Registration regulations
This page details the different regulations and requirements for aircraft registration numbers based on country, a helpful guide of registration basics to make the process of both choosing and designing your unique registration number all the easier! Everything from size, placement, color, and much more can be found detailed below along with visual examples of the different requirements and rules. We plan to include as many countries as possible and will be adding more as we are able, if you have any questions or would like to request a set of specific regulations please contact Evoke Aircraft Design, and we will gladly help!
United States Regulations
United States Regulations
N-Number Basics
In the United States a registration number is known as an N-Number, due to each number starting with the letter N. What follows are the regulations for creating a valid N-Number for aircraft in the United States.
N-Numbers consist of a series of alphanumeric characters. U.S. registration numbers may not exceed five characters in addition to the standard U.S. registration prefix letter N. These characters may be:
One to five numbers (N12345)
One to four numbers followed by one letter (N1234Z)
One to three numbers followed by two letters (N123AZ)
To avoid confusion with the numbers one and zero, the letters I and O are not to be used.
An N-Number may not begin with zero. You must precede the first zero in an N-Number with any number 1 through 9. For example, N01Z is not valid.
Registration numbers N1 through N99 are strictly reserved for FAA internal use.
The FAA no longer issues numbers beginning with NC, NX, NR, or NL. On some older aircraft, these numbers may be displayed in accordance with 14 CFR 45.22.
NATIONALITY AND REGISTRATION MARKS
GENERAL
(a) Except as provided in § 45.22, no person may operate a U.S.-registered aircraft unless that aircraft displays nationality and registration marks in accordance with the requirements of this section and §§ 45.23 through 45.33.
(b) Unless otherwise authorized by the FAA, no person may place on any aircraft a design, mark, or symbol that modifies or confuses the nationality and registration marks.
(c) Aircraft nationality and registration marks must -
(1) Except as provided in paragraph (d) of this section, be painted on the aircraft or affixed by any other means insuring a similar degree of permanence;
(2) Have no ornamentation;
(3) Contrast in color with the background; and
(4) Be legible.
(d) The aircraft nationality and registration marks may be affixed to an aircraft with readily removable material if -
(1) It is intended for immediate delivery to a foreign purchaser;
(2) It is bearing a temporary registration number; or
(3) It is marked temporarily to meet the requirements of § 45.22(c)(1) or § 45.29(h) of this part, or both.
14 CFR 45.21
EXHIBITION, ANTIQUE, AND OTHER AIRCRAFT: SPECIAL RULES
(a) When display of aircraft nationality and registration marks in accordance with §§ 45.21 and 45.23 through 45.33 would be inconsistent with exhibition of that aircraft, a U.S.-registered aircraft may be operated without displaying those marks anywhere on the aircraft if:
(1) It is operated for the purpose of exhibition, including a motion picture or television production, or an airshow;
(2) Except for practice and test fights necessary for exhibition purposes, it is operated only at the location of the exhibition, between the exhibition locations, and between those locations and the base of operations of the aircraft; and
(3) For each flight in the United States:
(i) It is operated with the prior approval of the responsible Flight Standards office, in the case of a flight within the lateral boundaries of the surface areas of Class B, Class C, Class D, or Class E airspace designated for the takeoff airport, or within 4.4 nautical miles of that airport if it is within Class G airspace; or
(ii) It is operated under a flight plan filed under either § 91.153 or § 91.169 of this chapter describing the marks it displays, in the case of any other flight.
(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 § 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 §§ 45.21 and 45.23 through 45.33 if:
(1) It displays in accordance with § 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; or
(ii) The symbol appropriate to the airworthiness certificate of the aircraft (“C”, standard; “R”, restricted; “L”, limited; or “X”, experimental) followed by the U.S. registration number of the aircraft; and
(2) It displays no other mark that begins with the letter “N” anywhere on the aircraft, unless it is the same mark that is displayed under paragraph (b)(1) of this section.
(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 §§ 45.21 and 45.23 through 45.33;
(2) In a foreign country unless that country consents to that operation; or
(3) In any operation conducted under Part 121, 133, 135, or 137 of this chapter.
(d) If, due to the configuration of an aircraft, it is impossible for a person to mark it in accordance with §§ 45.21 and 45.23 through 45.33, he may apply to the FAA for a different marking procedure.
14 CFR 45.22
DISPLAY OF MARKS; GENERAL
(a) Each operator of an aircraft must display on that aircraft marks consisting of the Roman capital letter “N” (denoting United States registration) followed by the registration number of the aircraft. Each suffix letter used in the marks displayed must also be a Roman capital letter.
(b) When marks include only the Roman capital letter “N” and the registration number is displayed on limited, restricted or light-sport category aircraft or experimental or provisionally certificated aircraft, the operator must also display on that aircraft near each entrance to the cabin, cockpit, or pilot station, in letters not less than 2 inches nor more than 6 inches high, the words “limited,” “restricted,” “light-sport,” “experimental,” or “provisional,” as applicable.
14 CFR 45.23
LOCATION OF MARKS ON FIXED-WING AIRCRAFT
(a) The operator of a fixed-wing aircraft must display the required marks on either the vertical tail surfaces or the sides of the fuselage, except as provided in § 45.29(f).
(b) The marks required by paragraph (a) of this section must be displayed as follows:
(1) If displayed on the vertical tail surfaces, horizontally on both surfaces, horizontally on both surfaces of a single vertical tail or on the outer surfaces of a multivertical tail. However, on aircraft on which marks at least 3 inches high may be displayed in accordance with § 45.29(b)(1), the marks may be displayed vertically on the vertical tail surfaces.
(2) If displayed on the fuselage surfaces, horizontally on both sides of the fuselage between the trailing edge of the wing and the leading edge of the horizontal stabilizer. However, if engine pods or other appurtenances are located in this area and are an integral part of the fuselage side surfaces, the operator may place the marks on those pods or appurtenances.
14 CFR 45.25
SIZE OF MARKS
(a) Except as provided in paragraph (f) of this section, each operator of an aircraft must 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 the FAA has issued an experimental certificate under § 21.191 (d), § 21.191 (g), or § 21.191 (i) of this chapter to operate as an exhibition aircraft, an amateur-built aircraft, or a light-sport 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 § 45.22.
(2) Airships, spherical balloons, nonspherical balloons, powered parachutes, and weight-shift-control aircraft must be at least 3 inches high; and
(3) Rotorcraft, must be at least 12 inches high, except that rotorcraft displaying before April 18, 1983, marks required by § 45.29(b)(3) in effect on April 17, 1983, and rotorcraft manufactured on or after April 18, 1983, but before December 31, 1983, may display those marks until the aircraft is repainted or the marks are repainted, restored, or changed.
