1

U.S. Department

of Transportation

Federal Aviation

Administration

Advisory 

Circular

Subject: Identification and Registration Marking Date: 10/01/15

Initiated By: AIR-100

AC No: 45-2E

1 PURPOSE.

1.1 This advisory circular (AC) provides information about Title 14, Code of Federal

Regulations (14 CFR), part 45, Identification and Registration Marking. This AC is 

not mandatory and does not constitute a regulation. This AC describes an acceptable 

means, but not the only means, to comply with the requirements for identifying aircraft

and aircraft engines with identification plates, identification marking requirements for 

propellers, and marking aircraft with nationality and registration marks. However, if 

you use the means described in the AC, you must follow it in all important respects.

1.2 A list of other related sections of 14 CFR and related publications, and definitions 

pertinent to this AC are located in the appendixes to this AC.

2 AUDIENCE.

2.1 This AC affects—

1. Builders of civil aircraft, aircraft engines, and propellers. (For the purpose of this 

AC, the term “aircraft” includes powered parachutes and balloons.)

2. All production approval holders (PAH), including persons who export their 

products to the United States under the provisions of an agreement between the 

United States and another country or jurisdiction.

3. Repair stations operating under 14 CFR part 145 and air carriers operating 

N-numbered aircraft (see appendix C to this AC for the definition of “N-number”). 

2.2 The discussion of nationality and registration marks applies to owners and operators of 

civil aircraft, including aircraft operated as public aircraft.

2.3 The discussion of marking requirements applies to all PAHs and manufacturers 

producing under type certificate (TC) only.
10/01/15 AC 45-2E

2

3 EFFECTIVE DATE.

This AC is effective 10/01/2015.

4 EXPLANATION OF CHANGES.

This revision—

1. Excludes fixed-pitch wooden propellers from the § 45.11(c) fireproof marking 

requirement.

2. Clarifies that a fireproof identification plate is one acceptable method for fireproof 

marking propellers, propeller blades, or propeller hubs, but is not a required 

method.

3. Incorporates the current AC formatting policy.

5 CANCELLATION.

This AC cancels, as of its effective date, AC 45-2D.

6 IDENTIFICATION OF AIRCRAFT, AIRCRAFT ENGINES, AND 

PROPELLERS.

6.1 Information to Be Included as Identification.

Under § 45.11, aircraft propellers, propeller blades, and propeller hubs must display 

certain information using an approved fireproof method, such as a plate, stamping, 

engraving, or etching. Fixed-pitch wooden propellers must also display the following 

information, but are not required to use a fireproof method. Section 45.13 describes the 

information a manufacturer must display:

1. The builder’s name, which may be the name of an individual, firm, co-partnership, 

corporation, company, association, or joint-stock association. 

2. Model designation. 

3. Builder’s serial number.

4. TC number, if any. 

5. Production certificate (PC) number, if any. 

6. For aircraft engines, the established rating. 

7. For aircraft engines, the date of manufacture, that is, month (two digits)/

year (four digits).

8. For aircraft engines, the engine’s approved 14 CFR part 34 designation. (Part 34 

discusses fuel venting and exhaust emission requirements for turbine enginepowered airplanes.) Approved designations include “comply,” “exempt,” and 

“non-U.S.” for engines specified in part 34, manufactured on or after 

January 1, 1984. 
10/01/15 AC 45-2E

3

9. Section 45.13(a) requires an identification plate to include, among other things, any 

information the FAA finds appropriate. For any product manufactured under a 

design data licensing agreement between an FAA TC and PC holder, the 

manufacturer should include the following information on the product’s 

identification plate (See § 45.13(a)(8)):

Manufactured by (insert PC holder’s name) under a licensing 

agreement program with (insert TC holder’s name)

Note: Design approval holders should include identification plates as part of each 

product’s approved design data. This data usually takes the form of an engineering 

drawing describing such factors as material, size, required information entries, and 

mounting location. If requested by the manufacturer, the FAA may permit the inclusion 

of a corporate logo or registered trademark on an identification plate, after review and 

approval by the FAA.

