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[Federal Register Volume 90, Number 11 (Friday, January 17, 2025)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 5572-5577]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2025-00763]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Parts 47 and 49

[Docket No.: FAA-2024-2764; Amdt. Nos. 47-35 AND 49-12]
RIN 2120-AM07

Aircraft Registration and Recordation Procedural Updates: 
Original Documents and Stamping

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is updating certain procedural regulations relating to 
civil aircraft registration and recordation to provide administrative 
relief from the requirements for submitting original

[[Page 5573]]

documents and to sunset the FAA's practice of stamping documents. 
Amending these regulations will reduce administrative burdens and 
enable the FAA to better utilize the capabilities of the Civil Aviation 
Registry Electronic Services (CARES) system for civil aircraft 
registration and recordation.

DATES: Effective January 17, 2025.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Craig Whitbeck, Registry Services and 
Information Management Branch, Federal Aviation Administration, 6500 S 
MacArthur Blvd., Bldg 29, Oklahoma City, OK 73169; telephone (405) 954-
3131; email [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Authority for This Rulemaking

    The FAA's authority to issue rules on aviation safety is found in 
Title 49 of the United States Code (49 U.S.C.). Subtitle I, section 106 
describes the authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII, 
Aviation Programs, describes in more detail the scope of the FAA's 
authority. This rulemaking is promulgated under the authority described 
in 49 U.S.C. 106(f), which establishes the authority of the 
Administrator to promulgate regulations and rules; and 49 U.S.C. 
44701(a)(5), which requires the Administrator to promote safe flight of 
civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations and setting 
minimum standards for other practices, methods, and procedures 
necessary for safety in air commerce and national security.
    This rulemaking is also promulgated pursuant to 49 U.S.C. 44101-
44108 and 44110-44113, which require aircraft to be registered as a 
condition of operation and establish the requirements for registration, 
registration processes, and the recordation of conveyances, leases, and 
security instruments. The FAA Civil Aviation Registry is responsible 
for the registration and recordation of civil aircraft and conveyances.
    The regulations in this rule are within the scope of the above 
authorities because they prescribe the form and means by which aircraft 
registration applications, conveyances, and related documents and 
materials are to be submitted to the Registry, and the procedures for 
the Registry to process such documents.

II. Immediate Adoption of Final Rule

    The notice and comment procedures required under section 553(b) of 
the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) (5 U.S.C. 553) do not apply to 
rules of ``agency organization, procedure, or practice.'' Under this 
section, an agency may issue a final rule without seeking comment prior 
to the rulemaking. This rulemaking updates certain procedural 
regulations for aircraft registration and recordation in parts 47 and 
49 of Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) to provide 
the FAA with flexibility in accepting non-original documents and to 
sunset the FAA's practice of date stamping incoming documents. This 
rule does not alter the substantive rights or obligations of persons 
applying for aircraft registration or submitting conveyances for 
recordation. Rather, the rule allows such persons the option of 
submitting non-original documents electronically while retaining the 
existing option of submitting original documents if a person prefers. 
The rule also amends the internal FAA processing of submissions, which 
does not affect the rights or interests of regulated parties. With 
these inefficiencies removed, the use of modern technology will enable 
greater flexibility for the public and the Registry, will reduce 
document rejection rates, and improve the aircraft registration 
process. Therefore, the FAA has determined that this rulemaking is a 
rule of agency procedure or practice for which notice and public 
comment are not required.
    Accordingly, because this is a rule of agency practice or procedure 
for which notice and public comment is not required, the FAA also finds 
good cause to waive the delay of effective date as set forth in 5 
U.S.C. 553(d). This rule will be immediately effective upon 
publication.