(c) Width. Characters must be two-thirds as wide as they are high, except the number “1”, which must be one-sixth as wide as it is high, and the letters “M” and “W” which may be as wide as they are high.
(d) Thickness. Characters must be formed by solid lines one-sixth as thick as the character is high.
(e) Spacing. The space between each character may not be less than one-fourth of the character width.
(f) If either one of the surfaces authorized for displaying required marks under § 45.25 is large enough for display of marks meeting the size requirements of this section and the other is not, full size marks must be placed on the larger surface. If neither surface is large enough for full-size marks, marks as large as practicable must be displayed on the larger of the two surfaces. If no surface authorized to be marked by § 45.27 is large enough for full-size marks, marks as large as practicable must be placed on the largest of the authorized surfaces. However, powered parachutes and weight-shift-control aircraft must display marks at least 3 inches high.
(g) Uniformity. The marks required by this part for fixed-wing aircraft must have the same height, width, thickness, and spacing on both sides of the aircraft.
(h) After March 7, 1988, each operator of an aircraft penetrating an ADIZ or DEWIZ must display on that aircraft temporary or permanent nationality and registration marks at least 12 inches high.
14 CFR 45.29
UK Regulations
United Kingdom Regulations
The Display of Nationality and Registration Marks on Aircraft
Article 5 of the Air Navigation Order 2000 requires UK registered aircraft regardless of size and classification to bear nationality and registration marks in accordance with the regulations set out in Part B of Schedule 2 to the Order. It is an offense not to comply with these regulations unless an exemption has been granted and for your convenience a copy of Part B of Schedule 2 to the Order appears in Chapter 3, pages 1 and 2. Examples showing acceptable lettering and format are given on Chapter 2, pages 1 to 3.
The aim of displaying the registration mark is to allow ready identification of the aircraft. The requirements are specific but there are a number of points which some aircraft owners and operators may fail to appreciate. These are stressed in the following paragraphs:
Paragraph 1 of Part B to the Schedule requires the letters to be in Roman characters and to be without ornamentation. Thus embellished letters are not permitted. For the side lettering a slope of no more than 30 degrees is acceptable as illustrated on Chapter 2, page 1. Please note that no other letter or number may be inserted between the nationality mark ‘G’ and the hyphen, nor between the hyphen and the particular registration letters, nor adjacent to the nationality and registration marks.
Paragraph 1(2) of the Schedule says that the nationality and registration marks shall be displayed to the best advantage taking into consideration the constructional features of the aircraft; and shall always be kept clean and visible. The ‘best’ advantage is the best advantage of an external viewer either on the ground or in another aircraft.
The size of the letters must not be less than the dimensions stated in paragraph 2 of Part B to the Schedule and, in particular, the height of the letters for underwing markings must be a minimum of 50 cm. The standard side markings required to be displayed on the fuselage or tail of an aircraft should normally be no less than 30 cm (except that if a height of 30 cm is not reasonably practicable owing to the structure of the aircraft, the height must be the largest reasonably practicable). Any authorized surface capable of carrying side markings at least 30 cm high may be used for their display, but if only one such surface exists, then that surface must be used in preference to any smaller surface which can accommodate only markings less than 30 cm high. If none of the authorized surfaces can accommodate 30 cm high markings, then the authorized surface capable of carrying the largest reasonably practicable markings must be used. If on an aircraft having no fixed wing surface the largest reasonably practicable height of the side markings is less than 30 cm, marks must also be carried on the lower surface of the aircraft. The height of marks which may be required on the lower surface of an aircraft with no fixed wing surface should normally be no less than 50 cm, but if this is not reasonably practicable owing to the structure of the aircraft, the height should be the largest reasonably practicable.
Nationality and registration marks have to be of the same single color and distinct from the background on which the letters are placed, and must be given adequate separation from any other marks. Letters should contrast markedly with the background color of that part of the aircraft. Simply outlining the letters in a contrasting color is unlikely to provide the necessary legibility. The following notes give guidance on suitable color schemes:
Dark lettering against a light background is preferred but light lettering on a dark background is acceptable.
Ideally the background should be of uniform color and have a gloss finish, and lettering should be matte. However, if light lettering is used, this should be gloss while the background should be matte.
Recommended colors for registration letters include: black, dark blue, dark green, dark red, and dark purple.
Recommended background colors include: white, yellow, light blue (but not with dark blue letters), light green (not with dark green), and pink (not with red).
Intermediate colors such as orange, brown, and grey should be avoided for either lettering or background.There are, of course, other color combinations available but those mentioned above give an idea of the general principles involved.
There is also a requirement for the provision of a fireproof metal plate bearing the nationality and registration marks of the aircraft. This plate has to be affixed to the aircraft in a prominent position in accordance with the requirements stated in paragraph 1(4) of Part B to the Schedule. If the registration subsequently changes, a revised fireproof metal plate will be required. The same registration marks must be shown on the airframe structure or balloon envelope etc. as on the fireproof metal plate.
Owners of aircraft should be aware that it is an offense for the aircraft to bear any marks which purport to indicate that it is registered in a country in which it is not registered. Exemptions may be granted in certain circumstances against the need to carry UK nationality and registration marks but this will not include permission to bear foreign civil nationality and registration marks.
The proper display of registration marks is in the interests of the owner and the commander of the aircraft. Non-compliance with the provisions of Article 5 of the Air Navigation Order 2000 may lead to prosecution.
Aircraft Nationality and Registration Marks – Specifications
The Air Navigation Order 2000 Schedule 2 details the specifications of the lettering to be used for the display of aircraft nationality and registration marks. This lettering is required to conform to the English alphabet and is defined in the international standard ICAO Annex 7 as capital letters in Roman characters (as distinct from eg. Cyrillic or Arabic characters). Examples of lettering styles accepted as meeting the requirements of the Order are given below:
Upright lettering:
Lettering with a slope of no more than thirty degrees:
The lettering is required to be without ornamentation.
Where the aircraft has small vertical surfaces which preclude the use of the standard size or format of side markings, where normally the nationality mark, the hyphen, and the four registration letters are displayed in a single line, the marks may be displayed in two lines:
If a particular difficulty arises in locating the marks, or there is doubt about the acceptability in terms particularly of size or color, then the Aircraft Registration Section or the CAA Regional Office (Aircraft Maintenance Standards Department) should be contacted for advice.