6.2 Type and Placement of Identification Plate.

The identification is required to be located on a fireproof plate, placed on a surface 

where it is not likely to be defaced or removed during normal service. The identification 

cannot be placed on an inspection plate, removable fairing, or access cover. Refer to 

Table 1 for additional identification plate location information.
10/01/15 AC 45-2E

4

Table 1. Identification Plate Location

Aircraft or 

Equipment Location Comments

Aircraft 

(to include 

light-sport 

aircraft), except 

for balloons

(1) Outside the aircraft so that it is legible 

from the ground, either just behind and 

next to the rear-most entrance door or on 

the side or bottom of the fuselage near the 

tail surface. 

(2) The following aircraft are excluded 

from the requirement to display 

identification information on the aircraft 

exterior: Aircraft operated under part 121;

commuter aircraft; gliders that operate 

under a Federal Aviation Administration 

(FAA) -approved continuous 

airworthiness maintenance program; and

all aircraft manufactured for export.

(3) If the aircraft was manufactured 

before March 7, 1988, some other interior 

or exterior location near an entrance, so 

that it is legible from the ground, either 

just behind and next to the rear-most 

entrance door or on the underside of the 

fuselage near the tail surface. The model 

and serial numbers also are required to be 

displayed on the fuselage exterior. 

The FAA accepts locations where you 

have to open a door or remove items,

such as baggage or carry-on items, to 

make the plate visible. The plate may be 

covered or enclosed if it can be 

uncovered without using tools or 

removing aircraft components. 

Powered 

parachute and 

weight-shiftcontrol aircraft 

On the fuselage exterior so that it is 

legible from the ground. 

Balloons On the balloon envelope and where it is 

legible to the operator when the balloon 

is inflated. 

Mark the basket and heater assembly 

with the manufacturer’s name, part 

number (or equivalent), and serial 

number (or equivalent). 

Engines At an accessible place where it will not 

likely be lost or destroyed in an accident. 

Propellers, 

propeller 

blades, or 

propeller hubs 

On a non-critical surface where it will not 

likely be lost or destroyed in an accident. 

If possible, where it is visible without 

disassembly of the propeller. 
10/01/15 AC 45-2E

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6.3 Manufacturer-Installed Identification Plate.

6.3.1 The FAA has previously approved factory-installed identification plates on the fuselage 

exterior near the tail surface on some models. These models do not need an 

additional plate. 

6.3.2 The manufacturer-installed identification plate on some models may not follow the 

guidance in this AC; however, the FAA may have previously determined the 

identification plate to be acceptable. In all cases, it is important that the manufacturer 

comply with the guidance in § 45.13, Identification data, that requires FAA approval for 

the removal of an identification plate, except as required during maintenance 

operations. If those models do not follow the guidance in this AC, do not remove the 

identification plate without written approval from the FAA. 

6.4 Identification Plate Requirements for Aircraft Built from Spare or Surplus Parts.

Information to be displayed as identification is described in paragraph 6.1. In addition, 

the following guidelines should be followed:

6.4.1 You should use the builder’s name as your name (the person who assembled the 

aircraft), not the name of the manufacturer who builds the same model of aircraft.

6.4.2 You may assign any serial number if it is clear that the manufacturer who builds the 

same model of aircraft did not assign an identical number. You should add a letter 

prefix or suffix, such as your name or initials, to the serial number to provide positive 

identification. 

6.5 Removing an Identification Plate During Maintenance.

If necessary, you may remove an identification plate for performing maintenance in 

accordance with methods, techniques, and practices acceptable to the FAA. However, 

once you complete the maintenance, you are required to reinstall the identification plate 

on the same product—

 At the same location, using the original means of attachment, or 

 In another location and/or by using another means of attachment in accordance with 

FAA-approved technical data, including Instructions for Continued Airworthiness.