III. Background

    The Civil Aviation Registry, FAA Aircraft Registration Branch 
(Registry) is responsible for developing, maintaining, and operating 
the Federal registration and recordation system for United States 
aircraft. The Registry's legacy information technology infrastructure, 
Registry Modernization Services (RMS), last updated in 2008, has been 
used to ensure aircraft and security conveyances are properly 
registered and recorded. RMS was implemented on a mainframe environment 
that is costly to operate and difficult to support.
    In addition, section 546 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 
(Pub. L. 115-254) \1\ requires that the FAA complete covered upgrades 
of the Civil Aviation Registry. The term ``covered upgrades'' includes 
the digitization of nondigital Registry information, the digitization 
of manual and paper-based processes, the implementation of electronic 
or remote methods for the public to submit their information, and the 
provision of more efficient, broader, and remote access to the 
Registry.
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    \1\ 132 Stat. 3376 (Oct. 5, 2018).
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    Following this Congressional direction, the Registry began 
exploring alternatives to the legacy system and developed a 
modernization plan. As of 2022, the Aircraft Registration Branch 
started implementing a new system of registration and recordation 
called the Civil Aviation Registry Electronic Services, or ``CARES.'' 
The project implements a web-based electronic system that allows the 
aviation community to securely submit applications, upload 
documentation, and provide the data necessary for the Registry to 
perform aircraft registration and airman certification services. For 
registrants using the system, CARES allows more comprehensive 
functionality, including a personal portal for users to view their 
submissions, pay fees online, and digitally sign their applications. 
Full implementation of the CARES system is expected by late 2025. 
Ultimately, CARES will become the central and legal repository of all 
aircraft registration and airman certification records and will fully 
replace the existing service.
    While CARES is equipped with features for online document 
submission, including the automated recordation of the date and time of 
submission, a number of regulations in 14 CFR parts 47 and 49 continue 
to require the submission of original documents, which occurs by mail, 
and also include references in various sections to the Registry's 
procedures for the date stamping of documents.

IV. Discussion of the Final Rule

A. Document Stamping

    Historically and to this day, the Registry stamps the date and time 
of receipt and processing on many of the forms and documents submitted 
in accordance with parts 47 and 49, such as aircraft registration 
applications, conveyances for recordation, and supporting 
documentation. This agency practice is referenced in two of the 
regulations at issue in this final rule.
    The FAA has determined that its procedures for the stamping of 
documents submitted to the Registry are no longer necessary. As 
discussed, the Registry is in the process of replacing the legacy RMS 
system with the cloud-based CARES system. Document stamps helped RMS 
users track the date and time documents were received and processed by 
the Registry. The CARES system will maintain digital document records 
that replace the need for document stamps.

[[Page 5574]]

    Accordingly, in this rule the FAA is amending Sec. Sec.  47.39 and 
49.21, both of which refer to the stamping of documents. With respect 
to Sec.  47.39, which concerns the effective date of aircraft 
registration, the FAA is removing language that refers to the effective 
date of registration being shown by a date stamp on the application for 
aircraft registration. Similarly, Sec.  49.21 is being revised to 
delete the reference to stamping. Section 49.21 is also being revised 
because of the procedures for returning original documents and is 
discussed further in the section that follows.

