N number size requirements
Posted: Tue Apr 23, 2013 11:40 am
I split this off from the other thread so as to avoid hijacking.... hope this helps someone.
I did a lot of research on the N number size requirements a couple of years ago. It is confusing. What I found was that 2 inch numbers are ok for airplanes 30 years and older.
The pertinent paragraph is:
14 CFR Part 45
Identification and Registration Markings
Subpart C--Nationality and Registration Marks
Sec. 45.22 Exhibition, antique, and other aircraft: Special rules.
(b) A small U.S.-registered aircraft built at least 30 years ago or a
U.S.- registered aircraft for which an experimental certificate has been
issued under Sec. 21.191(d) or 21.191(g) for operation as an exhibition
aircraft or as an amateur-built aircraft and which has the same external
configuration as an aircraft built at least 30 years ago may be operated without displaying
marks in accordance with Secs. 45.21 and 45.23 through 45.33 if:
(1) It displays in accordance with Sec. 45.21(c) marks at least 2 inches
high on each side of the fuselage or vertical tail surface consisting of
the Roman capital letter "N" followed by:
(i) The U.S. registration number of the aircraft; ..... (note: 45.21(c) refers to contrast, legibility, etc.)
Then there is the question of repainting... Section 45.29 appears to say that if you repaint your numbers they have to be big... but ... it refers "antique" airplanes back to 45.22, which describes antique airplanes as being built at least 30 years ago.
Sec. 45.29 Size of marks.
(a) Except as provided in paragraph (f) of this section, each operator
of an aircraft shall display marks on the aircraft meeting the size
requirements of this section.
(b) Height. Except as provided in paragraph (h) of this part, the
nationality and registration marks must be of equal height and on--
(1) Fixed-wing aircraft, must be at least 12 inches high, except that:
(i) An aircraft displaying marks at least 2 inches high before November
1, 1981 and an aircraft manufactured after November 2, 1981, but before
January 1, 1983, may display those marks until the aircraft is repainted or the marks are repainted, restored, or changed;
(ii) Marks at least 3 inches high may be displayed on a glider;
(iii) Marks at least 3 inches high may be displayed on an aircraft for
which an experimental certificate has been issued under Sec. 21.191(d)
or 21.191(g) for operating as an exhibition aircraft or as an amateur-built
aircraft when the maximum cruising speed of the aircraft does not exceed
180 knots CAS; and
(iv) Marks may be displayed on an exhibition, antique, or other aircraft
in accordance with Sec. 45.22.
12 inch numbers are required to cross an ADIZ and there is no ADIZ on our border with Canada. There is also no ADIZ between most of mainland Alaska and Canada so if you fly up the highway to Alaska, you are ok with 2 inch numbers. There is an ADIZ in Southeast Alaska, so if you go up the coast to Alaska you might cross an ADIZ, depending on your route.
Sec. 45.29 Size of marks.
(h) After March 7, 1988, each operator of an aircraft penetrating an
ADIZ or DEWIZ shall display on that aircraft temporary or permanent
nationality and registration marks at least 12 inches high.
If you do cross an ADIZ, temporary 12 inch numbers are ok (so you can use tape)
14 CFR Part 45
Identification and Registration Markings
Subpart C--Nationality and Registration Marks
Sec. 45.21 General.
(c) Aircraft nationality and registration marks must--
((3) It is marked temporarily to meet the requirements of Sec.
45.22(c)(1)
Sec.45.22
(c) No person may operate an aircraft under paragraph (a) or (b) of this
section--
(1) In an ADIZ or DEWIZ described in Part 99 of this chapter unless it
temporarily bears marks in accordance with Secs. 45.21 and 45.23 through
45.33;
And you can pass through Canada in a US registered airplane with 2 inch numbers. Their regs say that if it is a foreign registered aircraft it has to meet the rules of the foreign state.
Here is their rule:
Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs) 2011-2
Subpart 2 - Aircraft Marking and Registration
Content last revised: 2003/12/01
DIVISION I - AIRCRAFT MARKS
Requirements for Marks on Aircraft
202.01 (1) Subject to subsection (2), no person shall operate an aircraft in Canada unless its marks are visible and are displayed
(a) in the case of a Canadian aircraft, in accordance with the requirements of the Aircraft Marking and Registration Standards; and
(b)in the case of an aircraft registered in a foreign state, in accordance with the laws of that foreign state.