6.6 Acquiring a New Identification Plate From the Manufacturer.

6.6.1 The owner or owner’s authorized representative is required to obtain a new 

identification plate from the manufacturer when an identification plate is lost, stolen, 

or damaged during maintenance operations. The owner or owner’s authorized 

representative should contact the appropriate Flight Standards District Office (FSDO) or 

Manufacturing Inspection District Office (MIDO) to get FAA assistance and approval 

for obtaining the replacement.
10/01/15 AC 45-2E

6

6.6.2 You do not need to get FAA approval as described in paragraph 6.6.1 when—

 A new or additional identification plate is required as a result of rebuilding or 

alteration action under 14 CFR part 43, Maintenance, Preventive Maintenance, 

Rebuilding, and Alteration; and 

 Instructed by specific FAA-approved maintenance procedures contained in 

manufacturers’ manuals, letters, or bulletins.

6.7 Changing Identification Plate Information.

You may change the identification data required by § 45.13(a) only when such changes 

comply with specific FAA-approved or -accepted data (for example, design data, 

maintenance procedures, and rebuilding or alteration procedures contained in 

manufacturers’ manuals, letters, bulletins).

Note: When an aircraft has been modified to conform to another model of the same 

make, a new identification plate is required to be attached as close as physically 

possible to the original identification plate. The original identification plate is not to be 

removed or altered in any manner. 

6.8 Acquiring an Identification Plate from Somewhere Other Than the Manufacturer.

6.8.1 You are required to have the FAA’s approval to remove, change information on, or 

install an identification plate for other than maintenance.

6.8.2 You are prohibited from using an identification plate from a scrapped or destroyed 

aircraft or aircraft engine.

6.8.3 You are required to buy identification plates from an approved source after going 

through the process described in paragraph 6.6.

6.8.4 If you install an identification plate without the FAA’s approval, you are in violation of 

§ 45.13(b), (c), and/or (e). 

7 NATIONALITY AND REGISTRATION MARKING REQUIREMENTS FOR 

AIRCRAFT (THE N-NUMBER).

The FAA Civil Aviation Registry issues the aircraft N-number. To get an available 

N-number, you may contact the Civil Aviation Registry at (405) 954-4206 or use the 

online services at 

http://www.faa.gov/licenses_certificates/aircraft_certification/aircraft_registry/n_numbers/.

7.1 Placing Other Text or Graphics between the Two Parts of an N-Number.

7.1.1 You may not place any text or graphic between any of the letters or numbers in the 

N-number unless the aircraft is an antique aircraft. 
10/01/15 AC 45-2E

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7.1.2 You may insert the symbol (“C,” standard; “R,” restricted; “L,” limited; or “X,” 

experimental or provisionally certificated) appropriate to the airworthiness certificate of 

the three types of aircraft listed below. The symbol may be placed between the 

nationality designation and the registration number, for example, NX1234. 

1. A U.S.-registered aircraft built at least 30 years ago, 

2. A U.S.-registered aircraft with the same external configuration as an aircraft built at 

least 30 years ago that is operating under a special airworthiness certificate as an 

exhibition aircraft, or 

3. An amateur-built aircraft with the same external configuration as an aircraft built at 

least 30 years ago. 

7.2 Placing Text or Graphics Elsewhere on the Aircraft.

You may put text or graphics on areas of the aircraft other than those reserved for the 

N-number. Ask a local FAA inspector to ensure that the text or graphic does not impede 

or degrade the legibility of the N-number.

7.3 N-Number Legibility.

The N-number is required to be legible and written in capital Roman style letters 

without any ornamentation. You may use shading or a border only if it makes the 

number more legible. Use the following guidelines:

7.3.1 Make sure the color contrasts sufficiently with the color of the fuselage to make it 

easy to read. Be especially careful when the background is highly decorated, as in 

checkering. Consider applying the requirements of 14 CFR 23.811(c)(7)(ii) or 

14 CFR 25.811(f)(2), Emergency exit marking, as a test of whether the color of the 

N-number contrasts sufficiently with the background. 

7.3.2 Check the reflectance of external markings. Using electro-optical instruments or 

photometer card sets is an acceptable means of verifying reflectance, but these 

instruments are not required to establish reflectance. The FAA considers a 12-inch 

number legible if you can read it from 500 feet away, in a horizontal line, and 

perpendicular to the side of the aircraft during daylight hours, without using an optical 

aid such as binoculars. 

