U.S. Department

of Transportation

Federal Aviation

Administration

Plane Sense

General Aviation Information

FAA-H-8083-19A

i

Plane Sense

General Aviation Information

2008

U.S. Department of Transportation

Federal Aviation Administration

Flight Standards Service
Plane Sense

ii
Plane Sense introduces aircraft owners and operators, or prospective aircraft owners and operators, to 

basic information about the requirements involved in acquiring, owning, operating, and maintaining 

a private aircraft.

This handbook can be a valuable reference tool for anyone who would like to review the “nuts and bolts” 

of aircraft ownership. Aircraft owners and operators, or anyone considering aircraft ownership, should 

be familiar with Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR), which details regulations for aircraft 

owners, operators, pilots, aircraft mechanics, and maintenance providers. Since the requirements can 

be updated and the regulations can change, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recommends that 

you contact your nearest FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), where the personnel can assist 

you with the various requirements for aircraft ownership, operation, and maintenance.

The FAA has also added information for aviation enthusiasts who own (or are interested in owning) lightsport aircraft, a new and evolving sector of the general aviation marketplace.

This handbook highlights regulations and regulatory guidance material, as well as providing advice 

regarding where to locate answers to your questions. While Plane Sense cannot cover every issue faced 

by aircraft owners and operators, this handbook is intended to be a useful guide and will help you locate 

the resources to assist you. 

This publication supersedes FAA-8083-19, which was reprinted with editorial updates in 2003. 

This handbook is available free of charge for download, in PDF format, from the FAA Regulatory Support 

Division (AFS-600) on the FAA website at www.faa.gov.

Plane Sense may be also be purchased from:

Superintendent of Documents

United States Government Printing Office

Washington, DC 20402-9325 

http://bookstore.gpo.gov

This handbook is published by and comments should be sent to:

Federal Aviation Administration

Airman Testing Standards Branch (AFS-630)

P.O. Box 25082

Oklahoma City, OK 73125

afs630comments@faa.gov

iii

Preface
Plane Sense

iv
Plane Sense was produced by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) with the assistance of The Wicks 

Group, PLLC. The FAA wishes to acknowledge the providers of the following images used in this handbook:

Skycatcher used on the cover and in chapter 6, courtesy of Cessna Aircraft Corporation

Cirrus SR20-1 used on the cover and in chapter 1, courtesy of Cirrus Design

Eclipse 500 used on the cover, courtesy of Eclipse Aviation Corporation

The FAA would also like to extend its appreciation to several aviation industry organizations that provided 

assistance and input in the preparation of this handbook, including: 

General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA)

Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA)

Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA)

v

Acknowledgments
Plane Sense

vi
Plane Sense is a handbook for aviation enthusiasts, especially aircraft owners and operators or those who are 

interested in becoming aircraft owners, who are looking for a quick reference guide on a number of general 

aviation topics. This handbook is published by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

The FAA is the executive agency responsible for aviation oversight in the United States. The FAA’s mission is 

to provide the safest, most efficient aerospace system in the world.

The FAA is responsible for the safety of civil aviation. The Federal Aviation Act of 1958 created the agency 

under the name Federal Aviation Agency. The FAA adopted its present name in 1967 when it became a part of 

the Department of Transportation (DOT). The FAA’s major roles include: 

• Regulating civil aviation to promote safety 

• Encouraging and developing civil aeronautics, including new aviation technology 

• Developing and operating a system of air traffic control and navigation for both civil and military aircraft 

• Researching and developing the National Airspace System (NAS) and civil aeronautics 

• Developing and carrying out programs to control aircraft noise and other environmental effects of civil 

aviation 

• Regulating U.S. commercial space transportation

FAA Headquarters is located in Washington, D.C. However, the FAA is organized into eight geographical 

regions and the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center located in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. FAA regions are 

organized as follows:

• Alaskan (Alaska) 

• Central (Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Missouri, Nebraska, Tennessee) 

• Eastern (Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, 

 New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia) 

• Great Lakes (Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Wisconsin) 

• Northwest Mountain (Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Wyoming) 

• Southern Region (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, Virgin Islands) 

• Southwest Region (Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas) 

• Western-Pacific Region (Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada) 

Within each region, you will find several Flight Standards District Offices (FSDOs). Your local FSDO is your 

best resource for questions about aircraft ownership, operation, maintenance, regulatory compliance, and other 

issues. FAA inspectors are generally assigned to a FSDO. Aviation safety inspectors (ASIs) can assist you with 

issues related to the operation of your aircraft, airman certification, maintenance, and other general questions. 

You can find your local FSDO on the FAA website at www.faa.gov by selecting “About FAA” from the top menu 

bar and following the links to locate your local FSDO’s contact information.

Aircraft certification-related activities are handled by the FAA Aircraft Certification Office (ACO) that serves 

your geographic area. 

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Introduction
Plane Sense

viii

You can contact your ACO for guidance on:

• Design approval and certificate management 

• U.S. production approvals 

• Engineering and analysis questions 

• Investigating and reporting aircraft accidents, incidents, and service difficulties 

• Designated Engineering Representative (DER) oversight 

You can find the nearest ACO on the FAA website at www.faa.gov by selecting “About FAA” from the top menu 

bar and following the links to locate the nearest ACO’s contact information.

This handbook has been revised to include additional topics and updated website addresses to enable you to find 

relevant information more easily. You will also notice that some information is repeated in multiple chapters of 

Plane Sense, and this is designed to allow each chapter to stand alone as a reference tool to aid you in locating 

the information easily.

Please contact your local FSDO if you have any questions about the material in Plane Sense or how the 

information might specifically apply to your aircraft. This handbook is intended to provide general guidance for 

aircraft owners and operators; however, you should always ensure that the guidance provided applies to your 

specific aircraft and/or your specific situation. 

The FAA website is continually updated. If your question is not answered in this handbook, you can access a 

great deal of helpful information on the FAA’s website at www.faa.gov. This new edition of Plane Sense is colorcoded to assist you in quickly finding useful information.

The chapters containing information that may be useful to all general aviation readers are coded in blue:

Chapter 1: Aircraft Owner Responsibilities

Chapter 11: Obtaining FAA Publications and Records

Appendix A: FAA Contact Information

Appendix B: Regulatory Guidance Index

The chapters containing information about aircraft acquisition, registration, and ownership are coded in green:

Chapter 2: Buying an Aircraft

Chapter 3: Airworthiness Certificate

Chapter 4: Aircraft Registration

Chapter 5: Special Flight Permits

Chapter 6: Light Sport Aircraft

The chapters containing information on aircraft maintenance are coded in red:

Chapter 7: Aircraft Maintenance

Chapter 8: Maintenance Records

Chapter 9: Airworthiness Directives

Chapter 10: Service Difficulty Program
You will also note the addition of several new checklists to assist you in applying the information found in 

Plane Sense. These checklists and any relevant FAA or other forms discussed in the chapter are located 

at the end of that particular chapter for ease of reference. For your convenience, FAA Contact Information 

is at the end of this handbook.

Also, the Regulatory Guidance Index at the end of this handbook locates within each chapter the relevant 

regulatory guidance material, including pertinent sections of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), 

FAA Orders, and Avisory Circulars (ACs).

The FAA wishes you safe landings as you embark on your own aviation journey.

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Introduction
Plane Sense

x
Table of Contents

Preface...................................................................iii

Acknowledgments.............................................v

Introduction....................................................... vii

Chapter 1:

Aircraft Owner Responsibilities ............1-1

Documentation.......................................................1-1

Aircraft Registration...............................................1-1

14 CFR.....................................................................1-2

Logbooks.................................................................1-2

Aircraft Insurance...................................................1-2

Reporting Aircraft Accidents/Incidents ................1-2

Accident..........................................................1-2

Incident...........................................................1-2

Contacting the NTSB .....................................1-2

Filing NTSB Form 6120.1 ..............................1-3

Aviation Safety Reporting System..........................1-3

Purpose...........................................................1-3

Confidentiality................................................1-3

Filing an Incident Report ..............................1-3

Safety ......................................................................1-4

Safety Hotline.................................................1-4

Safety Information ........................................1-4

Reporting Stolen Aircraft/Equipment...................1-4

Law Enforcement...........................................1-4

Insurance Company ......................................1-4

Aviation Crime Prevention Institute.............1-4

Aircraft Registration Branch ........................1-4

Chapter 2:

Buying an Aircraft ........................................2-1

Selecting the Aircraft..............................................2-1

Where To Look ...............................................2-1

Factors Affecting Resale Value......................2-2

Overhauls .......................................................2-2

Aircraft Records .....................................................2-2

Aircraft Title ...........................................................2-2

Filing Ownership and Lien Documents ........2-3

When a Lien Is Recorded...............................2-3

Releasing a Recorded Lien ............................2-3

Aircraft Documents ................................................2-3

Bill of Sale or Conditional 

Sales Contract ................................................2-3

Airworthiness Certificate...............................2-3

Maintenance Records ....................................2-3 

Manuals ..................................................................2-4

Airworthiness .........................................................2-4 

Maintenance ...........................................................2-4 

Pre-Purchase Inspection ........................................2-4 

Light-Sport Aircraft................................................2-4

Amateur-Built Aircraft ...........................................2-4

Military Surplus Aircraft ........................................2-5

Chapter 3:

Airworthiness Certificate.........................3-1

Classifications of Airworthiness Certificates..........3-1

Standard Airworthiness Certificate ..............3-1

Special Airworthiness Certificate..................3-2

Issuance of an Airworthiness Certificate ...............3-3

Applying for an Airworthiness Certificate .............3-3

FAA Form 8100-2, 

Standard Airworthiness Certificate..............3-3

FAA Form 8130-7, 

Special Airworthiness Certificate..................3-3

Regulations and Policies ........................................3-3

Title 14 of the Code of 

Federal Regulations.......................................3-3

FAA Orders (as revised) ................................3-3

FAA Advisory Circulars (ACs) (as revised)...3-3

Chapter 4:

