflects a safety-of-flight issue that the manufacturer
believes should be addressed within a certain timeframe. It may result from an improvement developed
by the manufacturer, or it may address a defect in
a product or published documentation.
The manufacturer responds to one of these situations by issuing a service bulletin that recommends
a certain type of inspection, replacing certain
components, performing maintenance in a specific
manner, or limiting operations under specified
conditions. Sometimes, compliance with a service
bulletin may be triggered by the occurrence of
a particular event (e.g., the lapse of time or operation
under certain types of conditions).
FAA Form 337,
major repair and Alteration
A mechanic who performs a major repair or major
alteration shall record the work on FAA Form 337
and have the work inspected and approved by a
mechanic who holds an inspection authorization (IA).
(Light-sport aircraft do not require Form 337 when
altering a non-approved product.) A signed copy
shall be given to the owner and another copy sent
to the FAA Aircraft Registration Branch (AFS-750)
in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma within 48 hours of
aircraft approval for return to service. However,
when a major repair is done by a certificated repair
station, the customer’s work order may be used
and a release given as outlined in 14 CFR Part 43,
Appendix B, Recording of Major Repairs and Major
Alterations. You can obtain additional information
and instructions for completing FAA Form 337 in
Advisory Circular (AC) 43-9 (as revised), Aircraft
Maintenance Records. Figure 8-2 at the end of this
chapter is a sample FAA Form 337.
entries into Aircraft maintenance records
Each time maintenance, including preventive main-
tenance, is performed on your aircraft, an appropriate
entry must be added to the maintenance records.
Chapter 8: Aircraft Maintenance Records Chapter 8: Aircraft Maintenance Records
8
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14 CFR Part 43, Section 43.9,
Content, form, and disposition of
maintenance, preventive maintenance,
rebuilding, and alteration records (except
inspections performed in accordance
with part 91, part 125, §135.411(a)(1), and
§135.419 of this chapter
Any person who maintains, rebuilds or alters an
aircraft, airframe, aircraft engine, propeller, or
appliance shall make an entry containing:
•A description of the work or some reference
to data acceptable to the FAA,
•The date the work was completed,
•The name of the person who performed the
work, and
•If the work was approved for return to service,
the signature, certificate number, and kind of
certificate held by the person approving the
aircraft for return to service.
14 CFR Part 43, Section 43.11,
Content, form, and disposition of records for
inspections conducted under parts 91 and
125 and §§135.411(a)(1) and 135.419 of this
chapter
When a mechanic approves or disapproves an aircraft for return to service after an annual, 100-hour,
or progressive inspection, an entry shall be made
including:
•Aircraft time in service,
•The type of inspection,
•The date of inspection,
•The signature, certificate number, and kind of
certificate held by the person approving or
disapproving the aircraft for return to service, and
•A signed and dated listing of discrepancies and
unairworthy items.
14 CFR Part 91, Section 91.409,
Inspections
Inspection entries for 14 CFR part 91, section
91.409(e) airplanes over 12,500 pounds, turbo jet,
or turbopropeller-powered multiengine airplanes
are made according to 14 CFR part 43, section 43.9,
and shall include:
•The kind of inspection performed,
•A statement by the mechanic that the inspection
was performed in accordance with the instructions and procedures for the kind of inspection
program selected by the owner, and
•A statement that a signed and dated list of any
defects found during the inspection was given to
the owner, if the aircraft is not approved for
return to service.
14 CFR Part 91, Section 91.411,
Altimeter system and altitude
reporting equipment tests and inspections
14 CFR part 91, section 91.411, requires that every
airplane or helicopter operated in controlled airspace
under instrument flight rules (IFR) conditions have
each static pressure system, each altimeter, and each
automatic pressure altitude reporting system tested
and inspected every 24 calendar months. The aircraft
maintenance records must include:
•A description of the work,
•The maximum altitude to which the altimeter
was tested, and
•The date and signature of the person approving
the aircraft for return to service.
14 CFR Part 91, Section 91.413,
ATC transponder tests and inspections
14 CFR part 91, section 91.413, requires that anyone
operating an Air Traffic Control (ATC) transponder
specified in 14 CFR part 91, section 91.215(a), have it
tested and inspected every 24 calendar months. The
aircraft maintenance records must include:
•A description of the work, and
•The date and signature of the person approving
the airplane for return to service.
14 CFR Part 91, Section 91.207,
Emergency locator transmitters
14 CFR part 91, section 91.207, requires that no
person may operate a U.S. registered civil airplane
unless there is attached to the airplane a personal
type or an automatic type emergency locator
transmitter (ELT) that is in operable condition
and meets applicable requirements of Technical
Standard Order (TSO)-C91.
m CAUTION: New ELT installations after June
21, 1995, must meet TSO-C91A (the first revised, or
amended, version).
Batteries used in ELT shall be replaced when:
•The transmitter has been in use for more than
1 cumulative hour, or
•50 percent of the ELT’s useful life has expired.
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The expiration date for replacing the battery shall be
legibly marked on the outside of the transmitter and
entered in the aircraft maintenance records.
Amateur-Built Aircraft
The condition inspection for amateur-built aircraft
replaces the annual inspection.
Available resources
Your local FSDO can help you establish your aircraft
maintenance program and the necessary maintenance
records. Additional information relating to aircraft
maintenance records can be obtained from:
•14 CFR Part 39, Airworthiness Directives
•14 CFR Part 43, Maintenance, Preventive
Maintenance, Rebuilding, and Alteration
•14 CFR Part 91, General Operating and
Flight Rules
•AC 43-9 (as revised), Maintenance Records
These publications are available on the FAA website
at www.faa.gov and from U.S. Government Printing
Office (GPO) bookstores located throughout the
United States. For more information about obtaining
these publications, refer to the information contained
in chapter 11.
Chapter 8: Aircraft Maintenance Records Chapter 8: Aircraft Maintenance Records
8
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maintenance records Checklist
stAtUs item notes
•
100-Hour inspection Keep records until the work is repeated or
superseded by other work, or 1 year after the work is
performed.
•
Annual inspection Keep records until the work is repeated or
superseded by other work, or 1 year after the work is
performed.
•
Progressive inspections Keep records until the work is repeated or
superseded by other work, or 1 year after the work is
performed.
•
Other required or approved inspections
(e.g., condition inspections/mandatory
tracking of safety directives for lightsport aircraft)
Keep records until the work is repeated or
superseded by other work, or 1 year after the work is
performed.
•
Total Time in Service (airframe,
engine(s), propeller(s))
Records are retained by the owner and transferred
with the aircraft when it is sold.
•
Current status of life-limited parts
(airframe, engine(s), propeller(s), rotor,
and appliances)
Records are retained by the owner and transferred
with the aircraft when it is sold.
•
Time since last overhaul of all items
installed on the aircraft (required to be
overhauled on a specified time basis)
Records are retained by the owner and transferred
with the aircraft when it is sold.
•
Identification of current inspection
status of the aircraft (including time
since last inspection required by the
inspection program under which
aircraft and appliances are maintained)
Records are retained by the owner and transferred
with the aircraft when it is sold.
•
Current status of applicable ADs
(including method of compliance, the
AD number, and the revision date)
Records are retained by the owner and transferred
with the aircraft when it is sold.
•
Copy of current major alterations
(airframe, engine, propeller, and appliances)
Records are retained by the owner and transferred
with the aircraft when it is sold.
Figure 8-1. Maintenance Records Checklist. This checklist includes the types of information that should
be kept with your aircraft’s maintenance records.
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