Navigation Order, 2000 SCHEDULE 2 PART B
Nationality and registration marks of aircraft registered in the United Kingdom
1. General
The nationality mark of the aircraft shall be the capital letter ‘G’ in Roman character and the registration mark shall be a group of four capital letters in Roman character assigned by the CAA on the registration of the aircraft. The letters shall be without ornamentation and a hyphen shall be placed between the nationality mark and the registration mark.
The nationality and registration marks shall be displayed to the best advantage, taking into consideration the constructional features of the aircraft and shall always be kept clean and visible.
The letters constituting each group of marks shall be of equal height and they, and the hyphen, shall all be of the same single color which shall clearly contrast with the background on which they appear.
The nationality and registration marks shall also be inscribed on a fire-proof metal plate affixed in a prominent position:
in the case of a microlight airplane, either in accordance with sub-paragraph (c) or on the wing
in the case of a balloon, on the basket or envelope
in the case of any other aircraft, on the fuselage or car as the case may be.
The nationality and registration marks shall be painted on the aircraft or shall be affixed thereto by any other means ensuring a similar degree of permanence in the manner specified in paragraphs 2 and 3 of this Part.
2. Position and Size of Marks
The position and size of marks on heavier-than-air aircraft (excluding kites) shall be as follows:
On the horizontal surfaces of the wings:
i) on aircraft having a fixed wing surface, the marks shall appear on the lower surface of the wing structure and shall be on the port wing unless they extend across the whole surface of both wings. So far as is possible the marks shall be located equidistant from the leading and trailing edges of the wings. The tops of the letters shall be towards the leading edge of the wing;
ii) the height of the letters shall be: (aa) subject to sub-paragraph (bb), at least 50 centimeters
(bb) if the wings are not large enough for the marks to be 50 centimeters in height, marks of the greatest height practicable in the circumstances
b) on the fuselage (or equivalent structure) and vertical tail surfaces:
i) the marks shall also appear either: (aa) on each side of the fuselage (or equivalent structure), and shall, in the case of fixed wing aircraft be located between the wings and the horizontal tail surface; or (bb) on the vertical tail surfaces;
ii) when located on a single vertical tail surface, the marks shall appear on both sides. When located on multi-vertical tail surfaces, the marks shall appear onthe outboard sides of the outer-surfaces. Subject to sub-paragraphs (iv) and (v),the height of the letters constituting each group of marks shall be at least 30 centimeters;
iii) if one of the surfaces authorized for displaying the required marks is large enough for those marks to be 30 centimeters in height (whilst complying with sub-paragraph (v)) and the other is not, marks of 30 centimeters in height shall be placed on the largest authorized surface;
iv) if neither authorized surface is large enough for marks of 30 centimeters in height (whilst complying with sub-paragraph (v)), marks of the greatest height practicable in the circumstances shall be displayed on the larger of the two authorized surfaces;
v) the marks on the vertical tail surfaces shall be such as to leave a margin of at least 5 centimetres along each side of the vertical tail surface;
vi) on rotary wing aircraft where owing to the structure of the aircraft the greatest height practicable for the marks on the side of the fuselage (or equivalent structure) is less than 30 centimeters, the marks shall also appear on the lower surface of the fuselage as close to the line of symmetry as is practicable and shall be placed with the tops of the letters towards the nose. The height of the letters constituting each group of marks shall be: (aa) subject to sub-paragraph (bb), at least 50 centimeters; or (bb) if the lower surface of the fuselage is not large enough for the marks to be of 50 centimeters in height, marks of the greatest height practicable in the circumstances; c) wherever in this paragraph marks of the greatest height practicable in the circumstances are required, that height shall be such as is consistent with compliance with paragraph 3 of this Part.
The position and size of marks on airships and free balloons shall be as follows:
a) in the case of airships the marks shall be placed on each side of the airship. They shall be placed horizontally either on the hull near the maximum cross-section of the airship or on the lower vertical stabilizer;
b) in the case of free balloons, the marks shall be in two places on diametrically opposite sides of the balloon;
c) in the case of both airships and free balloons the side marks shall be so placed as to be visible from the sides and from the ground. The height of the letters shall be at least 50 centimeters.
Width, Spacing, and Thickness of Marks
For the purposes of this paragraph:
‘standard letter’ shall mean any letter other than the letters I, M, and W;
the width of each standard letter and the length of the hyphen between the nationality mark and the registration mark shall be two thirds of the height of a letter
the width of the letters M and W shall be neither less than two thirds of their height nor more than their height; and the width of the letter I shall be one sixth of the height of the letter.
The thickness of the lines comprising each letter and hyphen shall be one sixth of the height of the letters forming the marks.
Each letter and hyphen shall be separated from the letter or hyphen which it immediately precedes or follows, by a space equal to either one quarter or one half of the width of a standard letter. Each such space shall be equal to every other such space within the marks.
Australia & New Zealand Regulations
Australia & New Zealand Regulations
Aircraft Registration and Certificate of Registration
47.51 — Requirement for aircraft registration and certificate
(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), every person lawfully entitled to the possession of an aircraft for 28 days or longer must, if the aircraft flies to, from, within, or over New Zealand territory, register that aircraft and hold a valid certificate of registration for that aircraft from –
(a) the Director; or
(b) the appropriate aeronautical authorities of a contracting State of ICAO; or
(c) the appropriate aeronautical authorities of another State that is party to an agreement with the Government of New Zealand or the Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand which provides for the acceptance of each other's registrations.
(2) Paragraph (1) does not apply to –
(a) an aircraft manufacturing organization certificated under Part 148, conducting flight testing of a new production aircraft for which a special flight permit has been issued under Part 21; or
(b) a person operating aircraft or equipment in accordance with Parts 101, 105, or 106; or
(c) a person operating an unmanned aircraft under the authority of an unmanned aircraft operator certificate granted under the Act and in accordance with Part 102 unless compliance with this Part is required as a condition of operation.
(3) No aircraft may be registered in New Zealand if it is registered in any other country.
47.53 — Application for registration and grant of certificate
(1) An application for the registration of an aircraft and for the grant of a New Zealand certificate of registration must be made by, or on behalf of—
(a) the person who is lawfully entitled to the possession of the aircraft for 28 days or longer; or
(b) the person who, on a date specified in the application, will be lawfully entitled to the possession of the aircraft for 28 days or longer.
(2) The applicant must complete form CAA 24047/01, which requires—
(a) the manufacturer, model and serial number of the aircraft; and
(b) the name and address for service in New Zealand of the person specified in paragraph (1) (a) or (b); and
(c) such further particulars relating to the aircraft and the person specified in paragraph (1) (a) or (b) as may be required by the Director as indicated on the form—and submit it to the Director with a payment of the appropriate application fee prescribed by regulations made under the Act.