Aircraft Registration...................................4-1

Aircraft Registration Branch..................................4-1

Eligible Registrants ................................................4-2

Registering Your Aircraft .......................................4-2

Registration Number..............................................4-2

How To Form an N-Number.........................4-2

Other Requirements ......................................4-2

Special Registration Number .................................4-2

Requesting a Special 

Registration Number.....................................4-3

 Placing the Special Registration 

Number on Your Aircraft ..............................4-3

Aircraft Previously Registered 

in the United States ................................................4-3

Chain of Ownership .......................................4-3

 Replacement Certificate of 

Aircraft Registration .....................................4-3

Aircraft Previously Registered

in a Foreign Country...............................................4-3

AC Form 8050-1, 

Aircraft Registration Application...........................4-4

AC Form 8050-3, 

Certificate of Aircraft Registration.........................4-4

Amateur-Built Aircraft 

Registration and Inspection...................................4-4

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Light-Sport Aircraft Registration...........................4-5

State Registration Requirements...........................4-5

Additional Information..........................................4-5

Chapter 5:

Special Flight Permits.................................5-1

Circumstances Warranting 

a Special Flight Permit ........................................... 5-1

Foreign-Registered Civil Aircraft ...........................5-2

Obtaining a Special Flight Authorization...............5-2

Application for Airworthiness Certificate...............5-2

Chapter 6:

Light-Sport Aircraft......................................6-1

Definition................................................................6-1

LSA Certification .................................................... 6-1

LSA Registration .....................................................6-1

Available Resources................................................6-2

Light Sport Aviation Branch, AFS-610.........6-2

Experimental Aircraft Association...............6-2

Regulatory Guidance.............................................. 6-2

Chapter 7:

Aircraft Maintenance..................................7-1

Maintenance Responsibilities................................7-1

14 CFR Part 91, Subpart E......................................7-1

Manufacturer Maintenance Manuals.....................7-2

Preventive Maintenance.........................................7-2

Inspections ..............................................................7-2

Annual Inspection..........................................7-2

100-Hour Inspection......................................7-2

Condition Inspection......................................7-2

Other Inspection Programs ................................... 7-2

Progressive Inspections .................................7-3

Altimeter System Inspection .........................7-3

Transponder Inspection.................................7-3

Preflight Inspection........................................7-3

Repairs and Alterations ..........................................7-3

Minimum Equipment List/

Configuration Deviation List ..................................7-3

FAA Resources........................................................7-3

Experimental Aircraft.............................................7-3

Chapter 8:

Maintenance Records.................................8-1

Responsibilities of the Aircraft Owner ..................8-1 

Logbooks.................................................................8-2

Airworthiness Directives ........................................8-2

Safety Directives .....................................................8-2

Service Bulletins .....................................................8-2

FAA Form 337, 

Major Repair and Alteration ..................................8-2

Entries into Aircraft Maintenance Records ...........8-2

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 .................................8-3

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................................................ 8-3

 14 CFR Part 91, Section 91.409, 

Inspections .....................................................8-3

14 CFR Part 91, Section 91.411, 

Altimeter system and altitude 

reporting equipment tests and inspections ..8-3

14 CFR Part 91, Section 91.413, 

ATC transponder tests and inspections ........8-3

 14 CFR Part 91, Section 91.207, 

Emergency locator transmitters...................8-3

Amateur-Built Aircraft...........................................8-4

Available Resources................................................8-4

Chapter 9:

Airworthiness Directives ..........................9-1

Types of ADs Issued ...............................................9-1

Standard AD Process ..............................................9-1

Emergency AD........................................................9-1

Superseded AD .......................................................9-2

Compliance with ADs .............................................9-2

Amateur-Built Aircraft ...........................................9-2

Summary of ADs.....................................................9-2

Obtaining ADs ........................................................9-2

Chapter 10:

Service Difficulty Program.................... 10-1

Background.......................................................... 10-1

FAA Form 8010-4, 

Malfunction or Defect Report ............................. 10-1

Maintenance Alerts ............................................. 10-2

Background................................................. 10-2

Accessing Maintenance Alerts.................... 10-2

Contact Information................................... 10-2
xiii

Chapter 11:

Obtaining FAA Publications 

and Records.................................................. 11-1

Advisory Circulars ............................................... 11-1

Airworthiness Directives .................................... 11-1

Temporary Flight Restrictions ............................ 11-2

Notice to Airmen ................................................. 11-2

14 CFR.................................................................. 11-2

Handbooks and Manuals .................................... 11-2

Aircraft Records .................................................. 11-2

Request Aircraft Records............................ 11-2

Format......................................................... 11-2

Airman Records................................................... 11-3

Appendix A:

FAA Contact Information.......................... A-1

Appendix B:

Regulatory Guidance Index....................... B-1

Table of Contents
Plane Sense

xiv
1

Aircraft Owner Responsibilities

Aircraft ownership is a serious undertaking, and you should be familiar with the obligations  and responsibilities of aircraft ownership before you make the decision to purchase an 

aircraft. Aircraft owners have a variety of responsibilities that have their foundation in the Code 

of Federal Regulations (CFR).

Documentation

Do you know your ARROW? Before you fly, you need to ensure that you have all of the required 

documentation on your aircraft. You are responsible for carrying the following documentation 

on your aircraft at all times:

A—Airworthiness Certificate

R—Registration Certificate

R—Radio Station License (Federal Communications Communication (FCC) Radio Station 

License, if required by the type of operation)

O—Operating Limitations (which may be in the form of a Federal Aviation Administration 

(FAA)-approved Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) and/or Pilot’s Operating Handbook (POH))

W—Weight and Balance Documents

Some of these documents are addressed in this chapter, and others are covered in later 

chapters. Figure 1-1 at the end if this chapter is an ARROW checklist you can use to ensure you 

have all of the required documents. You can expect an FAA aviation safety inspector (ASI) to 

ask for these documents any time he or she is inspecting your aircraft and/or assisting you with 

a question regarding your aircraft.

m CAUTION: A radio station license is required for any international operations. You must 

complete an FCC Form 605, Quick-Form Application for Authorization in the Ship, Aircraft, 

Amateur, Restricted and Commercial Operator, and General Mobile Radio Services, available 

at www.fcc.gov to obtain an FCC radio station license. 

Aircraft Registration

The FAA Civil Aviation Registry Aircraft Registration Branch (AFS-750) maintains registration 

records on individual aircraft and serves as a repository for airworthiness documents received 

from FAA field offices. As an aircraft owner, you are responsible for immediately notifying 

AFS-750 of any change of permanent mailing address, the sale or export of your aircraft, or the 

loss of your ability to register an aircraft in accordance with Title 14 of the Code of Federal 

Regulations (14 CFR) part 47, section 47.41. 

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Plane Sense

Figure 1-2 at the end of this chapter is a sample FAA 

Change of Address Notification you can use to inform 

AFS-750. Aircraft registration is addressed in more 

detail in chapter 4.

14 CFR

14 CFR includes rules prescribed by the FAA governing all aviation activities in the United States. 

A wide variety of activities are regulated, such as 

airplane design, typical airline flights, pilot training 

activities, hot-air ballooning, and even model rocket 

launches. The rules are designed to promote safe 

aviation while protecting pilots, passengers, and the 

general public from unnecessary risk. 

As an aircraft owner, you are responsible for compliance and familiarity with the applicable 14 CFR 

part(s) concerning the operation and maintenance 

of your aircraft. While the regulations cited below 

are not exhaustive, they are a starting point as you 

consider aircraft ownership. It is essential that you 

remember that you are responsible for complying 

with all 14 CFR parts applicable to your aircraft and 

aircraft operations.

• As an aircraft owner, you should be familiar with 

the provisions of 14 CFR Part 43, Maintenance, 

Preventive Maintenance, Rebuilding, and Alteration, and 14 CFR Part 91, General Operating and 

Flight Rules.

• If you are also a pilot, you should be familiar with 

the provisions of 14 CFR Part 61, Certification: 

Pilots, Flight Instructors, and Ground Instructors, 

and 14 CFR Part 67, Medical Standards and 

Certification.

Questions regarding 14 CFR can be addressed to 

your local Flight Standards District Office (FSDO). 

Information about obtaining copies of 14 CFR parts 

and FAA publications can be found in chapter 11.

Logbooks

Each aircraft has a unique set of logbooks that 

document historical data dating back to the manufacturing date of the aircraft. As an aircraft owner, 

you have a regulatory obligation to ensure that 

your logbooks are complete and kept up to date. 

Aircraft logbooks enable the aircraft owner to keep 

records of the entire aircraft in chronological order 

including: inspections, tests, repairs, alterations, 

Airworthiness Directive (AD) compliance, service 

bulletins, and equipment additions, removals, or 

exchanges. Most logbooks also include sections for 

major alterations and altimeter/static system checks. 

Anyone performing maintenance on your aircraft 

will need complete aircraft logbooks to review the 

aircraft’s compliance history before performing maintenance on your aircraft. Information about aircraft 

maintenance and aircraft maintenance records can 

be found in chapters 7 and 8, respectively.

Aircraft Insurance

Aircraft insurance is an important consideration 

for any aircraft owner. The type(s) and amount of 

insurance you should carry on your aircraft are 

influenced by several factors, and you should discuss 

these decisions with an insurance agent familiar with 

providing aviation insurance policies. Depending 

on the usage of your aircraft and who might be flying 

the aircraft, you may need Owners, Renters and/or 

Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) insurance policies 

for your aircraft. Responsible aircraft owners always 

carry sufficient insurance on their aircraft. 

m CAUTION: You should ensure that you are in 

compliance with any state insurance requirements 

relating to aircraft ownership. 

Reporting Aircraft Accidents/Incidents

Aircraft owners are responsible for complying 

with Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations 

(49 CFR) part 830 regarding the reporting of aircraft accidents and incidents. You are required to 

notify the National Transportation Safety Board 

(NTSB) immediately of aviation accidents and 

certain incidents. 

