REFLECTOR: N numbers, thanks!

Sun Jun 29 20:35:16 CDT 2014

Here is what AOPA says about N numbers. Be sure to read through the exceptions.

Airplane "N Number" Markings
Most aircraft are required to have N numbers, or "markings," at least 12 inches high. Here is a summary of the rest of the required physical attributes of the markings, as well as a list of those aircraft exempt from the 12-inch requirement.

Click here for information about changing or reserving your N number.

Applicable Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 
14 CFR Part 45, Identification and Registration Marking, prescribes the requirements of aircraft registration numbers.

Required Physical Attributes

For most fixed-wing aircraft, the marks must meet the following requirements:

Height: 12 inches
Width: two-thirds wide as they are high
The number "1" must be one-sixth as wide as high
Letters "M" and "W" may be as high as they are wide
Thickness: solid lines one-sixth as thick as the character is high
Spacing: no less than one-fourth of the character width
Uniformity: same height, width, thickness, and spacing on both sides of the aircraft.
Exceptions

Note: No person may operate an aircraft under the exceptions listed below if one or more of the following apply:

Operations in an ADIZ or DEWIZ described in FAR Part 99 unless temporarily has markings in accordance with FAR 45.21 and 45.23 through 45.33.
Operations in a foreign country unless that country consents to that operation.
Operations conducted under FAR parts 121, 133, 135, or 137.
The following aircraft may display marks at least 2 inches high:

Aircraft that had 2-inch markings displayed before November 1, 1981, and an aircraft manufactured after November 2, 1981, but before January 1, 1983, may display those marks until the aircraft has been repainted, restored, or changed.
Antique/classic aircraft: Aircraft built at least 30 years ago, or an aircraft issued an experimental certificate underFAR 21.191(d) or (g) for operation as an exhibition aircraft or as an amateur-built that has the same external configuration as an aircraft built at least 30 years ago may display marks at least 2 inches high.
The following aircraft may display marks at least 3 inches high:

Gliders, airships, spherical and non-spherical balloons, powered parachutes, and weight-shift-control aircraft.
Experimental exhibition, amateur-built, or a light sport aircraft under FAR 21.191(d), (g), and (i) when the maximum cruising speed of the aircraft does not exceed 180 knots CAS.
Other exceptions:

FAR 45.22 for exhibition, including motion picture or television production, or an airshow aircraft.
Note: If, due to the configuration of an aircraft, it is impossible for a person to mark it in accordance with FAR 45.21 and 45.23 through 45.33, he may apply to the FAA for a different marking procedure.
When 12-Inch Numbers Are REQUIRED

All aircraft penetrating an air defense identification zone (ADIZ) must have markings at least 12 inches high, at least temporarily. Using 2-inch-wide electrical tape is an acceptable method to temporarily display the aircraft's registration markings.

Updated Nov. 16, 2011

Sent from my iPad

> On Jun 29, 2014, at 7:31 PM, Velocity Aircraft Owners and Builders list <reflector at tvbf.org> wrote:
> 
> He walked out as soon as I shut down.  Two other aircraft pulled in at the same time.
> 
> Sent from AOL Mobile Mail
> 
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Velocity Aircraft Owners and Builders list <reflector at tvbf.org>
> To: reflector <reflector at tvbf.org>
> Sent: Sun, Jun 29, 2014 05:26 PM
> Subject: Re: REFLECTOR: N numbers, thanks!
> 
> 
> I'm surprised he came out of the shack. Did you not unload and bring your stuff inside ? 
> 
> From: Velocity Aircraft Owners and Builders list <reflector at tvbf.org>
> To: reflector at tvbf.org 
> Sent: Sunday, June 29, 2014 1:43 PM
> Subject: REFLECTOR: N numbers, thanks!
> 
> Hay guy, I posted a inquiry a month ago asking the best way to attach 12" N numbers in order to go to the Bahamas since I have 3" numbers. The responses were unanimous not to worry about it as several said they do it, and have never been questioned, but carry tape just in case. 
> 
> Had a great time in the Bahamas until hitting customs in fort Pierce.  12" numbers are required (regs say so, why I asked in the first place) tape is not acceptable (must be permeant).  Got off with a warning (first one free), next violation $5,000.   Custom agent was courteous thou.
> FYI
> 
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