(3) The Director may require the applicant, or the person on whose behalf the application is made, to produce all or any of the following, as may be reasonable in the circumstances:
(a) evidence of the manufacturer, model and serial number of the aircraft:
(b) evidence of the identity of the person specified in paragraph (1) (a) or (b):
(c) a statutory declaration by the person specified in paragraph (1) (a) or (b) that that person is, or on a date specified in the application will be, lawfully entitled to the possession of the aircraft for 28 days or longer.
(4) An applicant applying under this rule for the registration of an aircraft and for the grant of a New Zealand certificate of registration for an aircraft that, in accordance with Part 21, has, or is to be issued with, a special category–exhibition airworthiness certificate or a special category– limited airworthiness certificate must provide the Director with the details required by rule 47.55(4) for the operator statement.
47.55 — Registration and grant of certificate
(1) Subject to paragraph (3), an applicant is entitled to have an aircraft registered, and is entitled under section 9 of the Act, to the grant of a New Zealand certificate of registration if the Director is satisfied that—
(a) in accordance with section 6 of the Act the aircraft is not registered in any other country; and
(b) the applicant satisfies the applicable requirements of rule 47.53(2); and
(c) the evidence and statutory declaration that may be required under rule 47.53(3) is acceptable; and
(d) the person lawfully entitled to the possession of the aircraft for 28 days or longer is a fit and proper person; and
(e) if the aircraft has, or is to be issued with, a special category— exhibition airworthiness certificate or a special category-limited airworthiness certificate in accordance with Part 21, the information required by paragraph (4) is acceptable; and
(f) the granting of the certificate is not contrary to the interests of aviation safety.
(2) If the Director is satisfied that a certificate of registration may be granted in accordance with paragraph (1), the Authority must enter in the New Zealand Register of Aircraft—
(a) the date of registration; and
(b) the description of the aircraft given in the application; and
(c) the name and address for service of the person lawfully entitled to the possession of the aircraft for 28 days or longer; and
(d) the registration mark allocated to the aircraft by the Director under rule 47.103; and
(e) if applicable, the description of the identifiable paint scheme and markings approved under rule 47.104.
(3) A certificate of registration granted under paragraph (1) for an aircraft that, in accordance with Part 21 has, or is to be issued with, a special category–exhibition airworthiness certificate or a special category–limited airworthiness certificate must be accompanied by an operator statement as specified in paragraph (4).
(4) The operator statement must contain the following information:
(a) the make, model and registration marking of the aircraft;
(b) the name of the following persons—
(i) the person representing the holder of the certificate of registration for the aircraft;
(ii) the person responsible for controlling flight operations and crew member training for the aircraft;
(iii) the person responsible for controlling the maintenance of the aircraft.
(c) details of the minimum fuel reserve required for the safe operation of the aircraft under VFR, including the maximum flying time at normal cruise speed for the minimum fuel reserve;
(d) the name of the principal provider of maintenance services for the aircraft;
(e) the identity of the maintenance programme required by rule 91.605 (2) (b);
(f) details of procedures for operating the aircraft with inoperative equipment;
(g) details of any restrictions or qualifications imposed on a person who may taxi the aircraft;
(h) if applicable, details of any restrictions regarding the carriage of passengers in the aircraft;
(i) information regarding any ejection seat, explosive egress device or jettison system installed in the aircraft including:
(i) details of the equipment fitted; and
(ii) procedures for use in flight; and
(iii) procedures for training a person, who maintains or otherwise has access to the aircraft, and safety practices for any ejection seat, explosive egress device or jettison system fitted; and
(iv) safety measures on the ground, including control of stored equipment such as spare cartridges for any ejection seat, explosive egress device or jettison system; and
(v) the name of every person who holds a certificate of maintenance approval issued under Part 66 and who is authorised by the holder of the certificate of registration to perform maintenance of any ejection seat, explosive egress device or jettison system fitted; and
(vi) the name of every person responsible for conducting training on any ejection seat, explosive egress device or jettison system; and
(vii) the name of the person responsible for notifying local emergency services of the existence of an ejection seat, explosive egress device or jettison system and the safety precautions required.
47.57 — Change of possession of aircraft
(1) If the holder of a New Zealand certificate of registration ceases to have a lawful entitlement to possession of the registered aircraft for a period of 28 days or longer, the certificate expires on the date the certificate holder ceases to have lawful entitlement to possession of the aircraft.
(2) The certificate holder whose certificate expires in accordance with paragraph (1) must:
(a) within 14 days after the date of such expiry, ensure the completion of:
(i) the form printed on the reverse side of the New Zealand certificate of registration; or
(ii) form CAA 24047/03
— and submit the form to the Director with a payment of the appropriate fee prescribed by regulations made under the Act; or
where applicable, notify the Director in accordance with 47.67(2).
47.61 — Operation of aircraft after expiry of certificate
(1) Notwithstanding 47.51(1), a person lawfully entitled to the possession of an aircraft which flies to, from, within, or over New Zealand territory, is not required to hold a valid New Zealand certificate of registration for a period of 28 days from the date of expiry of the certificate under 47.57(1).
(2) After 28 days have elapsed from the expiry of a New Zealand certificate of registration under 47.57(1), the aircraft must not be operated until such time as the Director grants a certificate of registration for the aircraft.
47.63 — Replacement of certificate
(1) The holder of a New Zealand certificate of registration may apply for a replacement certificate if the certificate is:
(a) lost, stolen, or destroyed; or
(b) so damaged that particulars are no longer clearly legible.
(2) The applicant for a replacement certificate must complete form CAA 24047/01 and submit it to the Director with:
(a) a payment of the appropriate application fee prescribed by regulations made under the Act; and
(b) where applicable, the damaged certificate.
47.65 — Duration of certificate
(1) A New Zealand certificate of registration remains valid until:
(a) it expires under rule 47.57(1); or
(b) it is suspended or revoked by the Director.
(2) The holder of a New Zealand certificate of registration that is suspended must immediately produce the certificate to the Director for appropriate endorsement.
(3) The holder of a New Zealand certificate of registration that is revoked must immediately surrender the certificate to the Director.
(4) The operator statement required by rule 47.55(3) for an aircraft that has a special category–exhibition airworthiness certificate or a special category–limited airworthiness certificate issued in accordance with Part 21 remains valid only while the certificate of registration for the aircraft remains valid under paragraph (1).
47.67 — Destruction, loss/theft, withdrawal from use, or foreign registration
(1) The holder of a New Zealand certificate of registration must notify the Director in accordance with paragraph (2):
(a) within 14 days after becoming aware that the aircraft is:
(i) destroyed, lost or stolen; or
(ii) permanently withdrawn from use; or
(b) immediately upon the application for registration of the aircraft on the aircraft register of any other country.