Accident

An accident is defined in 49 CFR part 830 as “an 

occurrence associated with the operation of an 

aircraft that takes place between the time any person 

boards the aircraft with the intention of flight and 

all such persons have disembarked, and in which any 

person suffers death or serious injury, or in which 

the aircraft receives substantial damage.” 

Incident

An incident is defined in 49 CFR part 830 as “an 

occurrence other than an accident that affects or 

could affect the safety of operations.” 

Contacting the NTSB

Contact the nearest NTSB regional office to file a 

report. Reports of accidents or incidents should be 

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Chapter 1: Aircraft Owner Responsibilities

made to the NTSB regional office associated with the 

state in which the accident or incident occurred.

NTSB regions are organized as follows:

• Eastern (Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, 

Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, 

Massachusetts, Mississippi, New Hampshire, 

New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, 

Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, 

South Carolina, Tennessee, Vermont, Virgin 

Islands, Virginia, West Virginia);

• Central (Arkansas, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, 

Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, 

Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, North 

Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, 

Wisconsin);

• Western (American Samoa, Arizona, California, 

Guam, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, 

Utah, Washington, Wyoming); and

• Alaska (Alaska).

Contact information for the NTSB regional offices is 

located at the end of this chapter in Figure 1-3 and on 

the NTSB website at www.ntsb.gov. Your local FSDO 

can also direct you to the correct NTSB regional office 

in the event of an aircraft accident or incident.

For the purpose of notifying the NTSB, a phone call 

is sufficient initially, but a written followup is 

required. You will probably be directed to complete 

NTSB Form 6120.1, Pilot/Operator Aircraft 

Accident/Incident Report, which is available on the 

NTSB website at www.ntsb.gov, from the nearest 

NTSB regional office, or from your local FSDO. 

Filing NTSB Form 6120.1

In accordance with 49 CFR part 830, section 830.5, 

you must file a report with the NTSB regional office 

nearest the accident or incident within 10 days after 

an accident for which notification is required.

Complete Form 6120.1, sign it, and send it by 

mail or fax to the applicable NTSB regional office. 

Figure 1-4 at the end of this chapter is a sample 

NTSB Form 6120.1. 

Aviation Safety Reporting System

The Aviation Safety Reporting System (ASRS) is 

an important facet of the continuing effort by 

government, industry, and individuals to maintain 

and improve aviation safety. The ASRS, which is 

administered by the National Aeronautics and Space 

Administration (NASA), collects voluntarily submitted aviation safety incident/situation reports 

from pilots, controllers, and others.

The ASRS acts on the information these reports 

contain. It identifies system deficiencies and issues 

alerting messages to persons in a position to correct 

them. The database is a public repository which 

serves the needs of FAA and NASA and those of other 

organizations worldwide engaged in research and the 

promotion of safe flight. 

Purpose

The ASRS collects, analyzes, and responds to voluntarily submitted aviation safety incident reports in 

order to lessen the likelihood of aviation accidents.

ASRS data is used to:

• Identify deficiencies and discrepancies in the 

National Airspace (NAS) so that these can be 

remedied by appropriate authorities. 

• Support policy formulation and planning for, 

and improvements to, the NAS. 

• Strengthen the foundation of aviation human 

factors safety research. This is particularly important since it is generally conceded that over 

two-thirds of all aviation accidents and incidents 

are caused by human performance errors. 

Confidentiality 

Pilots, air traffic controllers, flight attendants, 

mechanics, ground personnel, and others involved 

in aviation operations submit reports to the ASRS 

when they are involved in, or observe, an incident 

or situation in which aviation safety was 

compromised. All submissions are voluntary.

Reports sent to the ASRS are held in strict confidence. 

ASRS de-identifies reports before entering them into 

the incident database. All personal and organizational names are removed. Dates, times, and related 

information that can be used to infer an identity are 

either generalized or eliminated.

Filing an Incident Report

An ASRS Incident Report is often referred to as 

a “NASA Strip.” When submitting an ASRS Incident 

Report, or NASA Strip, the submitter completes 

the form and sends it to the address indicated, and 

NASA returns the identification strip to the 

submitter as confirmation of receipt of the form. 

You can obtain more information, a copy of the 

incident report form, or file the form electronically 

on the NASA website at http://asrs.arc.nasa.gov. 

Figure 1-5 at the end of this chapter is a sample 

ASRS Incident Report.

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Plane Sense

Safety

The FAA has a number of aviation safety resources 

available on its website at www.faa.gov. You can 

access safety information by selecting “Safety” from 

the main menu bar.

Safety Hotline

You can call the FAA 24-Hour Safety Hotline at

(800) 255-1111 or email the FAA Safety Hotline at

9-AWA-ASY-SAFETYHOTLINE@faa.gov to report:

• Maintenance improprieties 

• Aircraft incidents 

• Suspected unapproved parts 

• Violations of 14 CFR

You can provide your contact information or file an 

anonymous report with the FAA Safety Hotline.

Safety Information

You can also find additional information and 

aviation data and statistics on the FAA website 

at www.faa.gov including:

• Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs)

• Aircraft Safety Alerts 

• Safety Program Airmen Notification System 

• Information for operators

• Safety alerts for operators

• CertAlerts for certificated airports

• Traffic Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) Safety

Bulletin

• Aviation Safety Information Analysis and Sharing 

(ASIAS)

• Accident and incident data

• Aviation accident reports and statistics

• Runway incursion data and statistics

• Weather

Reporting Stolen Aircraft/Equipment

As an aircraft owner, you should be prepared to 

handle the theft of your aircraft or aircraft equipment. 

In order to manage the reporting process effectively, 

you should keep separate records (in a location away 

from the aircraft) of serial numbers for powerplants, 

avionics, and other installed items. Report these 

serial numbers at the same time the aircraft is stolen.

Law Enforcement

You should immediately report a stolen aircraft to 

the local law enforcement agency having jurisdiction 

at the site of the theft. Ask the agency to report the 

theft to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) 

National Crime Information Center, as this will 

initiate notifications to the appropriate government 

offices. 

Insurance Company

After filing the appropriate reports with your local law 

enforcement agency, notify your insurance company 

or agent of the stolen aircraft, as appropriate. 

Aviation Crime Prevention Institute

You should also notify the Aviation Crime Prevention 

Institute (ACPI) of the stolen aircraft. After you 

give ACPI all available information, ACPI will send 

notices of the theft to industry contacts, embassies, 

and other agencies, if applicable. You can contact the 

ACPI at: 

Aviation Crime Prevention Institute 

226 N. Nova Road

Ormond Beach, FL 32174 USA

(800) 969-5473 toll-free

(386) 341-7270 outside U.S.

(386) 615-3378 fax

http://www.acpi.org

Aircraft Registration Branch

If enough time has passed that the return of the 

aircraft is no longer expected, the owner should write 

to AFS-750 requesting that the registration for this 

aircraft be canceled. The request should fully describe 

the aircraft, indicate the reason for cancellation, be 

signed in ink by the owner, and show a title for the 

signer, if appropriate.

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Chapter 1: Aircraft Owner Responsibilities

 ARROW Checklist

Figure 1-1. ARROW Checklist. You can use this checklist to ensure that you are carrying the appropriate 

documentation onboard your aircraft at all times.

STATUS ITEM DESCRIPTION

 A—Airworthiness certificate FAA Form 8100-2, Standard Airworthiness 

Certificate, or FAA Form 8130-7, Special 

Airworthiness Certificate (as applicable)

 R—Registration certificate FAA Form 8050-3, Certificate of Registration

 R—Radio station license FCC Form 605, Quick-Form Application for 

Authorization in the Ship, Aircraft, Restricted and 

Commercial Operator, and General Mobile Radio 

Services, available on FCC website at www.fcc.gov

(if required by the type of operation)

 O—Operating limitations FAA-approved Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) 

and/or Pilot’s Operating Handbook (POH), and/or 

limitations attached to FAA Form 8130-7

 W—Weight and balance Documentation provided by aircraft manufacturer, 

maintenance and modification records

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Plane Sense

Figure 1-2. FAA Change of Address Notification (Aircraft Owner). You can obtain instructions for completing 

an FAA Change of Address Notification on the FAA website at www.faa.gov or from your local FSDO.

199AZ

Cessna

172

9999

 OK 73125

Joe Pilot

123 Beechcraft Way

Oklahoma City

Joe Pilot SAMPLE

CHANGE OFADDRESS NOTIFICATION

(AIRCRAFT OWNER)

PRINT OR TYPE

Name of Registered Owner Aircraft Registration Number

N

Manufacturer

Model

Serial Number

Mailing Address (if PO Box, include physical address)

City State Zip Code

SIGNATURE (DO NOT Print or Type) Title

SIGNATURE REQUIREMENTS:

(Show appropriate title for signer)

• Individual: Owner must sign.

• Partnership: A general partner must sign.

• Corporation: A corporate officer or managing official must sign.

• Co-owner: Each Co-owner must sign.

• Government: Any authorized person may sign AFS-750-ADCHG-1 (07/04)

(first fold)

1
1-7

Chapter 1: Aircraft Owner Responsibilities

Figure 1-3. NTSB Regional Offices. The updated list of NTSB Regional Offices, including office hours, is 

available on the NTSB website at www.ntsb.gov.

NTSB Regional Offices

Eastern Region

Ashburn Regional Office

45065 Riverside Parkway 

Ashburn, Virginia 20147

Phone: (571) 223-3930

Fax: (571) 223-3926

Parsippany Regional Office 

2001 Route 46 

Suite 310

Parsippany, New Jersey 07054

Phone: (973) 334-6420 

Fax: (973) 334-6759

Atlanta Regional Office 

Atlanta Federal Center 

60 Forsyth Street, SW 

Suite 3M25 

Atlanta, Georgia 30303

Phone: (404) 562-1666 

Fax: (404) 562-1674

Miami Regional Office

8405 N.W. 53rd Street 

Suite B-103 

Miami, Florida 33166

Phone: (305) 597-4610 

Fax: (305) 597-4614

Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, 

Massachusetts, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, 

Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Vermont, Virgin 

Islands, Virginia, West Virginia

Central Region

Chicago Regional Office 

31 West 775 North Avenue 

West Chicago, Illinois 60185

Phone: (630) 377-8177 

Fax: (630) 377-8172

Denver Regional Office 

4760 Oakland Street 

Suite 500 

Denver, Colorado 80239

Phone: (303) 373-3500 

Fax: (303) 373-3507

Arlington Regional Office 

624 Six Flags Drive

Suite 150 

Arlington, Texas 76011

Phone: (817) 652-7800 

Fax: (817) 652-7803

Arkansas, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, 

Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, Wisconsin

1
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Plane Sense

Figure 1-3. NTSB Regional Offices (continued).

