Tessmacher
10-06-2013, 08:37 AM
I haven't been able to find an understandable answer in the regs, so I thought I'd post here to get some expert opinions...
Let's say that I'm about to purchase a kit to build as an E-AB. I also would like to try to get a particular N-number if possible, rather than just let the FAA issue me one at random. The N-number I would like to have is not active in the registry, as it once belonged to an airplane that was exported from a factory to Venezuela in 1967. Search results came back with the N-number as "Deregistered". Another possible N-number is shown as "Deregistered" as of 1991, having belonged to an aircraft in Nebraska that was listed as "Destroyed". (Parenthetically, I looked up a third optional number, and it showed as "Pending" on a homebuilt in Texas.)
First question, does this mean I can request either of the first two "Deregistered" numbers, since neither of them are on an active aircraft in the United States, and do not belong to anyone?
To complicate matters, a fellow at the local airport informed me that there is a completed example of an aircraft of the type I am interested in building available for sale, listed on the Barnstormers website. I have looked at it, and it seems like a good buy, although I really dislike the paint scheme. It is registered and flying, which brings up my second question. If I were to give up the idea of building, bought this aircraft and repainted it, could I request to change the N-number to one of the "Deregistered" ones I looked up in the FAA database? Is that kind of thing possible at all? It is an Experimental Amateur Built for what its worth.
Thanks!
Let's say that I'm about to purchase a kit to build as an E-AB. I also would like to try to get a particular N-number if possible, rather than just let the FAA issue me one at random. The N-number I would like to have is not active in the registry, as it once belonged to an airplane that was exported from a factory to Venezuela in 1967. Search results came back with the N-number as "Deregistered". Another possible N-number is shown as "Deregistered" as of 1991, having belonged to an aircraft in Nebraska that was listed as "Destroyed". (Parenthetically, I looked up a third optional number, and it showed as "Pending" on a homebuilt in Texas.)
First question, does this mean I can request either of the first two "Deregistered" numbers, since neither of them are on an active aircraft in the United States, and do not belong to anyone?
To complicate matters, a fellow at the local airport informed me that there is a completed example of an aircraft of the type I am interested in building available for sale, listed on the Barnstormers website. I have looked at it, and it seems like a good buy, although I really dislike the paint scheme. It is registered and flying, which brings up my second question. If I were to give up the idea of building, bought this aircraft and repainted it, could I request to change the N-number to one of the "Deregistered" ones I looked up in the FAA database? Is that kind of thing possible at all? It is an Experimental Amateur Built for what its worth.
Thanks!