(2) Notification under paragraph (1) must:
(a) be made in writing; and
(b) be signed by the certificate holder; and
(c) set out the circumstances of what has occurred; and
(d) be accompanied by the certificate of registration.
47.69 — Cancellation of registration
(1) An aircraft remains registered until:
(a) the holder of a certificate of registration requests the Director to revoke the certificate for the aircraft and the Director revokes the certificate; or
the Director is satisfied that:
(i) the aircraft is destroyed, lost, or stolen; or
(ii) the aircraft is permanently withdrawn from use; or
(iii) a person lawfully entitled to possession of the aircraft for 28 days or longer has applied to register the aircraft in another country; or
(iv) the aircraft is registered in a country other than New Zealand
—and the Director revokes the certificate of registration; or
(b) the Director otherwise revokes the certificate of registration in accordance with the Act; or
(c) the Director:
(i) is satisfied that the certificate of registration has expired under 47.57(1); and
(ii) has not received an application under 47.53 within 14 days after the date on which the Director was satisfied the certificate had so expired.
(2) The Authority must cancel the entry for the aircraft in the New Zealand Register of Aircraft if the Director:
(a) revokes the certificate of registration of an aircraft in accordance with paragraph (1) (i), (ii), or (iii); or
is satisfied of the matters in paragraph (1) (iv).
Despite paragraph (1) (a), the holder of a certificate of registration may not request the Director to revoke the certificate of registration for the aircraft if the Authority has recorded an irrevocable de-registration and export request authorization submitted under section 109 of the Act in relation to the aircraft.
47.71 — Nationality of aircraft
An aircraft registered by the Director in accordance with 47.55(1) has New Zealand nationality.
Aircraft Marking
47.101 — Requirement for aircraft marking
(1) Except as provided in paragraphs (2), (3), (4), and (5) the holder of a New Zealand certificate of registration must ensure that the aircraft associated with that certificate:
(a) displays the registration mark allocated under 47.103, and the nationality mark, in accordance with the requirements of 47.109 to 47.117; and
(b) displays an identification plate in accordance with the requirements of 47.119.
(2) The following types of New Zealand registered aircraft are not required to display the nationality mark when operating within New Zealand:
(a) airplanes with an MCTOW of 5700 kg or less;
(b) rotorcraft;
(c) gliders and powered gliders;
(d) manned balloons;
(e) airplanes operating pursuant to a special category airworthiness certificate issued under Part 21, Subpart H.
(3) The following types of New Zealand registered aircraft are not required to display the first letter of their registration mark when operating within New Zealand:
(a) helicopters, where the first letter of their registration mark is H;
(b) gliders and powered gliders;
(c) manned balloons, where the first letter of their registration mark is F.
(4) A New Zealand registered aircraft operating within New Zealand on a police operation authorised by the Commissioner of Police is not required to display its nationality mark or registration mark allocated under 47.103, if the aircraft displays a police mark allocated under 47.102.
(5) A New Zealand registered aircraft operating within New Zealand is not required to display its nationality mark or registration mark allocated under 47.103, if the aircraft displays an identifiable paint scheme and markings approved under 47.104.
(6) The holder of a certificate of registration for an aircraft that displays an approved identifiable paint scheme and markings under paragraph (5), must ensure that the aircraft continues to display the paint scheme and markings in accordance with 47.109.
47.102 — Police marks
(1) A police mark for display on a New Zealand registered aircraft must comprise:
(a) The word POLICE followed by a number allocated by the Commissioner of Police; or
(b) A group of three letters reserved by the Director for allocation by the Commissioner of Police.
47.103 — Nationality & registration marks
(1) The nationality mark of a New Zealand registered aircraft must be the capital letters ZK.
(2) The registration mark of a New Zealand registered aircraft must:
(a) be allocated to the aircraft by the Director; and
(b) be a group consisting of 3 letters appearing after and separated from the nationality mark by a hyphen.
47.104 — Approval of identifiable paint scheme and markings
(1) The holder of the certificate of registration for an aircraft issued with a special category airworthiness certificate in accordance with Part 21 Subpart H, may apply to the Director for approval to display an identifiable paint scheme and markings on the aircraft as an alternative to the display of the nationality and registration marks allocated under rule 47.103.
(2) The holder of a certificate of registration for a microlight aircraft, or an aircraft issued with a standard or restricted category airworthiness certificate in accordance with Part 21 Subpart H, may for historical reasons, apply to the Director for approval to display an identifiable paint scheme and markings on the aircraft as an alternative to the display of the nationality and registration marks allocated under rule 47.103.
(3) The applicant for the approval of an identifiable paint scheme and markings must complete form CAA24047/04, which requires:
(a) the nationality and registration mark allocated to the aircraft by the Director; and
(b) a written description of the proposed identifiable paint scheme and markings of the aircraft; and
(c) a three-view set of color drawings, photographs, sketches, or similar means of clearly depicting the proposed identifiable paint scheme and markings of the aircraft; and
(d) such further particulars as may be required by the Director or as indicated on the form regarding the aircraft or the holder of the certificate of registration
—and submit it to the Director with the payment of any applicable fees or charges prescribed by regulations made under the Act.
(4) The Director may approve the display of an identifiable paint scheme and markings, applied for under paragraph (1), if satisfied that the paint scheme and markings are sufficiently clear so as to distinguish the aircraft from other aircraft of the same or similar type and model.
(5) The Director may approve the display of an identifiable paint scheme and markings, applied for under paragraph (2), if satisfied that the paint scheme and markings are appropriate for historical or other special reasons, and are sufficiently clear so as to distinguish the aircraft from other aircraft of the same or similar type and model.
(6) The holder of a certificate of registration for an aircraft that has an identifiable paint scheme and markings approved under paragraph (4) or (5) on the basis of drawings or sketches, must provide the Director with a three- view set of photographs of the aircraft displaying the approved identifiable paint scheme and markings.
47.105 — Registration of identifiable paint scheme and markings
(1) The identifiable paint scheme and markings approved under 47.104 must be entered in the New Zealand Register of Aircraft in accordance with 47.55(2).
47.106 — Change of identifiable paint scheme and markings
(1) The holder of a certificate of registration for an aircraft displaying an identifiable paint scheme and markings approved under 47.104, who intends to change the paint scheme or markings, must apply for approval of a new paint scheme and markings in accordance with 47.104.
(2) The holder of a certificate of registration for an aircraft displaying an identifiable paint scheme and markings approved under 47.104, who intends to discontinue the display of the paint scheme and markings must:
(a) notify the Director in writing accordingly; and
(b) mark the aircraft in accordance with 47.101.