Alaska Region

Anchorage Regional Office 

222 West 7th Avenue 

Room 216, Box 11 

Anchorage, Alaska 99513

Phone: (907) 271-5001 

Fax: (907) 271-3007

Alaska

NTSB Regional Offices

Western Region

Seattle Regional Office 

19518 Pacific Highway South 

Suite 201 

Seattle, Washington 98188

Phone: (206) 870-2200 

Fax: (206) 870-2219

Gardena Regional Office 

1515 W. 190th Street 

Suite 555 

Gardena, California 90248

Phone: (310) 380-5660 

Fax: (310) 380-5666

Hawaii Regional Office

Telework Location

American Samoa, Arizona, California, Guam, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, 

Utah, Washington, Wyoming

1
1-9

Chapter 1: Aircraft Owner Responsibilities

Figure 1-4. NTSB Form 6120.1, Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident/Incident Report. You can obtain instructions 

for completing NTSB Form 6120.1 on the NTSB website at www.ntsb.gov or from your local FSDO.

SAMPLE

1
1-10

Plane Sense

Figure 1-4. NTSB Form 6120.1 (page 2 of 9).

SAMPLE

1
1-11

Chapter 1: Aircraft Owner Responsibilities

Figure 1-4. NTSB Form 6120.1 (page 3 of 9).

SAMPLE

1
1-12

Plane Sense

Figure 1-4. NTSB Form 6120.1 (page 4 of 9).

SAMPLE

1
1-13

Chapter 1: Aircraft Owner Responsibilities

Figure 1-4. NTSB Form 6120.1 (page 5 of 9).

SAMPLE

1
1-14

Plane Sense

Figure 1-4. NTSB Form 6120.1 (page 6 of 9).

SAMPLE

1
1-15

Chapter 1: Aircraft Owner Responsibilities

Figure 1-4. NTSB Form 6120.1 (page 7 of 9).

SAMPLE

1
1-16

Plane Sense

Figure 1-4. NTSB Form 6120.1 (page 8 of 9).

SAMPLE

1
1-17

Chapter 1: Aircraft Owner Responsibilities

Figure 1-4. NTSB Form 6120.1 (page 9 of 9).

SAMPLE

1
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Plane Sense

Figure 1-5. ASRS Incident Report. You can obtain an ASRS Incident Report and/or file the form online at the 

NASA website at http://asrs.arc.nasa.gov/.

SAMPLE

1
1-19

Chapter 1: Aircraft Owner Responsibilities

Figure 1-5. ASRS Incident Report (page 2 of 2).

SAMPLE

1
1-20

Plane Sense

1
2-1

Buying an Aircraft 2The purchase of an aircraft represents a major commitment that should be approached 

carefully and cautiously, especially when buying a used aircraft. For many aircraft owners, 

it represents the largest single lifetime investment next to buying a home. Quite often, the 

purchase price of an aircraft approximates or exceeds the price of a new home.

Particularly when buying a used aircraft, it is wise to have the selected aircraft inspected by 

a qualified person or facility before you complete the transaction. The condition of the aircraft and the state of its maintenance records can be determined by persons familiar with the 

particular make and model. Pre-purchase inspections should be performed by a Federal 

Aviation Administration (FAA) certificated airframe and powperplant mechanic (A&P) or 

an approved repair station. The Buying an Aircraft Checklist (Figure 2-1 at the end of this 

chapter) is a suggested list of items to consider when purchasing an aircraft.

Selecting the Aircraft

One of the most common mistakes in purchasing an aircraft is to make a decision too quickly. 

Take the time to analyze your requirements carefully and be realistic. Consider the typical 

flight loading, trip distance, and conditions of flight, then compare aircraft. If possible, rent 

the type of aircraft that interests you to determine how well it meets your requirements. Keep 

in mind that the biggest expense of owning an aircraft is not always the initial purchase price.

Where to Look

Once you have chosen the type of aircraft that will fit your needs, shop around and do some 

pricing. For retail and wholesale price information, check with an aviation trade association, 

bank, other financial institution, or Fixed Base Operator (FBO) for the latest aircraft bluebook 

values. There are several good publications available that advertise aircraft for sale. Your 

local FBO can be very helpful as you look for the right aircraft. 

m CAUTION: Try to keep your search for an aircraft close to home. If a problem pops up 

after the sale, you may not find the long-distance seller as willing to help you as someone 

closer to home. 
2-2

Plane Sense

Factors Affecting Resale Value

Know the major factors that affect resale value. 

Generally speaking they are:

• Engine hours—perhaps the most common influence on resale value. The closer an engine is to 

its recommended time between overhaul (TBO), 

the lower the value. There are many factors that 

affect engine health, and a high-time engine is 

not necessarily bad. Regular use helps keep seals 

and other engine components lubricated and in 

good shape.

• Installed equipment—such as avionics, air conditioning, deicing gear and interior equipment. 

The most valuable equipment is usually avionics, 

which can easily double the value of some older 

aircraft. The newer the technology, the higher 

the value of the aircraft.

• Airworthiness directives (ADs)—issued by the 

FAA for safety reasons. Once issued, owners are 

required to comply with the AD within the time 

period allotted. It is important to look at the AD

history of an aircraft and ensure the logbooks 

show compliance with all applicable ADs. ADs 

are discussed in greater detail in chapter 9.

• Damage history—it may be difficult to locate 

a complete damage history for an aircraft. Any 

aircraft with a damage history should be closely 

scrutinized to ensure it has been properly 

repaired in accordance with the applicable Title 

14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) 

parts and recommended practices. 

• Paint/Interior—as is the case with homes, paint 

can be used to give “tired” aircraft a quick facelift. Check new paint jobs carefully for evidence 

of corrosion under the surface. Interior items 

should be checked for proper fit and condition.

Overhauls

Be careful of the terminology used to describe 

engine condition. Do not confuse a top overhaul with 

a major overhaul, or a major overhaul with a factory 

remanufactured “zero-time” engine. A top overhaul 

involves the repair of engine components outside of 

the crankcase. A major overhaul involves the complete disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly 

of an engine to specified limits. If an engine has had 

a top or major overhaul, the logbooks must still show 

the total time on the engine, if known, and its prior 

maintenance history. A “zero-time” engine is one 

that has been overhauled to factory new limits by the 

original manufacturer and is issued a new logbook 

without previous operating history. 

Aircraft Records

Aircraft records maintained by the FAA are on file 

at the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center in 

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Copies of aircraft records 

are available for review in CD format or paper. For 

information on ordering and costs, contact the FAA 

Civil Aviation Registry Aircraft Registration Branch 

(AFS-750). Copies of aircraft records may also be 

requested online. Visit www.faa.gov and select the 

“Aircraft Registration” link. There may be other 

records on file at federal, state, or local agencies that 

are not recorded with the FAA. AFS-750 contact 

information is in the FAA Contact Information 

appendix on pages A1–A2 of this handbook.

Make sure the following documents are available 

and in proper order for the aircraft:

• Airworthiness Certificate

• Engine and airframe logbooks

• Aircraft equipment list

• Weight and balance data, placards 

• FAA-approved Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) 

and/or Pilot’s Operating Handbook (POH) 

m CAUTION: Missing documents, pages, or 

entries from aircraft logbooks may cause significant 

problems for the purchaser and reduce the value 

of the aircraft.

Aircraft Title

The Federal Aviation Act requires the FAA to maintain a recording system for aircraft bills of sale, 

security agreements, mortgages, and other liens. 

This is done at AFS-750, which also processes 

applications for, and issues, aircraft registration 

certificates. The two systems are linked together 

because you must prove ownership in order to 

be entitled to register an aircraft.

“Clear title” is a term commonly used by aircraft 

title search companies to indicate there are no liens 

(e.g., chattel mortgage, security agreement, tax 

lien, artisan lien) in the FAA aircraft records. Title 

searches for the aviation public are not performed by 

AFS-750; however, the aircraft records contain 

all of the ownership and security documents that 

have been filed with the FAA.

AFS-750 records acceptable security instruments. 

In addition, some states authorize artisan liens 

(mechanic liens). These also need to be recorded. Be 

sure to check your state’s statutes regarding liens. 

2
2-3

Chapter 2: Buying an Aircraft

m CAUTION: Federal liens against an owner 

(drug, repossession, etc.) may not show up on your 

title search. 

State law determines lien and security interests. 

Although there is no federal requirement to file lien 

or security instruments with the FAA, the parties 

to these transactions can file their qualifying 

documents with AFS-750.

You may search the aircraft records, or have this 

done by an attorney or aircraft title search company. 

m CAUTION: FAA registration cannot be used in 

any civil proceeding to establish proof of ownership.

There is no substitute for examining the aircraft’s 

records to secure an ownership history and to 

determine if there are any outstanding liens or 

mortgages. This procedure should help avoid a 

delay in registering an aircraft. 

Filing Ownership and Lien Documents

Filing ownership and lien documents constitutes 

formal notice to the world of the ownership and 

security interests recorded. A person who engages 

in a financial transaction involving a U.S. registered 

aircraft who does not have a title search performed 

is taking a risk. Under the law, that person will be 

charged with knowing what is on file with the FAA, 

even if he or she does not actually know. A simple 

title search will show the federally recorded ownership and lien status of any aircraft registered in 

the United States.