B. Submission of Original Documents

    A few procedural regulations in parts 47 and 49 require the 
submission of original documents, which results in inefficiencies with 
the CARES online submission capability. The CARES system provides a 
free online, self-guided aircraft registration application (Form 8050-
1) with an FAA approved digital signature feature, online payment, and 
electronic submission to the Registry. Other required forms and 
supporting documents, as well as conveyances for recording, may be 
uploaded to CARES for submission to the Registry.
    However, uploaded copies of ink signed documents are currently 
rejected because they are not original documents. Digitally signed 
original documents are also not permitted to be uploaded; they must be 
printed and mailed to meet the regulatory requirements for submission 
of original documents. The procedural requirements to submit the 
originals of certain documents, such as an original Aircraft Bill of 
Sale in support of an application for aircraft registration (Sec.  
47.31(a)(2)), are unnecessary barriers to the FAA's ability to fully 
utilize the functionalities of CARES or other modern technologies.
    Moreover, in accordance with the procedures in current Sec.  49.21, 
the FAA is obligated to return a submitted original document when the 
person making the submission sends a true copy with the original. This 
procedural requirement is another administrative burden on the FAA that 
can be ameliorated if the regulations no longer mandate the submission 
of original documents.
    To address these inefficiencies, in this rule the FAA is amending 
the procedural regulations at issue to relieve registrants, and others 
who submit conveyances and supporting materials for recordation, from 
the requirements to submit original documents. While the Registry will 
still accept original documents and materials, the preferred approach 
is now to submit non-original documents in a form and by a means 
acceptable to the FAA. For some documents and materials, a photocopy or 
digital image may be acceptable; for others, a true or certified copy 
may be required (see, e.g., Sec. Sec.  47.8(a)(1), 47.11(b)(2), 
49.31(a), and 49.33(c), as amended). The regulatory relief provided 
will enable persons to upload copies of ink signed documents and 
digitally signed original documents for submission via CARES and a 
successor system.
    Accordingly, to provide this relief, the FAA is removing the term 
``original'' in Sec. Sec.  47.31(a)(2) and 49.21. In Sec.  49.17(d)(3), 
the FAA is replacing the term ``original agreement'' with ``originating 
agreement'' to avoid confusion. And in Sec.  49.33(c)--which requires, 
for the types of conveyances specified in Sec.  49.31(a), an original 
document, or a duplicate original document, or if neither is available, 
a true copy--the FAA is re-ordering the regulatory text such that the 
true copy is listed first, as the preferred form for submission.
    The FAA is also revising Sec. Sec.  47.19 and 49.11 to provide for 
needed administrative flexibility in determining the acceptability of 
non-original documents now that original documents are no longer 
mandated (e.g., if a true or certified copy will be required for 
authentication). Sections 47.19 and 49.11 already require applications, 
conveyances, requests, notifications, and other communications to be 
delivered to the FAA by a means acceptable to the Administrator. To 
clarify that any document or other material submitted in support of an 
application under part 47 is also covered, the FAA is adding the term 
``submission'' to the regulatory text in Sec.  47.19. In addition, this 
rule revises Sec. Sec.  47.19 and 49.11 to clarify that any submission 
or communication must also be delivered in a form acceptable to the 
Administrator, and it adds descriptive language specifying that 
acceptable forms and means include electronic or digital forms and 
means compatible with systems used by the Registry.\2\ These 
clarifications to Sec. Sec.  47.19 and 49.11 will enable the FAA to 
accept non-original documents in an acceptable form and manner, to 
include electronic or digital means compatible with CARES, or a 
successor system.
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    \2\ The FAA provides additional instructions and information 
regarding submitting documents and information electronically at: 
https://www.faa.gov/licenses_certificates/aircraft_certification/aircraft_registry.
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    Finally, the FAA is revising Sec.  49.21 which currently prescribes 
the procedural requirement for the FAA to return an original conveyance 
if the person submitting the conveyance wants it returned and submits a 
true copy with the original. Now that original documents are no longer 
mandatory, the requirement for the FAA to return original documents is 
no longer necessary when non-original documents are submitted. However, 
the current procedure for processing original paper documents remains 
in place; original documents filed with a certified true copy will 
still be returned upon request. Therefore, the FAA is replacing the 
regulatory requirement with language expressly permitting a person to 
submit a true copy of a conveyance in lieu of submitting the original 
(except when specifically required to submit an original document by 
law, regulation, or other authority). The FAA is also making conforming 
and clarifying changes to the last sentence of Sec.  49.21, which 
establishes the requirements for a copy to qualify as a ``true'' copy. 
Instead of the current requirement that the copy be imprinted on paper 
permanent in nature, including dates and signatures, the FAA is now 
requiring only that the true copy be in a form and manner acceptable to 
the Administrator. This change will allow acceptance of true copies 
that are in electronic or digital form. With regard to the requirement 
that a certificate stating that the copy has been compared with the 
original and that it is a true copy be attached with the submission, 
the FAA is adding language to clarify that the required certificate 
could take the form of some other type of acceptable attestation. This 
addition serves only to clarify that, for purposes of Sec.  49.21, a 
statement attesting to the trueness of a copy is functionally and 
legally equivalent to a statement certifying the trueness of a copy.

V. Regulatory Notices and Analyses

A. Regulatory Evaluation

    Executive Orders 12866 (``Regulatory Planning and Review'') and 
13563 (``Improving Regulation and Regulatory Review'') require agencies 
to regulate in the ``most cost-effective manner,'' to make a ``reasoned 
determination that the benefits of the intended regulation justify its 
costs,'' and to develop regulations that ``impose the least burden on 
society.'' The Office of Management and Budget has determined that this 
rule is not a significant regulatory action as defined in section 
3(f)(1) of Executive Order 12866, as amended by Executive Order.