47.107 — Reservation of registration mark
(1) A person who intends to register an aircraft in the New Zealand register of aircraft may, on payment of any applicable fees or charges prescribed by regulations made under the Act, request the Director to reserve a registration mark.
(2) Upon receipt of a request under paragraph (1), the Director may reserve a registration mark for a period not exceeding 24 months if:
(a) the mark has not already been allocated or reserved; and
(b) the Director considers that the use of the mark would not be undesirable.
(3) A registration mark that has been reserved under paragraph (2) must not, while reserved, be allocated to an aircraft as a registration mark otherwise than at the request of the person on whose request the registration mark was reserved.
47.108 — Change of registration mark
(1) The holder of a New Zealand certificate of registration may apply to the Director for a new registration mark to replace the mark allocated to the aircraft specified in the certificate.
(2) The applicant for a change of registration mark must apply in writing and submit to the Director:
(a) the certificate of registration; and
(b) the registration mark sought; and
(c) a payment of the appropriate fee prescribed by regulations made under the Act.
(3) On receiving an application under paragraph (2), the Director may withdraw the registration mark allocated to the aircraft and allocate the new registration mark.
(4) On allocation of a new registration mark under paragraph (3), the Authority must enter in the New Zealand Register of Aircraft the particulars of the new registration mark allocated to the aircraft.
47.109 — Display of marks
(1) The nationality and registration marks required to be displayed under 47.101, or the identifiable paint scheme and markings approved under 47.104 must:
(a) be painted on the aircraft or affixed by any other means ensuring a similar degree of permanence; and
(b) be displayed to the best possible advantage having regard to the construction or features of the aircraft; and
(c) be kept clean and visible at all times.
(2) The letters and hyphen of the nationality and registration mark must be of one color contrasting clearly with the background on which they are painted or otherwise affixed.
(3) Police marks must be affixed to the aircraft by a means that will ensure the marks are displayed in accordance with the other requirements of this subpart for the duration of the police operation authorised by the Commissioner of Police.
47.111 — Location of marks – lighter-than-air aircraft
(1) Airships must display the marks required under 47.101(1):
(a) lengthwise on each side of the hulls near the maximum cross section of the airship and on the upper surface on the line of symmetry; or
(b) on the following stabilisers:
(i) the horizontal stabiliser, on the right half of the upper surface and on the left half of the lower surface with the tops of the letters towards the leading edge:
(ii) the vertical stabiliser, on each side of the bottom half stabiliser, with the letters placed horizontally.
(2) Spherical balloons must display the marks required under 47.101(1) in 2 places diametrically opposite and located near the maximum horizontal circumference of the balloon.
(3) Non-spherical balloons must display the marks required under 47.101(1) on each side, located near the maximum cross-section of the balloon and immediately above the rigging band or the points of attachment of the basket suspension cables.
47.113 — Location of marks – heavier-than-air aircraft
(1) Except as provided in paragraphs (3) and (4), airplanes, gliders, and powered gliders must display the marks required under 47.101(1):
(a) once, on the lower surface of the wing structure. If the marks are confined to the outer half of the wing structure they must be located on the left lower surface. The tops of the letters must be towards the leading edge of the wing and so far as is possible, be equidistant from the leading and trailing edges of the wing; and
(b) horizontally on both sides of the fuselage between the wings and tail surfaces, or horizontally on the upper halves of the vertical tail surfaces. Marks on a single vertical tail surface must appear on both sides. Marks on multi-vertical tail surfaces must appear on the outboard sides of the outer surfaces.
(2) Except as provided in paragraph (4), rotorcraft must display the marks required under 47.101(1) (a) in a prominent place not obscured in normal use:
(a) on the bottom surface of the fuselage or cabin; and
(b) symmetrically on both sides of the rotorcraft.
(3) Airplanes, gliders, and powered gliders, which operate exclusively within New Zealand, are not required to display marks on the lower surface of the wing structure.
(4) If an airplane, glider, powered glider, or rotorcraft:
(a) does not possess parts corresponding to those mentioned in the applicable paragraph of this rule; or
(b) the surface required to be marked in accordance with this rule is not large enough to accommodate the size of marks specified in 47.117
–the Director may approve marks, to be located elsewhere on the aircraft if:
(a) the marks are placed in a prominent place not obscured in normal use; and
(b) the marks can be readily identified.
47.115 — Specification of marks
(1) The nationality and registration marks must consist of capital letters in Roman characters without ornamentation.
(2) The width of each letter (except the letter "I") and the length of the hyphen must be two-thirds of the height of the letter.
(3) Each letter must be separated from the letter which immediately precedes or follows it by a space not less than one-quarter the height of the individual letters, the hyphen being regarded as a letter for this purpose.
(4) The lines forming the letters and hyphen must be solid and the thickness of those lines must be one-sixth of the height of the letter.
47.117 — Measurement of marks
(1) The nationality and registration marks displayed must be formed of letters of equal height, and must be placed to leave a margin of at least 50 mm along each edge of any surface to which they are affixed.
(2) Except as provided in paragraph (3), the height of the marks on aircraft must not be less than 250 mm.
(3) The Director may approve marks smaller than 250 mm, but not less than 150 mm in height, to be displayed on heavier-than-air aircraft if the aircraft does not have a surface large enough to accommodate marks 250 mm in height.
47.119 — Identification plate
(1) The identification plate required to be displayed under 47.101(1) must be etched, stamped, or engraved with the allocated nationality and registration marks.
(1) The identification plate must:
(a) be made of fireproof metal or other fireproof material of suitable physical properties; and
(b) be affixed to the aircraft in a prominent position near the main point of entrance to the aircraft.
47.121 — Obscuring identification
A person must not place on any New Zealand registered aircraft any mark or symbol that modifies or obscures the nationality or registration marks, the approved identifiable paint scheme and markings, or the police mark, that are required to be displayed on the aircraft under this Part.
Appendix A
Transitional arrangements
(1) Any holder of a certificate of registration who, prior to the coming into effect of Amendment 2 to Part 47, holds an exemption granted in accordance with section 37 of the Act to display an identifiable paint scheme and markings instead of the registration marks required under 47.101, is deemed to have that identifiable paint scheme and markings approved under 47.104(4) or (5) as appropriate.
(2) A holder of a certificate of registration who holds an exemption referred to in paragraph (1) must, in accordance with 47.104(6), provide the Director with a three-view set of photographs of the aircraft displaying the approved identifiable paint scheme and markings within 120 days of this Amendment coming into effect.