When a Lien Is Recorded

When a security agreement or lien document is 

recorded, the FAA sends an Aeronautical Center (AC) 

Form 8050-41, Conveyance Recordation Notice, to 

the secured party. This notice describes the affected 

aircraft (and other eligible collateral such as engines, 

propellers and air carrier spare parts locations). It 

also identifies the recorded document by its date, 

the parties, the FAA recording number, and date 

of recordation. This recordation notice is sent as a 

confirmation that the lien has been recorded and 

added to the aircraft record.

Releasing a Recorded Lien

The FAA Form 8050-41 may be used as a release 

if the secured party signs below the release statement 

and returns the form to the AFS-750. The FAA may

also accept as a release a document that describes 

the affected collateral, specifically identifies the lien, 

and contains a statement releasing all lienholder 

rights and interest in the described collateral from 

the terms of the identified lien. The release document 

must be signed in ink by the secured party and show 

the signer’s title, as appropriate.

A new AC Form 8050-41 may be requested by contacting AFS-750. You will need to describe the aircraft 

and the lien document sufficiently to identify the 

specific document needing release. AFS-750 contact 

information is in the FAA Contact Information 

appendix on pages A1–A2 of this handbook.

Aircraft Documents

There are numerous documents that should be 

reviewed and transferred when you purchase an 

aircraft.

Bill of Sale or Conditional Sales Contract

The bill of sale or conditional sales contract is your 

proof of purchase of the aircraft and will be recorded 

with the FAA to protect your ownership interest.

Airworthiness Certificate

The aircraft should have either FAA Form 8100-2, 

Standard Airworthiness Certificate, or FAA Form 

8130-7, Special Airworthiness Certificate.

Maintenance Records

The previous owner of the aircraft should provide 

the aircraft’s maintenance records containing the 

following information:

• 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 last overhaul of all items installed 

on the aircraft that 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 ADs, including 

for each the method of compliance, the AD 

number, revision date, and if the AD involves 

recurring action, the time and date when the next 

action is required; and

• A copy of current major alterations to each 

airframe, engine, propeller, rotor, and appliance.

2
2-4

Plane Sense

Manuals

Manufacturers produce owner’s manuals, maintenance manuals, service letters and bulletins, and 

other technical data pertaining to their aircraft. 

These may be available from the previous owner, but 

are not required to be transferred to a purchaser. 

If the service manuals are not available from the previous owner, you can usually obtain them from 

the aircraft manufacturer.

Airworthiness

Two conditions must be met for a standard category 

aircraft to be considered airworthy:

• The aircraft conforms to its type design (type 

certificate). Conformity to type design is attained 

when the required and proper components are 

installed that are consistent with the drawings, 

specifications, and other data that are part of the 

type certificate. Conformity includes applicable 

Supplemental Type Certificate(s) (STC) and 

field-approval alterations.

• The aircraft is in condition for safe operation, 

referring to the condition of the aircraft with 

relation to wear and deterioration.

Maintenance

14 CFR part 91, section 91.403, places primary 

responsibility upon the owner for maintaining the 

aircraft in an airworthy condition. This includes 

compliance with applicable ADs. The owner is 

responsible for ensuring that maintenance personnel 

make appropriate entries in the aircraft maintenance records, indicating that the aircraft has been 

approved for return to service. In addition, the owner 

is responsible for having maintenance performed 

that may be required between scheduled inspections. 

Inoperative instruments or equipment that can be 

deferred under 14 CFR part 91, section 91.213(d)(2), 

will be placarded and maintenance recorded in 

accordance with 14 CFR part 43, section 43.9.

Pre-Purchase Inspection

Before buying an aircraft, you should have a mechanic

you trust give the aircraft a thorough inspection 

and provide you with a written report of its condition.

While a pre-purchase inspection need not be an 

annual inspection, it should include at least a differential compression check on each cylinder of the 

engine and any other inspections necessary to 

determine the condition of the aircraft. In addition 

to a mechanical inspection, the aircraft logbooks 

and other records should be carefully reviewed for 

such things as FAA Form 337, Report of Major 

Repair or Alteration, AD compliance, the status of 

service bulletins and letters, and aircraft/component 

serial numbers. 

Light-Sport Aircraft

Light-sport aircraft is a growing sector of the general 

aviation community, specific to the United States. 

Several resources are available if you have questions 

about acquiring a light-sport aircraft. You can contact 

the FAA Light Sport Aviation Branch (AFS-610), 

your local FAA Flight Standards District Office 

(FSDO), or the Experimental Aircraft Association 

(EAA) for assistance. Chapter 6 discusses light-sport 

aircraft in greater detail. AFS-610 contact information is in the FAA Contact Information appendix on 

pages A1–A2 of this handbook.

Amateur-Built Aircraft

There are several unique considerations when 

purchasing an amateur-built aircraft. The prospective buyer is advised to have someone familiar 

with the type of aircraft check the aircraft of interest 

for workmanship, general construction integrity, 

and compliance with the applicable 14 CFR parts. 

You can contact your local FAA Manufacturing 

Inspection District Office (MIDO) or FSDO to speak 

with an FAA aviation safety inspector (ASI) who 

can explain the requirements for experimental 

certification.

2
2-5

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 inspection 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

An 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. 

Classifications of Airworthiness Certificates

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 Certificate
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 Certificate

Issuance of an Airworthiness Certificate

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 Certificate

A registered owner may apply for an airworthiness 

certificate by submitting FAA Form 8130-6, Application 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 maintenance 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 airworthiness 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 Certificate

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 Certificate

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 SAMPLE Darrel A. Freeman OKC-MIDO-41

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

Plane Sense 

4

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 immediately 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 certificate 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

Plane Sense 

4

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, 

Certificate 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: Aircraft Registration

4-5

Chapter 4: 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 Sense 

4

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 Manufacturer’s Affidavit; evidence of ownership from the 

manufacturer for the aircraft; AC Form 8050-1, Aircraft 

Registration Application; and the registration fee.
Chapter 4: Aircraft Registration

4-7

Chapter 4: 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

CIRRUS DESIGN CORP SR22 N402TS

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

Plane Sense 

4

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: Aircraft Registration

4-9

Chapter 4: 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

OKLAHOMA CITY OK 73125

 

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 foreignregistered 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 Certificate

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

Darrel A. Freeman OKC-MIDO-41

N5-6

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.

Definition

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 Certification

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 
Maintenance 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.

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Aircraft Maintenance
Plane Sense

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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 maintenance 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/Configuration 

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

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An 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. 

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Maintenance Records
Plane Sense 

8

8-2

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 aircraft, and any prospective buyer will want to review 

the aircraft and all maintenance performed. In addition, 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 maintenance, 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

8-3

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.
Plane Sense 

8

8-4

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

8-5

 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.
Plane Sense 

8

8-6

Figure 8-2. FAA Form 337, Major Repair and Alteration. You can obtain instructions for completing FAA 

Form 337 on the FAA website at www.faa.gov or from your local FSDO.

Form Approved Electronic Tracking Number

OMB No. 2120-0020 

11/30/2007

US Department MAJOR REPAIR AND ALTERATION For FAA Use Only

of Transportation (Airframe, Powerplant, Propeller, or Appliance) Federal Aviation 

Administration 

INSTRUCTIONS: Print or type all entries. See Title 14 CFR §43.9, Part 43 Appendix B, and AC 43.9-1 (or subsequent revision thereof) for 

instructions and disposition of this form. This report is required by law (49 U.S.C. §44701). Failure to report can result in a civil penalty for each

such violation. (49 U.S.C. §46301(a)) 

Nationality and Registration Mark Serial No. 

1. Aircraft Make Model Series

Name (As shown on registration certificate) Address (As shown on registration certificate)

Address 

2. Owner City State 

Zip Country

3. For FAA Use Only

4. Type

Repair Alteration Unit

AIRFRAME 

5. Unit Identification

Make Model

(As described in Item 1 above)

Serial No. 

POWERPLANT

PROPELLER 

Type

APPLIANCE Manufacturer

6. Conformity Statement 

A. Agency's Name and Address B. Kind of Agency

Name U. S. Certificated Mechanic Manufacturer

Address Foreign Certificated Mechanic C. Certificate No. 

City State Certificated Repair Station

Zip Country Certificated Maintenance Organization 

D. I certify that the repair and/or alteration made to the unit(s) identified in item 5 above and described on the reverse or attachments hereto

have been made in accordance with the requirements of Part 43 of the U.S. Federal Aviation Regulations and that the information

furnished herein is true and correct to the best of my knowledge. 

Extended range fuel Signature/Date of Authorized Individual

per 14 CFR Part 43

App. B 

7. Approval for Return to Service 

Pursuant to the authority given persons specified below, the unit identified in item 5 was inspected in the manner prescribed by the 

Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration and is Rejected 

FAA Flt. Standards Persons Approved by Canadian Manufacturer Maintenance Organization Department of Transport 

BY Inspector 

Other (Specify) 

FAA Designee

Signature/Date of Authorized Individual

Designation No. 

Approved

Repair Station Inspection Authorization

Certificate or

FAA Form 337 (10-06) 

Ed Mechanic

N114AZ

CESSNA

O & W Inc.

18259223

182L 

X

1888 Cirrus Avenue

Oklahoma City OK

73405 U.S.

Kathy P. Aileron

411 Gulfstream Drive

Oklahoma City OK

73125 U.S. A&P 122234566

233346566 mARCH 26, 2002

X

X

X

SAMPLE

Kathy P. Aileron March 23,2002
Chapter 8: Aircraft Maintenance Records Chapter 8: Aircraft Maintenance Records

8

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Figure 8-2. FAA Form 337, Major Repair and Alteration (Page 2 of 2).

NOTICE

Weight and balance or operating limitation changes shall be entered in the appropriate aircraft record. An alteration must be

compatible with all previous alterations to assure continued conformity with the applicable airworthiness requirements.

8. Description of Work Accomplished

 (If more space is required, attach additional sheets. Identify with aircraft nationality and registration mark and date work completed.) 