[[Page 5575]]

14094, ``Modernizing Regulatory Review.''
    The rule enables the FAA to accept non-original documents and 
removes the requirement to stamp documents. Historically, stamping was 
used to track the date and time documents were received and processed 
by the Registry. This functionality is already built into the existing 
RMS and upcoming CARES system. The FAA has also determined that 
requiring original documents is unnecessary in many cases and restricts 
the efficiency gains from electronic systems such as CARES. Prior to 
this rulemaking, the Registry required original copies of certain 
documents, and ink signed copies uploaded to CARES would be rejected. 
Similarly, prior to this rulemaking, the FAA would mail back any 
received original documents.
    The FAA receives original documents in registration applications, 
as well as other documents for recordation. The FAA receives 76,440 
applications per year. This includes 60,324 approved applications and 
16,116 rejected applications. The FAA also receives roughly 25,000 
conveyances for recordation each year. This rule may generate cost 
savings including saved postage costs for registrants and other users 
from not having to mail in original copies. The FAA assumes all such 
documents are mailed together and that such applications and 
conveyances could be completed entirely electronically and would not 
require documents to be mailed under this rule. The USPS charges $1.50 
to mail a flat envelope,\3\ which the FAA assumes is sufficient to 
contain all application and recordation materials. If all Registry 
users submitted electronically, the rule could result in $152,160 of 
cost savings per year (76,440 applications plus 25,000 conveyances 
multiplied by $1.50).
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    \3\ https://www.usps.com/ship/first-class-mail.htm, last 
accessed November 6, 2024.
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    The rule will reduce the wait time for an application by reducing 
the delay between an applicant submitting materials and the FAA 
receiving the materials. It also may reduce printing costs by allowing 
documents to be submitted electronically rather than requiring them to 
be printed or copied.
    The rule will have minimal to no costs, as the infrastructure is 
scheduled to be deployed with or without the rulemaking. Furthermore, 
the rule is expected to result in cost savings for the FAA by reducing 
the postage costs associated with mailing back original documents. It 
may also result in reduced costs for the FAA by reducing the time 
employees spend handling and stamping paper documents and preparing 
them to mail.
    The FAA assumes that only the 60,324 annual successful applications 
include original documents, and that all conveyance submissions include 
original documents. These are sent out via bulk mail. The FAA estimates 
the unit cost of mailing the original documents from each application 
is $0.971.\4\ If all future customers use electronic document 
submission, the cost savings to FAA may be up to $82,849 per year 
(60,324 applications plus 25,000 conveyances multiplied by $0.971).
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    \4\ Assumes rate for bulk marketing mail flats (bulk). See USPS 
Price List, effective October 4, 2024: https://pe.usps.com/text/dmm300/Notice123.htm?_gl=1*1e8cdrr*_gcl_au*NDY1OTc0MzQwLjE3MzA4MTUxMjQ.*_ga*MTc5MTgzMzg5Ni4xNzMwODE1MTI0*_ga_3NXP3C8S9V*MTczMTA3NTA3NC4yLjAuMTczMTA3NTA3NC4wLjAuMA..#_c119, accessed on November 6, 2024.
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B. Regulatory Flexibility Act

    The Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA), in 5 U.S.C. 603, requires an 
agency to prepare an initial regulatory flexibility analysis describing 
impacts on small entities whenever 5 U.S.C. 553 or any other law 
requires an agency to publish a general notice of proposed rulemaking 
for any proposed rule. Similarly, 5 U.S.C. 604 requires an agency to 
prepare a final regulatory flexibility analysis when an agency issues a 
final rule under 5 U.S.C. 553 after that section or any other law 
requires publication of a general notice of proposed rulemaking. The 
FAA concludes that this is a rule of agency procedure or practice for 
which notice and comment are not required. As 5 U.S.C. 553 does not 
require notice and comment in this situation, 5 U.S.C. 603 and 604 
similarly do not require regulatory flexibility analyses.

C. International Trade Impact Assessment

    The Trade Agreements Act of 1979 (Pub. L. 96-39), as amended by the 
Uruguay Round Agreements Act (Pub. L. 103-465), prohibits Federal 
agencies from establishing standards or engaging in related activities 
that create unnecessary obstacles to the foreign commerce of the United 
States. Pursuant to these Acts, the establishment of standards is not 
considered an unnecessary obstacle to the foreign commerce of the 
United States, so long as the standard has a legitimate domestic 
objective, such as the protection of safety and does not operate in a 
manner that excludes imports that meet this objective. The statute also 
requires consideration of international standards and, where 
appropriate, that they be the basis for U.S. standards.
    The FAA has assessed the potential effect of this rule and 
determined that it ensures the safety of the American public and does 
not exclude imports that meet this objective. As a result, the FAA does 
not consider this rule as creating an unnecessary obstacle to foreign 
commerce.

