Questions and Answers on the Aircraft Registry Closure During the Government Shutdown

Updated October 7, 2013

With the FAA Aircraft Registry in Oklahoma City closed due to the Federal government shutdown, NBAA Members are facing a variety of challenging questions about aircraft transactions and operations. After consulting members of NBAA’s Tax Committee, the following are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions.

As always, Members are advised to consult with qualified aviation legal counsel on all aircraft registration issues.

Does mailing a duplicate aircraft registration application and bill of sale to the FAA during the shutdown mean that your aircraft is properly registered?

No, the FAA has not adopted a “mailbox rule” for delivery of documents, so it cannot be concluded that mailing registration documents to FAA during the shutdown will meet filing requirements. While mailing an application may allow owners to fly on a “pink copy” – temporary authorization to fly in U.S. – this likely does not mean rights in the aircraft are properly perfected.

If an aircraft registration is set to expire, can an owner complete an aircraft registration form and use the pink copy to fly?

No, if an aircraft registration is set to expire, it must be renewed through the FAA re-registration/renewal process. Completing a new aircraft registration form and using the pink copy to operate is not permissible.

How long is the pink copy valid for and can it be used for international operations?

The temporary authorization or pink copy is valid for up to 90 days and is only valid for operations within the United States.

What is a temporary certificate of registration and how is it different from the pink copy?

The temporary certificate of registration or “fly wire” is issued when all documents have been processed by the aircraft registry and the aircraft is registered by FAA. The fly wire is valid for 30 days and can be used for international operations.

What are the upcoming deadlines for aircraft renewals/re-registration?

Detailed information is available on the FAA Re-Registration and Renewal FAQ.

When was the information on the FAA’s “Search FAA Document On Line” database last updated?

This data is typically one day behind as it is updated each night at midnight. This means that information should be current as of Friday, September 27 or possibly Monday, September 30 depending on when FAA last made updates.

If you have any additional questions on the impact of the FAA Aircraft Registry closure, please contact NBAA’s Operation Services Group at ops@nbaa.org.