Nationality and Registration Mark Date 

Additional Sheets Are Attached

FAA Form 337 (10-06) 

N114AZ mARCH 26, 2002

1. Removed right wing from aircraft and removed skin from 

outer 6 feet. Repaired buckled spar 49 inches from tip 

in accordance with attached photographs and figure 1 of 

drawing dated March 23, 2002.

Date: March 26, 2002, inspected splice in Item 1 and 

found it to be in accordance with data indicated. Splice 

is okay to cover. Inspected internal wing assembly for 

hidden damage and condition.

Ed Mechanic, A&P 233346566 IA

2. Primed interior wing structure and replaced skin P/N’s 

63-0085, 63-0086, and 63-00878 with same skin 2024-T3, 

.025 inches thick. Rivet size and spacing all the same as 

original and using procedures in Chapter 2, Section 3, 

of AC 43.13-1B CHG 1, dated 2001.

3. Replaced stringers as required and installed 6 splices 

as per attached drawing and photographs.

4. Installed wing, rigged aileron, and operationally 

checked in accordance with manufacturer’s maintenance 

manual.

5. No change in weight or balance.

END

Ed Mechanic SAMPLE
Plane Sense 

8

8-8
Chapter 8: Aircraft Maintenance Records

an Airworthiness Directive (AD) is an important tool used by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to communicate unsafe operating conditions relating to aircraft 

and aircraft equipment to aircraft owners. A primary safety function of the FAA is to require 

the correction of unsafe conditions found in an aircraft, aircraft engine, propeller, rotor, or 

appliance when such conditions exist or are likely to exist or develop in other products of the 

same design. These unsafe conditions can exist because of a design defect, maintenance, or 

other causes. 

Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) Part 39, Airworthiness Directives, defines 

the authority and responsibility of the Administrator in requiring the necessary corrective 

action to address unsafe conditions. ADs are used to notify aircraft owners and other interested 

persons of unsafe conditions and to specify the conditions under which the product may 

continue to be operated.

Types of ADs Issued

The FAA issues two categories of ADs: 

• Normal Issue 

• Emergency Issue 

Standard AD Process

The standard AD process is to issue a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM), followed by 

a Final Rule. After an unsafe condition is discovered, a proposed solution is published in the 

Federal Register as an NPRM, which solicits public comment on the proposed action. After the 

comment period closes, the final rule is prepared, taking into account all substantive comments 

received, with the rule perhaps being changed as warranted by the comments. The preamble 

to the Final Rule AD provides response to the substantive comments or states there were no 

comments received.

Emergency AD

In certain cases, the critical nature of an unsafe condition may warrant the immediate adoption 

of a rule without prior notice and solicitation of comments. The intent of an Emergency AD 

is to rapidly correct an urgent safety of flight situation. This is an exception to the standard 

process. If time by which the terminating action must be accomplished is too short to allow for 

public comment (that is, less than 60 days), then a finding of impracticability is justified for 

the terminating action, and it can be issued as an immediately adopted rule. The immediately 

adopted rule will be published in the Federal Register with a request for comments. The Final 

Rule AD may be changed later if substantive comments are received. 

9

Airworthiness Directives

1

EMERGENCY AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE

Aircraft Certification Service 

Washington, DC

U.S. Department

of Transportation

Federal Aviation

Administration

We post Emergency ADs on the internet at www.faa.gov/aircraft/safety/alerts.

DATE: March 12, 2008 

AD #: 2008-06-51 

This emergency airworthiness directive (AD) 2008-06-51 is sent to all owners and operators

of Lycoming Engines IO, (L)IO, TIO, (L)TIO, AEIO, AIO, IGO, IVO, and HIO series reciprocating 

engines, Teledyne Continental Motors (TCM) TSIO-360-RB reciprocating engines, and Superior Air 

Parts, Inc. IO-360 series reciprocating engines with certain Precision Airmotive LLC RSA-5 and 

RSA-10 series fuel injection servos. 

Background

This emergency AD results from eighteen reports of fuel injection servo plugs, part number 

(P/N) 383493, that had loosened or completely backed out of the threaded plug hole on the regulator 

cover of the fuel injection servo. These servo plugs were installed with servo plug gasket, P/N 

365533, under the plug hex-head. Precision Airmotive LLC investigated and determined that servo 

plug gasket, P/N 365533, can shrink from engine heat, causing the plug to lose torque against the 

servo regulator cover, allowing the plug to vibrate out. The threads on the plugs were also found 

damaged. Servo plug gaskets, P/N 365533, installed on RSA-5 and RSA-10 series fuel injection 

servos since August 22, 2006, are made of a different material than the previous gasket part number

used. This condition, if not corrected, could result in a substantial loss of engine power and 

subsequent loss of control of the airplane.

Explanation of Relevant Service Information

We have reviewed Precision Airmotive LLC Mandatory Service Bulletin (MSB) No. PRS107, Revision 1, dated March 6, 2008. The MSB describes procedures for inspecting servo plugs for 

looseness and damage, inspecting the servo regulator cover threads for damage, on fuel injection 

servos that have a servo plug gasket, P/N 365533, installed, inspecting the gasket for damage, 

reinstalling acceptable parts, and torquing the servo plug to a new, higher torque to help maintain the 

proper clamp-up force against the plug and cover.

Interim Action

These actions are interim actions and we might take additional rulemaking actions in the 

future. 

FAA’s Determination and Requirements of the Rule 

We have identified an unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on other RSA-5 and 

RSA-10 series fuel injection servos of this same type design. This AD requires inspecting servo plugs

for looseness and damage on fuel injection servos that have a servo plug gasket, P/N 365533, 

9-1
Plane Sense

9-2

9

Superseded AD

An AD is no longer in effect when it is superseded 

by a new AD. The superseding AD identifies the AD 

that is no longer in effect. There are no compliance 

requirements for a superseded AD.

Compliance with ADs

For purposes of compliance, ADs may be divided 

into two categories:

• Those of an emergency nature requiring 

immediate compliance before further flight, or

• Those of a less urgent nature requiring 

compliance within a relatively longer period of 

time.

ADs are the “final rule” and compliance is required 

unless specific exemption is granted. Aircraft owners 

are responsible for ensuring compliance with all 

pertinent ADs. This includes those ADs that require 

recurrent or continuing action. For example, an AD 

may require a repetitive inspection each 50 hours 

of operation, meaning the particular inspection must 

be accomplished and recorded every 50 hours of 

time in service.

m CAUTION: Aircraft owners are reminded 

that there is no provision to overfly the maximum 

hour requirement of an AD unless it is specifically 

written into the AD. 

Amateur-Built Aircraft

For help in determining if an AD applies to your 

amateur-built aircraft, contact your local Flight 

Standards District Office (FSDO).

Summary of ADs

14 CFR part 91, section 91.417, requires a record 

to be maintained that shows the current status of 

applicable ADs, including:

• Method of compliance;

• AD number and revision date;

• Date and time when due again, if recurring;

• Certified mechanic’s signature;

• Type of certificate; and

• Certificate number of the repair station or 

mechanical performing the work.

For ready reference, many aircraft owners keep a 

chronological listing of the pertinent ADs in the back 

of their aircraft and engine records. Generally, a 

summary of ADs contains all the valid ADs previously 

published. Figure 9-1 is a sample form of summary 

of ADs.

Obtaining ADs

Both AD categories (small and large aircraft) are 

published in biweekly supplements. All ADs are 

available on the FAA website at www.faa.gov.

Advisory Circular (AC) 39-7 (as revised), Airworthiness Directives, provides additional guidance and 

information for aircraft owners and operators about 

their responsibilities for complying and recording 

ADs. For more information, contact the FAA 

Regulatory Support Division, Delegation and 

Airworthiness Programs Branch (AIR-140). AIR-140 

contact information is available in the FAA Contact 

Information appendix on pages A1–A2 of this 

handbook.
Chapter 9: Airworthiness Directives

9-3

9

 

AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE COMPLIANCE RECORD

Aircraft: PA-22-135 N2631A S/N 22-903

Engine: Lycoming 0-290-D2 S/N 4563-21

Propeller: Sensenich M 76AM2 S/N 6662

AD & 

Amend 

Num.

Rev. 

Num. & 

Date

Subject Date/

Hours 

At Comp.

Method 

of Comp.

One 

Time

RecurringComp. Due 

Date/Hrs

Authorized 

Signature & 

Number

76-07-12

39-3024

R-1

8-30-77

Bendix 

ignition 

switch

11-11-94

1850TT

Operational 

check and 

inspection 

X Phil Lomax

A&P

000000000

93-18-03

39-8688

Original

10-29-93

Onepiece 

venturi

3-17-95

1850OTT

Installed 

one-piece 

venturi 

Carb S/N 

BR-549

X 1900TT Phil Lomax

A&P

000000000

Figure 9-1. Sample Airworthiness Directives Compliance Record. This sample AD Compliance Record is 

intended to show you an acceptable format for recording the required information to evidence your aircraft’s 

compliance with applicable ADs. The FAA does not prescribe a specific format; however, the information 

discussed in this chapter must be maintained with the aircraft’s maintenance records.
Plane Sense

9-4

9
Service Difficulty Program 10

10-1

T he Service Difficulty Program is an information system designed to provide assistance 

to aircraft owners, operators, maintenance organizations, manufacturers, and the Federal 

Aviation Administration (FAA) in identifying aircraft problems encountered during service. 

Background

The Service Difficulty Program provides for the collection, organization, analysis, and 

dissemination of aircraft service information to improve service reliability of aeronautical 

products. The primary sources of this information are aircraft maintenance facilities, owners, 

and operators. The incentive for early detection is to expedite corrective actions and ultimate 

solutions, thereby minimizing the effect of equipment failure on safety.

Each problem reported contributes to the improvement of aviation safety through the 

identification of a potential problem area and the alerting of other persons to it. This focusing 

of attention on a problem has led to improvements in the design and maintainability of 

aircraft and aircraft products.

Advisory Circular (AC) 20-109 (as revised), Service Difficulty Program (General Aviation), 

describes the Service Difficulty Program as it applies to general aviation. It also includes 

instructions for completing FAA Form 8010-4, Malfunction or Defect Report. The 

information from these reports is compiled and published as Maintenance Alerts.