7.3.3 If you question whether an N-number is legible, because of either color or reflectance, 

check with your local FAA inspector. 

7.4 Applying the N-Number on Aircraft. 

7.4.1 You are required to apply the N-number in a permanent way. Use paint that needs 

thinners or strippers to remove it, or use decals. Do not use tape that can be peeled off 

and do not use water-soluble paint, such as poster paint. 
10/01/15 AC 45-2E

8

7.4.2 You may use removable materials if the aircraft—

1. Has a temporary nationality designation and registration number. 

2. Is intended for immediate delivery to a non-U.S. purchaser. 

3. Will be flown into an Air Defense Identification Zone or a Distant Early Warning 

Identification Zone and does not have permanent markings. 

7.5 Displaying the N-Number on Aircraft.

Except as provided in Table 3, Exceptions to Displaying the N-Number, mark aircraft in 

accordance with Table 2 below. 

Table 2. Displaying the N-Number on an Aircraft

Aircraft Type 

or Category

Minimum 

Height Location Orientation Comments

Airships 3 inches (1) On the upper surface of 

the right horizontal 

stabilizer and on the under 

surface of the left 

horizontal stabilizer, with 

the top of the marks 

toward the leading edge of 

each stabilizer, and

(2) On each side of the 

bottom half of the vertical 

stabilizer. 

Horizontal 

Antique aircraft 2 inches (1) On both sides of the 

fuselage between the 

trailing edge of the wing 

and the leading edge of the 

horizontal stabilizer, or 

(2) On the vertical tail 

surface, either over or 

under the horizontal 

stabilizer. 

Horizontal

or Vertical

You may display the 

category symbol between 

the nationality designation 

and the registration 

number. You may not 

display any other mark 

beginning with the 

nationality designation 

elsewhere on the aircraft.

Antique aircraft registered 

as N-numbered aircraft 

may display markings as 

they were applied at the 

time of initial certification.
10/01/15 AC 45-2E

9

Table 2. Displaying the N-Number on an Aircraft

Aircraft Type 

or Category

Minimum 

Height Location Orientation Comments

Experimental 

aircraft—

exhibition, 

amateur-built, 

and light-sport 

aircraft with a 

maximum 

cruising speed of 

180 knots or less 

3 inches 

(with 

exceptions 

as shown 

in Table 3) 

(1) On both sides of the 

fuselage between the 

trailing edge of the wing 

and the leading edge of the 

horizontal stabilizer, or 

(2) On both sides of the 

vertical tail surface. 

Horizontal 

(with 

exceptions 

as shown in 

Table 3) 

No markings are required 

on certain exhibition 

aircraft, if the registration 

marks would be 

inconsistent with 

exhibition of that aircraft. 

Operations without 

markings are limited to 

those operations and 

procedures listed in 

§ 45.22, Exhibition, 

antique, and other aircraft: 

Special rules. Each flight 

is required to receive prior 

approval. See details in 

Table 3. 

Fixed-wing 

aircraft 

12 inches 

(with 

exceptions 

as shown 

in Table 3) 

(1) On both surfaces of a 

single vertical tail or on 

the outer surfaces of a 

multi-vertical tail, or 

(2) On the fuselage

surfaces, on both sides of 

the fuselage between the 

trailing edge of the wing 

and the leading edge of the 

horizontal stabilizer. 

If engine pods or other 

equipment are located in 

this area and are an 

integral part of the 

fuselage side surfaces, you 

may place the marks on 

those pods or equipment. 

Horizontal 

Gliders 3 inches (1) On both surfaces of a 

single vertical tail or on 

the outer surfaces of a 

multi-vertical tail, or 

(2) On the fuselage 

surfaces, on both sides of 

the fuselage between the 

trailing edge of the wing 

and the leading edge of the 

horizontal stabilizer. 