D. Unfunded Mandates Assessment

    The Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (2 U.S.C. 1531-1538) 
governs the issuance of Federal regulations that require unfunded 
mandates. An unfunded mandate is a regulation that requires a State, 
local, or Tribal government or the private sector to incur direct costs 
without the Federal government having first provided the funds to pay 
those costs. The FAA determined that the immediately adopted final rule 
will not result in the expenditure of $183,000,000 or more by State, 
local, or Tribal governments, in the aggregate, or the private sector, 
in any one year.

E. Paperwork Reduction Act

    The Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3507(d)) requires 
that the FAA consider the impact of paperwork and other information 
collection burdens imposed on the public. The information collection 
for aircraft registration and recordation is approved under OMB control 
number 2120-0042. The FAA has determined that there will be no new 
requirement for information collection associated with this final rule.

F. International Compatibility

    In keeping with U.S. obligations under the Convention on 
International Civil Aviation, it is FAA policy to conform to 
International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Standards and 
Recommended Practices to the maximum extent practicable. The FAA has 
determined that there are no ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices 
that correspond to these regulations.

G. Environmental Analysis

    FAA Order 1050.1F identifies FAA actions that are categorically 
excluded from preparation of an environmental assessment or 
environmental impact statement under the National Environmental Policy 
Act (NEPA) in the absence of extraordinary circumstances. The FAA has 
determined this rulemaking action qualifies for the categorical 
exclusion identified in paragraph 5-6.6f for regulations and

[[Page 5576]]

involves no extraordinary circumstances.

VI. Executive Order Determinations

A. Executive Order 13132, Federalism

    The FAA has analyzed this final rule under the principles and 
criteria of Executive Order 13132, Federalism. The FAA has determined 
that this action will not have a substantial direct effect on the 
States, or the relationship between the Federal Government and the 
States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the 
various levels of government, and, therefore, will not have federalism 
implications.

B. Executive Order 13175, Consultation and Coordination With Indian 
Tribal Governments

    Consistent with Executive Order 13175, Consultation and 
Coordination with Indian Tribal Governments,\5\ and FAA Order 1210.20, 
American Indian and Alaska Native Tribal Consultation Policy and 
Procedures,\6\ the FAA ensures that Federally Recognized Tribes 
(Tribes) are given the opportunity to provide meaningful and timely 
input regarding proposed Federal actions that have the potential to 
have substantial direct effects on one or more Indian Tribes, on the 
relationship between the Federal government and Indian Tribes, or on 
the distribution of power and responsibilities between the Federal 
government and Indian Tribes; or to affect uniquely or significantly 
their respective Tribes. At this point, the FAA has not identified any 
unique or significant effects, environmental or otherwise, on Tribes 
resulting from this final rule.
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    \5\ 65 FR 67249 (Nov. 6, 2000).
    \6\ FAA Order No. 1210.20 (Jan. 28, 2004), available at https://www.faa.gov/documentLibrary/media/1210.pdf.
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C. Executive Order 13211, Regulations That Significantly Affect Energy 
Supply, Distribution, or Use

    The FAA analyzed this final rule under Executive Order 13211, 
Actions Concerning Regulations that Significantly Affect Energy Supply, 
Distribution, or Use. The FAA has determined that it will not be a 
``significant energy action'' under the executive order and is not 
likely to have a significant adverse effect on the supply, 
distribution, or use of energy.

D. Executive Order 13609, Promoting International Regulatory 
Cooperation

    Executive Order 13609, Promoting International Regulatory 
Cooperation, promotes international regulatory cooperation to meet 
shared challenges involving health, safety, labor, security, 
environmental, and other issues and to reduce, eliminate, or prevent 
unnecessary differences in regulatory requirements. The FAA has 
analyzed this action under the policies and agency responsibilities of 
Executive Order 13609 and has determined that this action will have no 
effect on international regulatory cooperation.

VII. Additional Information

A. Electronic Access and Filing

    A copy of this final rule and all background material may be viewed 
online at www.regulations.gov using the docket number listed above. 
Electronic retrieval help and guidelines are available on the website. 
It is available 24 hours each day, 365 days each year. An electronic 
copy of this document may also be downloaded from the Office of the 
Federal Register's website at www.federalregister.gov and the 
Government Publishing Office's website at www.govinfo.gov. A copy may 
also be found at the FAA's Regulations and Policies website at 
www.faa.gov/regulations_policies.
    Copies may also be obtained by sending a request to the Federal 
Aviation Administration, Office of Rulemaking, ARM-1, 800 Independence 
Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20591, or by calling (202) 267-9677. 
Requesters must identify the docket or notice number of this 
rulemaking.
    All documents the FAA considered in developing this final rule, 
including economic analyses and technical reports, may be accessed in 
the electronic docket for this rulemaking.

B. Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act

    The Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act (SBREFA) of 
1996 requires the FAA to comply with small entity requests for 
information or advice about compliance with statutes and regulations 
within its jurisdiction. A small entity with questions regarding this 
document may contact its local FAA official or the person listed under 
the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT heading at the beginning of the 
preamble. To find out more about SBREFA on the internet, visit 
www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/rulemaking/sbre_act/.

List of Subjects

14 CFR Part 47

    Aircraft, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.

14 CFR Part 49

    Aircraft, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.

The Amendment

    For the reasons discussed in the preamble, the Federal Aviation 
Administration amends chapter I of title 14, Code of Federal 
Regulations as follows:

PART 47--AIRCRAFT REGISTRATION

0
1. The authority citation for part 47 is revised to read as follows:

    Authority: 4 U.S.T. 1830; Pub. L. 115-254, Pub. L. 108-297, 118 
Stat. 1095 (49 U.S.C. 40101 note, 49 U.S.C. 44101 note); 49 U.S.C. 
106(f), 40113-40114, 44101-44108, 44110-44113, 44701, 44703-44704, 
44713, 45302, 46104, 46301.

0
2. Revise Sec.  47.19 to read as follows:

Sec.  47.19  Registry.

    Each application, submission, request, notification, or other 
communication sent to the Administrator under this part must be 
delivered to the Registry by a means and in a form acceptable to the 
Administrator, to include electronic or digital forms and means 
compatible with systems of the Registry.

0
3. Amend Sec.  47.31 by revising paragraph (a)(2) to read as follows:

Sec.  47.31  Application.

* * * * *
    (a) * * *
    (2) The Aircraft Bill of Sale, AC Form 8050-2, or other evidence of 
ownership authorized by Sec.  47.33, Sec.  47.35, or Sec.  47.37 
(unless already recorded at the Registry); and
* * * * *

0
4. Revise Sec.  47.39 to read as follows:

Sec.  47.39  Effective date of registration.

    An aircraft is registered on the date the Registry determines that 
the submissions meet the requirements of this part. The effective date 
of registration is shown as the date of issue on the Certificate of 
Aircraft Registration.

PART 49--RECORDING OF AIRCRAFT TITLES AND SECURITY DOCUMENTS

0
5. The authority citation for part 49 is revised to read as follows:

    Authority: 4 U.S.T. 1830; Pub. L. 108-297, 118 Stat. 1095 (49 
U.S.C. 40101 note, 49 U.S.C. 44101 note); 49 U.S.C. 106(f), 40113-
40114, 44101-44108, 44110-44113, 44701, 44704, 44713, 45302, 46104, 
46301.

0
6. Revise Sec.  49.11 to read as follows:

Sec.  49.11  FAA Aircraft Registry.

    To be eligible for recording, a conveyance must be delivered to the

[[Page 5577]]

Registry by a means and in a form acceptable to the Administrator, to 
include electronic or digital forms and means compatible with systems 
of the Registry.

0
7. Amend Sec.  49.17 by revising paragraph (d)(3) to read as follows:

Sec.  49.17  Conveyances recorded.

* * * * *
    (d) * * *
    (3) An assignment of an interest in a security agreement must be 
signed by the assignor and, unless it is attached to and is a part of 
the originating agreement, must describe the agreement in sufficient 
detail to identify it, including its date, the names of the parties, 
the date of FAA recording, and the recorded conveyance number.
* * * * *

0
8. Revise Sec.  49.21 to read as follows:

Sec.  49.21  True copy of original conveyance.

    A person submitting a conveyance for recording may submit a true 
copy in lieu of the original, except where an original is specifically 
required. The true copy must be in a form and manner acceptable to the 
Administrator, to which is attached a certificate, or other acceptable 
attestation, of the person submitting the conveyance stating that the 
copy has been compared with the original and that it is a true copy.

0
9. Amend Sec.  49.33 by revising paragraph (c) to read as follows:

Sec.  49.33  Eligibility for recording: general requirements.

* * * * *
    (c) It is a true copy of an original document, certified under 
Sec.  49.21, or an original document or a duplicate original document;
* * * * *

    Issued under authority provided by 49 U.S.C. 106(f), 44701(a), 
and 44101-44108 in Washington, DC.
Michael Gordon Whitaker,
Administrator.
[FR Doc. 2025-00763 Filed 1-16-25; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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