By pooling everyone’s knowledge about a situation, the FAA can detect mechanical problems 

early enough to correct them before they might possibly result in accidents/incidents which 

should make flying safer, more enjoyable, and certainly less expensive.

FAA Form 8010-4, Malfunction or Defect Report

General aviation aircraft service difficulty information is normally submitted to the FAA by 

use of FAA Form 8010-4. However, information will be accepted in any form or format when 

FAA Form 8010-4 is not readily available for use.

The information contained in the FAA Form 8010-4 is stored in a computerized data bank 

for retrieval and analysis. Items potentially hazardous to flight are telephoned directly to the 

Regulatory Support Division, Aviation Data Systems Branch (AFS-620) personnel by FAA 

aviation safety inspectors (ASIs) in local Flight Standards District Offices (FSDOs). These 

items are immediately referred to, and promptly handled by, the appropriate FAA offices.

ADVISORY CIRCULAR

43-16A

AVIATION MAINTENANCE ALERTS

ADVISORY CIRCULAR 

43-16A

AVIATION MAINTENANCE ALERTS

ALERT JANUARY

ADVISORY CIRCULAR 

AV

43-16A

IATION MAINTENANCE ALE

ALERT

NUMBER
10-2

Plane Sense 

10

Aircraft owners, pilots, and mechanics are urged to 

report all service problems promptly, using FAA 

Form 8010-4 or any other form or format. You may 

obtain a copy of the form from any FSDO. No postage 

is required. 

FAA Form 8010-4 is also available in a fillable 

PDF format on the FAA website at 

http://forms.faa.gov/forms/faa8010-4.pdf

for mailing, or it can be submitted electronically 

on the FAA website at www.faa.gov. Figure 10-1 

at the end of this chapter is a sample FAA 

Form 8010-4.

Maintenance Alerts

The FAA publishes AC 43-16 (as revised), Aviation 

Maintenance Alerts, monthly on its website to 

provide the aviation community with a means for 

interchanging service difficulty information and 

sharing information on aviation service experiences. 

Background

The Maintenance Alert program leads to improved 

aeronautical product durability, reliability, and safety. 

The articles contained in the Maintenance Alerts are 

derived from the Malfunction or Defect Reports submitted by aircraft owners, pilots, mechanics, repair 

stations, and air taxi operators. 

Maintenance specialists review the reports and select 

pertinent items for publication in the Maintenance 

Alerts. The information is brief and advisory and 

compliance is not mandatory. However, the information is intended to alert you to service experience, 

and, when applicable, direct your attention to the 

manufacturer’s recommended corrective action.

Accessing Maintenance Alerts

You can access current and back issues of this 

publication on the FAA website at http://www.faa.

gov/aircraft/safety/alerts/aviation_maintenance/, 

which allows free access to each month’s Maintenance Alerts.

Contact Information 

You can contact the FAA Aviation Systems Data 

Branch (AFS-620) regarding the Maintenance Alert 

Program. AFS-620 contact information is available 

in the FAA Contact Information appendix on pages 

A1–A2 of this handbook.
Chapter 10: Service Difficulty Program

10-3

Chapter 10: Service Difficulty Program

10

Figure 10-1. FAA Form 8010-4, Malfunction or Defect Report. You can obtain instructions for completing 

FAA Form 8010-4 on the FAA website at www.faa.gov or from your local FSDO.

During a local flight, a fuel odor was

apparent. Flight was terminated at the 

local airport with a normal landing. 

After engine shutdown and exiting the 

aircraft the pilot observed fuel leaking 

from the lower engine cowl. Investigation revealed an aluminum fuel pressure 

gauge line cracked at the B nut where 

it attached to a carburetor fitting (see 

attached drawing). Line appears to be 

original (40+ yrs.). A combination of age 

and vibration may have caused the crack.

Recommend checking line every 100 hrs.

and replacing as necessary.

N404DH

Beechcraft C-35 D-3311

Continental E-225 30904

Hartzell HCA2U20 AK-710

4A1 

Tube-fuel 35-924126 N/A b-nut 

pressure 

 

Carb end

N/A N/A N/A N/A

David Waterski

 405 555 4316 

4100 N/A Cracked 4-28-05

SAMPLE
10-4

Plane Sense 

10
Chapter 10: Service Difficulty Program

There are several ways to obtain various Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) 

publications. The easiest way to locate a particular FAA document and/or 

Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part is on the FAA website at 

www.faa.gov. In addition, you can order some FAA publications directly from the 

FAA or from the Government Printing Office (GPO). The FAA Records Checklist in 

Figure 11-1 at the end of this chapter is a list of addresses to assist you in obtaining 

the publications and records discussed in this chapter.

FAA publications and supporting regulatory guidance material fall into several 

specific categories, which are explained in this chapter. If you cannot find the 

information you are seeking, refer to the FAA website, which contains a great deal 

of useful information for aircraft owners and operators.

Advisory Circulars

The FAA issues an Advisory Circular (AC) to inform the aviation public, in a 

systematic way, of nonregulatory material of interest. The content of an AC is not 

binding on the public unless it is incorporated into a regulation by reference.

AC 00-2 (as revised) , Advisory Circular Checklist, contains a list of current FAA ACs 

and provides detailed instructions on obtaining copies. It also contains a list of 

U.S. GPO bookstores throughout the United States that stock many Government 

publications. This AC may be accessed on the FAA website at www.faa.gov by 

selecting “Regulations & Policies” from the main menu bar.

Airworthiness Directives

The FAA uses an Airworthiness Directive (AD) to notify aircraft owners and other 

interested persons of unsafe conditions and to specify the conditions under which the 

product may continue to be operated. You can access ADs on the FAA website at 

www.faa.gov by selecting “Regulations & Policies” from the main menu bar.

You can subscribe to ADs at the FAA Regulatory & Guidance Library (RGL) website, 

http://rgl.faa.gov. Current and historical ADs are also available on the RGL website.

Obtaining FAA Publications and Records 11

11-1
11-2

Plane Sense

11

Temporary Flight Restrictions

A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is a geographically limited, short term, airspace restriction, typically 

in the United States. TFRs often encompass major 

sporting events, natural disaster areas, air shows, 

space launches, and Presidential movements. You 

can access current TFRs on the FAA website at 

www.faa.gov by selecting “Regulations & Policies” 

from the main menu bar.

m CAUTION: You should check the current TFRs 

every time you fly.

Notice to Airmen

You can obtain the most recent Notice to Airmen 

(NOTAMs) from the FAA website at www.faa.gov

by selecting “Regulations & Policies” from the main 

menu bar. Current NOTAMs are also available from 

Flight Service Stations at 1-800-WX-BRIEF 

(1-800-992-7433).

14 CFR

While aircraft owners and operators are responsible 

for compliance with all applicable 14 CFR parts, you 

may find the following parts most relevant to your 

aircraft operations:

• 14 CFR Part 1, Definitions and Abbreviations

• 14 CFR Part 21, Certification Procedures for 

Products and Parts

• 14 CFR Part 23, Airworthiness Standards: 

Normal, Utility, Acrobatic, and Commuter 

Category Airplanes

• 14 CFR Part 33, Airworthiness Standards: Aircraft 

Engines

• 14 CFR Part 35, Airworthiness Standards: 

Propellers

• 14 CFR Part 39, Airworthiness Directives

• 14 CFR Part 43, Maintenance, Preventive 

Maintenance, Rebuilding, and Alteration

• 14 CFR Part 45, Identification and Registration 

Marking

• 14 CFR Part 47, Aircraft Registration

• 14 CFR Part 49, Recording of Aircraft Titles and 

Security Documents

• 14 CFR Part 61, Certification: Pilots, Flight 

Instructors, and Ground Instructors

• 14 CFR Part 65, Certification: Airmen Other than 

Flight Crewmembers

• 14 CFR Part 91, General Operating and Flight 

Rules

AC 00-44 (as revised), Status of Federal Aviation 

Regulations, contains the current status of the 

14 CFR parts, including changes issued, price 

list, and ordering instructions. This AC may be 

obtained on the FAA website at www.faa.gov. 

Handbooks and Manuals

The FAA publishes a series of handbooks and 

manuals designed for aircraft, general aviation enthusiasts, examiners, and inspectors. You can find 

most of these handbooks and manuals, including 

Plane Sense, on the FAA website at www.faa.gov

by selecting “Regulations & Policies” from the main 

menu bar.

Aircraft Records

The FAA Civil Aviation Registry Aircraft Registration 

Branch (AFS-750) maintains registration records 

on individual aircraft and serves as a warehouse for 

airworthiness documents received from FAA field 

offices. You can access information on requesting 

aircraft records, as well as current fee information, 

on the FAA website at www.faa.gov by selecting 

“Licenses & Certificates” from the main menu bar.

Request Aircraft Records

You can mail or fax your request for aircraft records 

to AFS-750, or submit your request online.

Written requests from outside the United States 

must include a check or money order (in U.S. funds) 

payable to the FAA to cover the projected fee. You 

can obtain the correct fee by contacting AFS-750. 

AFS-750 contact information is available at the end 

of this chapter in Figure 11-1, FAA Records Checklist, 

and in the FAA Contact Information appendix on 

pages A1–A2 of this handbook.

Format 

You can order paper copies or electronic copies (on 

CD-ROM) of aircraft records. Each CD-ROM contains one aircraft record. You can view the CD-ROM 

files using Adobe Acrobat Reader. The FAA includes 

a copy of the latest reader on the CD-ROM. 

Most records for aircraft removed from the U.S. 

Civil Aircraft Register before 1984 are in storage and 

available only in paper format. You can ask the FAA 

to retrieve these records.
11-3

Chapter 11: Obtaining FAA Publications and Records 

11

Airman Records

The FAA Civil Aviation Registry Airmen Certification 

Branch (AFS-760) maintains airman records. You 

can access information on requesting airman records, 

as well as current fee information, on the FAA website 

at www.faa.gov by selecting “Licenses & Certificates” 

from the main menu bar.