(3) Any holder of a certificate of registration, whose aircraft did not display the nationality mark and registration mark in the manner prescribed in 47.111 to 47.117 on 9 January 1998, must ensure that the marks displayed on the aircraft meet the requirements of 47.111 to 47.117 when the aircraft is painted, repainted, or remarked.
Switzerland & Liechtenstein Regulations
Switzerland & Liechtenstein Regulations
Ordinance of the FOCA on the registration numbers of aircraft
Art. 2. Emblems
The national emblem for Swiss aircraft shall consist of the letters HB and the flag of the Swiss Confederation.
Art. 5. Representation of letters and numbers
The letters and numbers must either be vertical or inclined to the right or left by a maximum of 30° and used without ornamentation (Annex, Figs. 1 and 2).
They may be presented in either square or rounded characters.
The letters and numbers shall be presented in a uniform size and color.
The letters and numbers shall not come closer than 5 cm to the edge of a component. They shall be affixed to smooth surfaces. Their legibility must not be impaired by struts, joints, or curvatures.
A hyphen shall be placed between the emblem HB and the registration mark.
Art. 6. Representation of the flag
(1) The flag shall be affixed in the official colors without ornamentation. The cross in the flag is an upright, free-standing cross whose arms are one sixth longer than wide. The red field of the flag shall be at least 15 cm high and shall stand out from the basic color of the aircraft; if necessary, the flag shall have a white or black border. The shape and proportions shall be determined by the model shown in the Annex to this Regulation (Annex, Fig. 3).
(2) For airplanes, helicopters with vertical fins, motor gliders, gliders and airships the flag can be attached to the vertical fin:
(a) as a freestanding flag (Appendix, Fig. 4a);
(b) the top of the fin, where the cross must appear in the middle between the leading and trailing edges of the fin and must not be closer than 5 cm to the edge of a component (Appendix, Fig. 4b);
(c) as a continuous band parallel to the longitudinal axis, with the cross appearing in the centre between the leading and trailing edges of the fin and not closer than 5 cm to the edge of a component (Appendix, Fig. 4c).
(3) The flag may also be affixed as a freestanding flag behind the registration mark on the fuselage. The registration mark and the flag shall form an optical unit; the height of the flag shall correspond to that of the letters of the registration mark (Appendix, Fig. 5).
Art. 7. Mounting on airplanes, motor gliders and gliders, and airships
(1) The national emblems and registration marks shall be affixed parallel to the longitudinal axis of the airplane.
(2) The letters and numbers shall be placed either on both sides of the fuselage between the leading edge of the wing and the leading edge of the tail fin or on both sides of the vertical tail fin. If there are several vertical tail fin surfaces, they shall be fitted only on the outside of the outer surfaces. In the case of airplanes and helicopters with tubular or lattice fuselages, they may be fitted to a suitable fuselage surface on both sides. The representation on the outside of the fairings of engines mounted on the fuselage is also permitted. The height of the letters and numbers must be at least 30 cm for airplanes and helicopters with a maximum take-off mass exceeding 5700 kg and at least 20 cm for other airplanes and helicopters, powered sailplanes, gliders, and airships. If, due to the design of the aircraft, letters and numbers of this height cannot be affixed, the required font height shall be at least 3/5 of the fuselage diameter or height, measured in the centre between the leading edge of the wing and the leading edge of the tail fin. For helicopters of the appropriate design, the reference shall be the centre of the tailplane or tail rotor support. The minimum lettering height of 15 cm must not be undershot (Appendix, Fig. 7).
(3) In addition, the letters and numbers shall be affixed to the underside of the left wing at as equal a distance as possible from the leading and trailing edges of the wing. The upper edge of the letters and numbers must face the wing leading edge. The height of the lettering must be at least 50 cm for aircraft and at least 40 cm for powered sailplanes and gliders. If, due to the design of the aircraft, letters and numbers of this height cannot be affixed, the required font height shall be at least 3/5 of the wing depth, measured in the middle between the wing root and tip. The minimum height must not be less than 30 cm. On helicopters, the letters shall also be affixed to the underside of the fuselage, with the upper edge of the letters facing the front of the fuselage. The minimum font height is 40 cm (Appendix, Fig. 8).
Dimensional rules:
- Character width 2/3 of the height
- Character width letter "I" and number "1" 1/6 of height
- Line width 1/6 of the height
- Length of hyphen 1/2 to 2/3 of character height
- Character spacing 1/6 of character height
- Distance of the hyphen from the sovereignty or entry characters 1⁄4 of the character height
- Special cases Letters "M" and "W" as well as number "7" see detailed drawings - The letters "M" and "W" may be up to a maximum character height wide
Maximum inclination not more than 30° to the right of the vertical. Other information is the same as for vertical letters.
General International Regulations
General International Regulations
INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS
1. DEFINITIONS
When the following terms are used in the Standards for Aircraft Nationality and Registration Marks, they have the following meanings:
Airplane. A power-driven heavier-than-air aircraft, deriving its lift in flight chiefly from aerodynamic reactions on surfaces which remain fixed under given conditions of flight.
Aircraft. Any machine that can derive support in the atmosphere from the reactions of the air other than the reactions of the air against the earth’s surface. (See Table I, Classification of aircraft.)
Airship. A power-driven lighter-than-air aircraft.
Balloon. A non-power-driven lighter-than-air aircraft.
Common mark. A mark assigned by the International Civil Aviation Organization to the common mark registering authority registering aircraft of an international operating agency on other than a national basis.
Note.— All aircraft of an international operating agency which are registered on other than a national basis will bear the same common mark.
Common mark registering authority. The authority maintaining the non-national register or, where appropriate, the part thereof, in which aircraft of an international operating agency are registered.
Fireproof material. A material capable of withstanding heat as well as or better than steel when the dimensions in both cases are appropriate for the specific purpose.
Glider. A non-power-driven heavier-than-air aircraft, deriving its lift in flight chiefly from aerodynamic reactions on surfaces which remain fixed under given conditions of flight.
Gyroplane. A heavier-than-air aircraft supported in flight by the reactions of the air on one or more rotors which rotate freely on substantially vertical axes.
Heavier-than-air aircraft. Any aircraft deriving its lift in flight chiefly from aerodynamic forces.
Helicopter. A heavier-than-air aircraft supported in flight chiefly by the reactions of the air on one or more power-driven rotors on substantially vertical axes.
International operating agency. An agency of the kind contemplated in Article 77 of the Convention.
Lighter-than-air aircraft. Any aircraft supported chiefly by its buoyancy in the air.
Ornithopter. A heavier-than-air aircraft supported in flight chiefly by the reactions of the air on planes to which a flapping motion is imparted.