Horizontal 

or Vertical 

Horizontal 
10/01/15 AC 45-2E

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Table 2. Displaying the N-Number on an Aircraft

Aircraft Type 

or Category

Minimum 

Height Location Orientation Comments

Non-spherical 

balloons 

3 inches On each side near its 

maximum cross-section,

and immediately above 

either the rigging band or 

the points of attachment of 

the basket or cabin 

suspension cables. 

Horizontal 

Spherical 

balloons, 

powered 

parachutes, and 

weight-shiftcontrol aircraft

3 inches In two places diametrically 

opposite on any fuselage 

structural member and 

near the maximum 

horizontal circumference.

Horizontal

Rotorcraft 12 inches 

(with 

exceptions 

as shown 

in Table 3) 

Both external side 

surfaces: Engine nacelles, 

roof structure, and fixed 

surfaces visible from 500 

feet away, in a horizontal 

line. Also, perpendicular to 

the side of the aircraft 

during daylight hours, 

without using an optical 

aid such as binoculars.

Allowable locations 

include—

(1) The cabin or fuselage, 

including the roof 

structure, and hinge or 

sliding doors, but not 

where the N-number will 

be covered by doors that 

can be opened in flight. 

The appropriate controls 

should be in place to 

prevent the loss of the 

required identification 

when the door panels 

are replaced. 

(2) Boom. Side surfaces. 

(3) Tail. Outboard surfaces 

of the vertical tail(s), if the 

rotor blade, guards, or 

other equipment do not 

obstruct the display. 

Horizontal If none of the approved 

surfaces are large enough 

for 12-inch letters, make 

them as large as 

practicable and put them 

on the largest of the 

authorized surfaces. 
10/01/15 AC 45-2E

11

7.6 N-Numbers as Part of the Type Design of an Aircraft.

N-numbers are not design requirements. The FAA does not approve them as part of the 

type design, although they may appear in type design drawings and data as points of 

reference. The N-number is required to comply with the requirements specified in 

part 45.

7.7 Exceptions to Displaying the N-Number.

There are exceptions to how and where you display your N-number. Table 3 below lists 

the circumstances and explains the exceptions. 

Table 3. Exceptions to Displaying the N-Number

Circumstance Exception 

Displaying an N-number on an 

exhibition aircraft 

If displaying the N-number is inconsistent with the purpose of the 

exhibition (for example, during the taping of a motion picture or 

television production, or during an airshow), you may operate the 

aircraft without displaying the N-number. 

(1) You may operate unmarked exhibition aircraft only—

(a) For practice and test flights necessary for exhibition, 

(b) At the exhibition, 

(c) Between exhibition locations, or 

(d) Between those locations and the base of operations of the 

aircraft. 

(2) For each flight in the United States, you are required to either—

(a) File a flight plan under 14 CFR part 91, General Operating and 

Flight Rules, § 91.153 or § 91.169, or 

(b) Get prior approval from the FSDO if the flight is within the 

lateral boundaries of the surface areas of class B, class C, class D, 

or class E airspace designated for the takeoff airport; or within 

4.4 nautical miles of that airport if it is within class G airspace. 

Displaying an N-number on a 

limited or restricted category 

aircraft or experimental or 

provisionally certificated aircraft 

Unless you’ve included the aircraft’s category letter in the N-number 

between the nationality designation and the registration number 

(for example, NR1234 for a restricted aircraft), the aircraft is required 

to display near each entrance to the cabin or cockpit the term 

“limited,” “restricted,” “experimental,” or “provisional airworthiness,” 

as appropriate. The term should be visible to anyone entering the 

aircraft and should be 2 to 6 inches high. 

Displaying an N-number on 

an aircraft with multiple 

airworthiness certificates 

You may use a removable category placard for the term “limited,” 

“restricted,” “experimental,” and “provisional airworthiness,” as 

appropriate. The term should be 2 to 6 inches high. 
10/01/15 AC 45-2E

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Table 3. Exceptions to Displaying the N-Number

Circumstance Exception 

Displaying nationality and 

registration marks on an aircraft 

intended for export

(1) If you manufactured an aircraft, are preparing that aircraft for 

export, and the aircraft is registered in the United States, you may 

mark the aircraft with the nationality and registration marks assigned 

by the country you will be delivering it to. You may operate the 

aircraft in the United States with that number to transport it to the 

purchaser or, for a limited time, for test or demonstration flights. 