There are two ways to obtain copies of your airman 

records. You can mail the FAA Aeronautical Center 

(AC) Form 8060-68, Request for Copies of My 

Complete Airman File; or a signed, written request 

stating your name, date of birth, and social security 

number or certificate number. Figure 11-2 at the end 

of this chapter is a sample FAA Form 8060-68.

You can also have copies of your airman records 

released to a third party. Requests for airman records 

can be mailed to AFS-760. AFS-760 contact information is available at the end of this chapter in 

Figure 11-1, FAA Records Checklist, and in the FAA 

Contact Information appendix on pages A1–A2 of 

this handbook.

When the FAA receives your request, they will notify 

you of the total charges due and payment options. 

For an airman or third party to obtain copies of 

medical records or a duplicate medical certificate, 

the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request 

should be mailed to the FAA Civil Aerospace 

Medical Certification Division, Medical Certification 

Branch (AAM-331). AAM-331 contact information 

is available at the end of this chapter in Figure 11-1, 

FAA Records Checklist, and in the FAA Contact 

Information appendix on pages A1–A2 of this 

handbook.
11-4

Plane Sense

11

 FAA RECORDS CHECKLIST

STATUS RECORDS CONTACT INFORMATION

 Aircraft Documents Federal Aviation Administration

Aircraft Registration Branch, AFS-750

P.O. Box 25504

Oklahoma City, OK 73125

(405) 954-3116

 Airman Records (Replacement 

Certificate)

Federal Aviation Administration

Airmen Certification Branch, AFS-760

P.O. Box 25082

Oklahoma City, OK 73125

(405) 954-3261

 Airman Medical Records Federal Aviation Administration

Aeromedical Certification Branch, AAM-331

P.O. Box 26080

Oklahoma City, OK 73126-5063

(405) 954-4821

 FOIA Desk (Third Party Request, 

Duplicate Medical Certificate)

Federal Aviation Administration

Aeromedical Certification Branch, AAM-331

Attention: FOIA Desk

P.O. Box 26200

Oklahoma City, OK 73125-9914

Figure 11-1. FAA Records Checklist. The easiest way to locate information on obtaining records from the FAA 

is on the FAA website at www.faa.gov. You can also use this checklist to determine which FAA branch to contact 

regarding the records requested.
11-5

Chapter 11: Obtaining FAA Publications and Records 

11

Figure 11-2. FAA Form 8060-68, Request for Copies of My Complete Airman File. You can obtain instructions 

for completing FAA Form 8060-68 on the FAA website at www.faa.gov or from your local FSDO.

WILLIAM THOMAS WRIGHT

9-12-53 WICHITA, KANSAS

111-22-3333

341 PIPER ROAD

OKLAHOMA CITY OK 73125 SAMPLE

William Thomas Wright 4-28-08
11-6

Plane Sense

11
A-1

A

Appendix A: FAA Contact Information

The information contained in this appendix will help you contact the appropriate Federal Aviation Administration 

(FAA) office.

FAA Office Page(s)

U.S. Department of Transportation 

Federal Aviation Administration

800 Independence Avenue, SW

Washington, DC 20591-0004

(866) TELL-FAA 

(866-835-5322) toll-free

www.faa.gov

vii

Federal Aviation Administration

Airman Testing Standards Branch, AFS-630

P.O. Box 25082

Oklahoma City, OK 73125-0082

(405) 954-4151 phone

afs630comments@faa.gov

iii

Federal Aviation Administration

Aircraft Registration Branch, AFS-750

P.O. Box 25504

Oklahoma City, OK 73125-0504

(866) 762-9434 toll-free

(405) 954-3116 phone

(405) 954-3548 or (405) 954-8068 fax

2-2, 2-3, 4-1, 4-3, 4-4, 4-5,

11-2, 11-4

Federal Aviation Administration

Light Sport Aviation Branch, AFS-610

P.O. Box 25082

Oklahoma City, OK 73125-0082

(405) 954-6400 phone

(405) 954-4104 fax

2-4, 4-5, 6-2

Federal Aviation Administration

Delegation & Airworthiness Programs Branch, AIR-140

P.O. Box 26460

Oklahoma City, OK 73125-4902

(405) 954-4103 phone

9-2
A-2

Plane Sense

A

FAA Office Page(s)

Federal Aviation Administration

Aviation Systems Data Branch, AFS-620

ATTN: AFS-620 ALERTS

P.O. Box 25082

Oklahoma City, OK 73125-0082

(405) 954-4391 phone

10-2

Federal Aviation Administration

Airmen Certification Branch, AFS-760

P.O. Box 25082

Oklahoma City, OK 73125-0082

(405) 954-3261 phone

11-3, 11-4

Federal Aviation Administration

Aeromedical Certification Branch, AAM-331

P.O. Box 26080 

Oklahoma City, OK 73126-5063

(405) 954-4821 phone

11-3, 11-4

Federal Aviation Administration

Aeromedical Certification Branch, AAM-331

ATTN: FOIA Desk

P.O. Box 26200 

Oklahoma City, OK 73125-9914

(405) 954-4821 phone

11-4
B-1

B

Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Page(s)

14 CFR.. iii, 1-4, 2-2, 3-1, 6-1, 7-1,7-2, 7-3, 11-1

14 CFR part 1.........................................................11-2

14 CFR part 1, section 1.1 ........................................6-1

14 CFR part 21 .....................................3-1, 3-3, 11-2

14 CFR part 21, subpart C.......................................3-2

14 CFR part 21, subpart H ......................................3-3

14 CFR part 21, subpart I........................................3-2

14 CFR part 21, section 21.24 .................................3-2

14 CFR part 21, section 21.25 .................................3-2

14 CFR part 21, section 21.181 ................................3-3

14 CFR part 21, section 21.184 ...............................3-2

14 CFR part 21, section 21.185................................3-2

14 CFR part 21, section 21.187................................3-2

14 CFR part 21, section 21.189 ...............................3-2

14 CFR part 21, section 21.190 ....3-2, 4-5, 6-2, 7-1, 

7-3, 8-2

14 CFR part 21, section 21.191 ....................... 3-2, 6-2

14 CFR part 21, section 21.193................................3-2

14 CFR part 21, section 21.195................................3-2

14 CFR part 21, section 21.197........................3-2, 5-2

14 CFR part 23......................................................11-2

14 CFR part 33 ......................................................11-2

14 CFR part 35 ......................................................11-2

14 CFR part 39.....................................8-4, 9-1, 11-2

14 CFR part 43...1-2, 3-1, 3-3, 7-2, 7-3, 8-2, 11-2

14 CFR part 43, section 43.9................. 2-4, 8-3, 8-4

14 CFR part 43, section 43.11.........................7-2, 8-3

14 CFR part 43, appendix A ...........................7-2, 7-3

14 CFR part 43, appendix B....................................8-2

14 CFR part 43, appendix D ...................................7-3

14 CFR part 43, appendix E....................................7-3

14 CFR part 43, appendix F....................................7-3

14 CFR part 45 ..............................................3-3, 11-2

Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Page(s)

14 CFR part 47 .....................................4-5, 4-6, 11-2

14 CFR part 47, section 47.2...................................4-2

14 CFR part 47, section 47.41 ........................ 1-1, 4-4

14 CFR part 49......................................................11-2

14 CFR part 61 ..............................................1-2, 11-2

14 CFR part 65 ......................................................11-2

14 CFR part 67 ........................................................1-2

14 CFR part 91 ...1-2, 3-1, 5-2, 7-2, 8-3, 8-4,11-2

14 CFR part 91, subpart D ......................................3-3

14 CFR part 91, subpart E..............................7-1, 7-2

14 CFR part 91, section 91.203...............................4-3

14 CFR part 91, section 91.207 ...............................8-3

14 CFR part 91, section 91.213....................... 2-4, 7-3

14 CFR part 91, section 91.215................................8-3

14 CFR part 91, section 91.305 ...............................2-5

14 CFR part 91, section 91.313................................3-3

14 CFR part 91, section 91.317................................3-2

14 CFR part 91, section 91.319................................2-5

14 CFR part 91, section 91.327 .....7-1, 7-2, 7-3, 8-2

14 CFR part 91, section 91.403...................... 2-4, 7-1

14 CFR part 91, section 91.409..............7-2, 8-1, 8-3

14 CFR part 91, section 91.411 ................................8-3

14 CFR part 91, section 91.413................................8-3

14 CFR part 91, section 91.417................................9-2

14 CFR part 91, section 91.715................................3-3

14 CFR part 121.......................................................5-1

14 CFR part 125.......................................................8-3

14 CFR part 135.......................................................5-1

14 CFR part 145.......................................................5-2

14 CFR part 183 ......................................................3-3

14 CFR part 183, section 183.33.............................4-4

14 CFR part 375 ......................................................3-3

49 CFR part 830 .....................................................1-2

49 CFR part 830, section 830.5 .............................1-3

Appendix B: Regulatory Guidance Index

The information contained in this appendix will help you locate regulatory guidance information including 

pertinent Code of Federal Regulations parts, FAA Orders, and Advisory Circulars.
B-2

Plane Sense

B

FAA Orders (as revised) Page(s)

Order 8100.8 ..........................................................4-5

Order 8130.2........................2-5, 3-1, 3-3, 5-2, 6-2

Order 8130.33.........................................................6-2

Order 8900.1 ..........................................................3-3

Advisory Circulars (ACs) (as revised) Page(s)

AC 00-2................................................................11-1

AC 00-44..............................................................11-2

AC 20-27 .................................................................3-3

AC 20-109 ............................................................10-1

AC 20-139 ...............................................................3-3

AC 21-4....................................................................3-3

AC 21-12..................................................................3-3

AC 39-7 ...................................................................9-2

AC 43-9 ..........................................................8-2, 8-4

AC 43-16...............................................................10-2

AC 45-2 ...................................................................3-3

AC 90-89.................................................................3-3