I did a lot of research on the N number size requirements a couple of years ago. It is confusing. What I found was that 2 inch numbers are ok for airplanes 30 years and older.
The pertinent paragraph is:
14 CFR Part 45
Identification and Registration Markings
Subpart C--Nationality and Registration Marks
Sec. 45.22 Exhibition, antique, and other aircraft: Special rules.
(b) A small U.S.-registered aircraft built at least 30 years ago or a
U.S.- registered aircraft for which an experimental certificate has been
issued under Sec. 21.191(d) or 21.191(g) for operation as an exhibition
aircraft or as an amateur-built aircraft and which has the same external
configuration as an aircraft built at least 30 years ago may be operated without displaying
marks in accordance with Secs. 45.21 and 45.23 through 45.33 if:
(1) It displays in accordance with Sec. 45.21(c) marks at least 2 inches
high on each side of the fuselage or vertical tail surface consisting of
the Roman capital letter "N" followed by:
(i) The U.S. registration number of the aircraft; ..... (note: 45.21(c) refers to contrast, legibility, etc.)
Then there is the question of repainting... Section 45.29 appears to say that if you repaint your numbers they have to be big... but ... it refers "antique" airplanes back to 45.22, which describes antique airplanes as being built at least 30 years ago.
Sec. 45.29 Size of marks.
(a) Except as provided in paragraph (f) of this section, each operator
of an aircraft shall display marks on the aircraft meeting the size
requirements of this section.
(b) Height. Except as provided in paragraph (h) of this part, the
nationality and registration marks must be of equal height and on--
(1) Fixed-wing aircraft, must be at least 12 inches high, except that:
(i) An aircraft displaying marks at least 2 inches high before November
1, 1981 and an aircraft manufactured after November 2, 1981, but before
January 1, 1983, may display those marks until the aircraft is repainted or the marks are repainted, restored, or changed;
(ii) Marks at least 3 inches high may be displayed on a glider;
(iii) Marks at least 3 inches high may be displayed on an aircraft for
which an experimental certificate has been issued under Sec. 21.191(d)
or 21.191(g) for operating as an exhibition aircraft or as an amateur-built
aircraft when the maximum cruising speed of the aircraft does not exceed
180 knots CAS; and
(iv) Marks may be displayed on an exhibition, antique, or other aircraft
in accordance with Sec. 45.22.
12 inch numbers are required to cross an ADIZ and there is no ADIZ on our border with Canada. There is also no ADIZ between most of mainland Alaska and Canada so if you fly up the highway to Alaska, you are ok with 2 inch numbers. There is an ADIZ in Southeast Alaska, so if you go up the coast to Alaska you might cross an ADIZ, depending on your route.
Sec. 45.29 Size of marks.
(h) After March 7, 1988, each operator of an aircraft penetrating an
ADIZ or DEWIZ shall display on that aircraft temporary or permanent
nationality and registration marks at least 12 inches high.
If you do cross an ADIZ, temporary 12 inch numbers are ok (so you can use tape)
14 CFR Part 45
Identification and Registration Markings
Subpart C--Nationality and Registration Marks
Sec. 45.21 General.
(c) Aircraft nationality and registration marks must--
((3) It is marked temporarily to meet the requirements of Sec.
45.22(c)(1)
Sec.45.22
(c) No person may operate an aircraft under paragraph (a) or (b) of this
section--
(1) In an ADIZ or DEWIZ described in Part 99 of this chapter unless it
temporarily bears marks in accordance with Secs. 45.21 and 45.23 through
45.33;
And you can pass through Canada in a US registered airplane with 2 inch numbers. Their regs say that if it is a foreign registered aircraft it has to meet the rules of the foreign state.
Here is their rule:
Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs) 2011-2
Subpart 2 - Aircraft Marking and Registration
Content last revised: 2003/12/01
DIVISION I - AIRCRAFT MARKS
Requirements for Marks on Aircraft
202.01 (1) Subject to subsection (2), no person shall operate an aircraft in Canada unless its marks are visible and are displayed
(a) in the case of a Canadian aircraft, in accordance with the requirements of the Aircraft Marking and Registration Standards; and
(b)in the case of an aircraft registered in a foreign state, in accordance with the laws of that foreign state.