Getting the N Number

(10/02/00)

     Back in September, I filed a request with the FAA to reserve an N-Number for my Velocity.  Today, I received a letter back from the OK City telling me that my first choice is now reserved for me for a year.  Not bad for a government job.  I was expecting to hear from them much later.  Together with the notice, they also sent me a batch of forms to fill out so that I can register the aircraft.

     Here is a bit of explanation about the (often misunderstood) process of getting and registering the N-Number.  Depending on how you do this, it may be a single step process or it may be two steps.  In my case, it is two steps.

1. Reservation of N-Number. - This means that the N-Number is reserved for me.  This does not mean that the number is associated with any particular aircraft.  It simply means that I can use the N-Number later to register an aircraft.  In fact, the letter from the FAA specifically states that I am not supposed to paint the N-Number on the plane.  This process can be done by simply sending off a letter and $10 check to the FAA like I did.
2. Registration of Aircraft. - This is a bit more involved.  This requires that you need to establish the ownership of the aircraft and provide detailed information about the aircraft like serial number, engine type and serial number, dimensions, etc.  Once this process is done, the N-Number is associated with that particular aircraft and the number should be painted on the plane.

     The step #1 can be combined with step #2 if you prefer.  I just wanted my N-Number beforehand.  So.  The number I have reserved for this plane is.

N21HV

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