(2) If the aircraft is already registered in the importing country, you 

may not display an N-number during operations in the United States. 

You are required to display the nationality and registration marks of 

the importing country and obtain a special flight authorization under 

§ 91.715, Special flight authorizations for foreign civil aircraft, 

to operate the aircraft in the United States. 

(3) You may not display the marks of the United States and those of 

other countries at the same time. This could cause confusion as to the 

correct marks. 

Displaying a minimum-height 

N-number on a fixed-wing 

aircraft 

On an aircraft displaying 2-inch marks before November 1, 1981, 

and on aircraft manufactured between November 2, 1981, and 

January 1, 1983, you may display those marks until the aircraft is 

repainted or the marks are repainted, restored, or changed. Once the 

aircraft is repainted or the marks are repainted, restored, or changed, 

the N-number is required to be 12 inches high. 

Displaying a minimum-height 

N-number on a rotorcraft 

On a rotorcraft manufactured and marked before December 31, 1983, 

you may display those marks until the rotorcraft is repainted or the 

marks are repainted, restored, or changed. Once the rotorcraft is 

repainted or the marks are repainted, restored, or changed, the 

N-number is required to be 12 inches high. 

Displaying a minimum-height 

N-number on exhibition, 

amateur-built, or light-sport 

aircraft with a maximum 

cruising speed of 180 knots or 

less 

(1) If you display N-numbers on each side of the vertical tail surface, 

the minimum height for a newly painted mark is 3 inches, except for 

antique aircraft, or aircraft with the same external configuration as an 

aircraft built at least 30 years ago. Details are found in § 45.22(b)(1), 

Exhibition, antique, and other aircraft: Special rules. 

(2) If you display N-numbers vertically, follow the requirements of 

§ 45.25(b)(1), Location of marks on fixed-wing aircraft. 

Displaying required marks on a 

surface not large enough to meet 

size requirements 

(1) If one of the surfaces authorized for displaying required marks is 

large enough to display marks meeting the size requirement, and the 

other authorized surface is not large enough, you are required to

display full-size marks on the larger surface. 

(2) If neither authorized surface is large enough for full-size marks, 

you are required to display marks as large as practicable on the largest 

authorized surface. 

Displaying an N-number on an 

aircraft, but not as specified in 

this AC 

You may ask the FAA for authority to display the number in some 

other way. Contact your local FSDO or MIDO for assistance. 
10/01/15 AC 45-2E

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8 WHERE TO FIND THIS AC.

8.1 You can find this AC at http://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/advisory_circulars/.

8.2 If you have any suggestions for improvements or changes, you may use the template 

provided at the end of this AC.

Susan J. M. Cabler

Acting Manager, Design, Manufacturing, & 

 Airworthiness Division

Aircraft Certification Service
10/01/15 AC 45-2E

Appendix A

A-1

Appendix A. Related Sections of 14 CFR

A.1 14 CFR PART 1, DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS.

Part 1 defines the words and terms used in subchapters A through K of chapter 1 of 

14 CFR. 

A.2 14 CFR PART 21, CERTIFICATION PROCEDURES FOR PRODUCTS, 

ARTICLES, AND PARTS.

Part 21 sets forth rules for the issuance of and change to TCs, and issuance of PCs, 

airworthiness certificates, and export airworthiness approvals. It also sets forth the rules 

governing the holders of these certificates and the approval of certain products 

and articles.

A.3 14 CFR PART 23, AIRWORTHINESS STANDARDS: NORMAL, UTILITY, 

ACROBATIC, AND COMMUTER CATEGORY AIRPLANES.

Part 23 sets forth airworthiness standards for the issuance of TCs and changes to those 

certificates for normal, utility, acrobatic, and commuter category airplanes. 

