Aircraft Maintenance: Custom N numbers

If you know the letters or numbers you’d like to memorialize, you’ll also need to understand the rules.

1. N numbers consist of a series of alphanumeric characters that 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).
2. To avoid confusion with the numbers one and zero, the letters I and O are not to be used.
3. An N number may not begin with zero. You must precede the first zero in an N number with any number one through nine. For example, "N01Z" is not valid.
4. Registration numbers N1 through N99 are strictly reserved for FAA internal use.

With these rules in hand, you can make a list of N numbers that would meet your goals. Armed with this list, you can begin the search for which ones are available on the FAA website.

You will need to reserve an N number before you can assign it and paint it on the aircraft. It only costs $10 to reserve an N number for one year through the FAA website. You can renew your reservation annually if you choose. However, requesting reservation from the site does not guarantee reservation. Requests are processed in order of receipt, and it is possible that other requests for the same N number are already in process. Upon reservation, the FAA will mail a confirmation notice to the requester. A renewal notice also will be sent prior to the expiration date.

Making the change

With your special N number reservation in hand, you are free to change the registration number of your aircraft. You’ll need to send a letter to the FAA requesting the assignment of a different number to your aircraft. This letter must include:

• Name of the aircraft manufacture,
• Aircraft model designation,
• Aircraft serial number, and
• Current U.S. registration number.

The letter must be signed by the owner in ink, including a typed or printed name and title if appropriate. It also is helpful if a telephone number and current mailing address are included. If you are requesting an N number that you already hold in reserve, you must include a $10 assignment fee.

If you like surprises, you also can complete the process in one step. You can request an N number and assignment in a single letter for $20 ($10 for the N number request and $10 for the assignment). In addition to the information above, your letter should list several acceptable and available (when you searched) N numbers. The FAA Aircraft Registration Branch will research the numbers in the order you list them and assign the first N number verified as available for the number change.

Upon approval of the N number change, the FAA will mail an Assignment of Special Registration Number, AC Form 8050-64, to the aircraft owner in triplicate authorizing the placement of the new registration number on the aircraft.

You are now officially authorized to change the N number on your aircraft. However, your responsibilities do not end with the paint gun. Within five days after the new number is placed on the aircraft, the owner must complete the AC Form 8050-64 showing the date the new registration number was placed on the aircraft, sign the form in ink showing their title if appropriate, and return the original AC Form 8050-64 to the FAA Aircraft Registration Branch at the address shown on the form.

You also need to carry the second copy of the AC Form 8050-64 with the current Certificate of Aircraft Registration, AC Form 8050-3, as a temporary authority to operate the aircraft under the new N number until the replacement Certificate of Aircraft Registration showing the new N number is received.

Just in case you might want to revert back to your old N number in the future, you have the option of reserving the old number that just came off the aircraft by requesting this in writing anytime during the N number change process. And, you guessed it, be sure to include another $10.

One more thing: Practice saying your new N number out loud at least 100 times and then sleep on it before you make a final decision. It’s the beginning of a beautiful new relationship between you and your aircraft that shouldn’t be taken lightly. Happy flying!