A.4 14 CFR PART 25, AIRWORTHINESS STANDARDS: TRANSPORT

CATEGORY AIRPLANES.

Part 25 sets forth airworthiness standards for the issuance of TCs and changes to those 

certificates for transport category airplanes. 

A.5 14 CFR PART 27, AIRWORTHINESS STANDARDS: NORMAL CATEGORY 

ROTORCRAFT.

Part 27 sets forth the airworthiness standards for issuance of TCs and changes to those 

certificates for normal category rotorcraft. 

A.6 14 CFR PART 29, AIRWORTHINESS STANDARDS: TRANSPORT 

CATEGORY ROTORCRAFT.

Part 29 sets forth airworthiness standards for the issuance of TCs and changes to those 

certificates for transport category rotorcraft. 

A.7 14 CFR PART 31, AIRWORTHINESS STANDARDS: MANNED FREE 

BALLOONS.

Part 31 sets forth airworthiness standards for the issuance of TCs and changes to those 

certificates for manned free balloons. 
10/01/15 AC 45-2E

Appendix A

A-2

A.8 14 CFR PART 33, AIRWORTHINESS STANDARDS: AIRCRAFT ENGINES.

Part 33 sets forth airworthiness standards for the issuance of TCs and changes to those 

certificates for aircraft engines. 

A.9 14 CFR PART 34, FUEL VENTING AND EXHAUST EMISSION

REQUIREMENTS FOR TURBINE ENGINE POWERED AIRPLANES.

Part 34 provides for the approval or acceptance by the FAA or the Administrator of the 

Environmental Protection Agency of testing and sampling methods, analytical 

techniques, and related equipment not identical to those specified in part 34. 

A.10 14 CFR PART 35, AIRWORTHINESS STANDARDS: PROPELLERS.

Part 35 sets forth airworthiness standards for the issuance of TCs and changes to those 

certificates for propellers. 

A.11 14 CFR PART 43, MAINTENANCE, PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE, 

REBUILDING, AND ALTERATION.

Part 43 sets forth rules for maintenance, preventive maintenance, rebuilding, 

and alteration. 

A.12 14 CFR PART 45, IDENTIFICATION AND REGISTRATION MARKING.

Part 45 sets forth rules for the display of nationality and registration marks; display of 

special airworthiness classification marks; identification plates for aircraft, aircraft 

engines, and propellers; and identification of certain replacement and critical aircraft 

parts and components. 

A.13 14 CFR PART 47, AIRCRAFT REGISTRATION.

Part 47 sets forth the requirements for registering aircraft. 

A.14 14 CFR PART 91, GENERAL OPERATING AND FLIGHT RULES.

Part 91 prescribes rules governing the operation of aircraft within the United States, and 

prescribes flight rules governing the operation of aircraft within the United States and 

within 12 nautical miles from the coast of the United States. 

A.15 14 CFR PART 121, OPERATING REQUIREMENTS: DOMESTIC, FLAG, AND 

SUPPLEMENTAL OPERATIONS.

Part 121 sets forth operating requirements for domestic, flag, and supplemental 

operations. 
10/01/15 AC 45-2E

Appendix A

A-3

A.16 14 CFR PART 135, OPERATING REQUIREMENTS: COMMUTER AND ON 

DEMAND OPERATIONS AND RULES GOVERNING PERSONS ON BOARD 

SUCH AIRCRAFT.

Part 135 sets forth operating requirements for commuter and on-demand operations and 

rules governing persons aboard such aircraft.
10/01/15 AC 45-2E

Appendix B

B-1

Appendix B. Related Reference Material

B.1 ADVISORY CIRCULARS.

B.1.1 U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration, AC 20-62, 

Eligibility, Quality, and Identification of Aeronautical Replacement Parts, 

current edition. 

AC 20-62 provides information on how to determine the quality, eligibility, and 

traceability of aeronautical parts and materials intended for installation on 

U.S. type-certificated products. 

B.1.2 U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration, AC 20-65, 

U.S. Airworthiness Certificates and Authorizations for Operation of Domestic and 

Foreign Aircraft, current edition. 

AC 20-65 provides general information on issuing airworthiness certificates and special 

flight authorizations for certain aircraft. 

B.1.3 U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration, AC 45-3A, 

Installation, Removal, or Change of Identification Data and Identification Plates 

on Aircraft Engines, current edition. 

AC 45-3 provides information concerning installing, removing, or changing 

identification data and identification plates on aircraft engines. 
10/01/15 AC 45-2E

Appendix C

C-1

Appendix C. Definitions

C.1 ANTIQUE AIRCRAFT.

Paragraphs 1 through 3 below define antique aircraft. Paragraphs 2 and 3 below include 

restored or replica aircraft even if the aircraft is not identical to the original in every 

detail. Minor differences in configuration due to modern equipment and components are 

acceptable. Examples of such differences include using a tail wheel instead of a tailskid, 

main wheel brakes, or a modern type propeller.

1. A U.S.-registered aircraft built at least 30 years ago, 

2. A U.S.-registered aircraft possessing a special airworthiness certificate in the 

experimental category for the purpose of exhibition with the same external 

configuration as an aircraft built at least 30 years ago, or 

3. A U.S.-registered aircraft possessing a special airworthiness certificate in the 

experimental category for the purpose of operating an amateur-built aircraft with 

the same external configuration as an aircraft built at least 30 years ago.

C.2 ARTICLE.

A material, part, component, process, or appliance.

C.3 BUILDER.

Includes amateur-builders and manufacturers of aircraft, aircraft engines, 

and propellers. 

C.4 FIREPROOF. 

As stated in § 1.1, General definitions, the capacity to withstand the heat associated 

with fire at least as well as steel. 

C.5 LIGHT-SPORT AIRCRAFT. 

A category of simple, very basic, small lightweight, low performance aircraft. It is an 

aircraft other than a helicopter or powered-lift. Also see definition in § 1.1. 

C.6 N-NUMBER. 

An identifier unique to each aircraft. The letter prefix designates the country where the 

aircraft is registered. The United States is “N,” which is why this number is commonly 

called the “N-number.” The rest of the number is the aircraft’s individual registration 

number, for example, N1234, or a combination of numbers and letter suffixes as 

described in § 47.15(b), Identification number. 
10/01/15 AC 45-2E

Appendix C

C-2

C.7 POWERED PARACHUTE. 

A powered aircraft comprised of a flexible or semi-rigid wing connected to a fuselage 

so that the wing is not in position for flight until the aircraft is in motion. The fuselage 

of a powered parachute contains the aircraft engine and a seat for each occupant, and is 

attached to the aircraft’s landing gear. 

C.8 PRODUCT. 

An aircraft, aircraft engine, or propeller.

C.9 TEXT OR GRAPHIC. 

Includes any company name, decoration, emblem, symbol, trademark, or unique 

paint scheme. 

C.10 WEIGHT-SHIFT-CONTROL AIRCRAFT. 

A powered aircraft with a framed pivoting wing and a fuselage controllable only in 

pitch and roll by the pilot’s ability to change the aircraft center of gravity with respect to 

the wing. Flight control of the aircraft depends on the wing’s ability to flexibly deform 

rather than the use of control surfaces. 
10/01/15 AC 45-2E

Appendix D

D-1

Appendix D. Advisory Circular Feedback Form

If you find an error in this AC, have recommendations for improving it, or have suggestions 

for new items/subjects to be added, you may let us know by (1) emailing this form to 

9-AWA-AVS-AIR500-Coord@faa.gov or (2) faxing it to the attention of the AIR Directives 

Management Officer at 202-267-3983. 

Subject: ____________________________ Date: ____________________ 

Please check all appropriate line items:

 An error (procedural or typographical) has been noted in paragraph __________________ on 

page __________________________.

 Recommend paragraph ____________ on page ______________ be changed as follows:

 In a future change to this AC, please cover the following subject:

(Briefly describe what you want added.)

 Other comments:

 I would like to discuss the above. Please contact me.

Submitted by: __________________________________ Date: ________________________