Rotorcraft. A power-driven heavier-than-air aircraft supported in flight by the reactions of the air on one or more rotors.
State of Registry. The State on whose register the aircraft is entered.
2. NATIONALITY, COMMON AND REGISTRATION MARKS TO BE USED
2.1 The nationality or common mark and registration mark shall consist of a group of characters.
2.2 The nationality or common mark shall precede the registration mark. When the first character of the registration mark is a letter it shall be preceded by a hyphen.
2.3 The nationality mark shall be selected from the series of nationality symbols included in the radio call signs allocated to the State of Registry by the International Telecommunication Union. The nationality mark shall be notified to the International Civil Aviation Organization.
2.4 The common mark shall be selected from the series of symbols included in the radio call signs allocated to the International Civil Aviation Organization by the International Telecommunication Union.
Note.— Assignment of the common mark to a common mark registering authority will be made by the International Civil Aviation Organization.
2.5 The registration mark shall be letters, numbers, or a combination of letters and numbers, and shall be that assigned by the State of Registry or common mark registering authority.
2.6 When letters are used for the registration mark, combinations shall not be used which might be confused with the five-letter combinations used in the International Code of Signals, Part II, the three-letter combinations beginning with Q used in the Q Code, and with the distress signal SOS, or other similar urgent signals, for example XXX, PAN and TTT.
Note.— For reference to these codes see the currently effective International Telecommunications Regulations.
3. LOCATION OF NATIONALITY, COMMON, AND REGISTRATION MARKS
3.1. General
The nationality or common mark and registration mark shall be painted on the aircraft or shall be affixed by any other means ensuring a similar degree of permanence. The marks shall be kept clean and visible at all times.
3.2. Lighter-than-air aircraft
3.2.1 Airships. The marks on an airship shall appear either on the hull, or on the stabilizer surfaces. Where the marks appear on the hull, they shall be located lengthwise on each side of the hull and also on its upper surface on the line of symmetry. Where the marks appear on the stabilizer surfaces, they shall appear on the horizontal and on the vertical stabilizers; the marks on the horizontal stabilizer shall be located on the right half of the upper surface and on the left half of the lower surface, with the tops of the letters and numbers toward the leading edge; the marks on the vertical stabilizer shall be located on each side of the bottom half stabilizer, with the letters and numbers placed horizontally.
3.2.2 Spherical balloons (other than unmanned free balloons). The marks shall appear in two places diametrically opposite. They shall be located near the maximum horizontal circumference of the balloon.
3.2.3 Non-spherical balloons (other than unmanned free balloons). The marks shall appear on each side. They shall be located near the maximum cross-section of the balloon immediately above either the rigging band or the points of attachment of the basket suspension cables.
3.2.4 Lighter-than-air aircraft (other than unmanned free balloons). The side marks shall be visible both from the sides and from the ground.
3.2.5 Unmanned free balloons. The marks shall appear on the identification plate (see Section 8).
3.3. Heavier-than-air aircraft
3.3.1 Wings. On heavier-than-air aircraft the marks shall appear once on the lower surface of the wing structure. They shall be located on the left half of the lower surface of the wing structure unless they extend across the whole of the lower surface of the wing structure. So far as is possible the marks shall be located equidistant from the leading and trailing edges of the wings. The tops of the letters and numbers shall be toward the leading edge of the wing.
3.3.2 Fuselage (or equivalent structure) and vertical tail surfaces. On heavier-than-air aircraft the marks shall appear either on each side of the fuselage (or equivalent structure) between the wings and the tail surface, or on the upper halves of the vertical tail surfaces. When located on a single vertical tail surface they shall appear on both sides. When located on multivertical tail surfaces they shall appear on the outboard sides of the outer surfaces.
3.3.3 Special cases. If a heavier-than-air aircraft does not possess parts corresponding to those mentioned in 3.3.1 and 3.3.2, the marks shall appear in a manner such that the aircraft can be identified readily.
4. MEASUREMENTS OF NATIONALITY, COMMON, AND REGISTRATION MARKS
The letters and numbers in each separate group of marks shall be of equal height.
4.1. Lighter-than-air aircraft
4.1.1 The height of the marks on lighter-than-air aircraft other than unmanned free balloons shall be at least 50 centimetres.
4.1.2 The measurements of the marks related to unmanned free balloons shall be determined by the State of Registry, taking into account the size of the payload to which the identification plate is affixed.
4.2. Heavier-than-air aircraft
4.2.1 Wings. The height of the marks on the wings of heavier-than-air aircraft shall be at least 50 centimetres.
4.2.2 Fuselage (or equivalent structure) and vertical tail surfaces. The height of the marks on the fuselage (or equivalent structure) and on the vertical tail surfaces of heavier-than-air aircraft shall be at least 30 centimetres.
4.2.3 Special cases. If a heavier-than-air aircraft does not possess parts corresponding to those mentioned in 4.2.1 and 4.2.2, the measurements of the marks shall be such that the aircraft can be identified readily.
5. TYPE OF CHARACTERS FOR NATIONALITY, COMMON, AND REGISTRATION MARKS
5.1 The letters shall be capital letters in Roman characters without ornamentation. Numbers shall be Arabic numbers without ornamentation.
5.2 The width of each character (except the letter I and the number 1), and the length of hyphens shall be two-thirds of the height of a character.
5.3 The characters and hyphens shall be formed by solid lines and shall be of a color contrasting clearly with the background. The thickness of the lines shall be one-sixth of the height of a character.
5.4 Each character shall be separated from that which it immediately precedes or follows, by a space of not less than one-quarter of a character width. A hyphen shall be regarded as a character for this purpose.
6. REGISTER OF NATIONALITY, COMMON, AND REGISTRATION MARKS
Each Contracting State or common mark registering authority shall maintain a current register showing for each aircraft registered by that State or common mark registering authority, the information recorded in the certificate of registration (see Section 7). The register of unmanned free balloons shall contain the date, time and location of release, the type of balloon and the name of the operator.
7. CERTIFICATE OF REGISTRATION
7.1 The certificate of registration, in wording and arrangement, shall be a replica of the following form (see below).
Note.— The size of the form is at the discretion of the State of Registry or common mark registering authority.
7.2 The certificate of registration shall be carried in the aircraft at all times.
8. IDENTIFICATION PLATE
An aircraft shall carry an identification plate inscribed with at least its nationality or common mark and registration mark. The plate shall be made of fireproof metal or other fireproof material of suitable physical properties, and shall be secured to the aircraft in a prominent position near the main entrance, or in the case of an unmanned free balloon affixed conspicuously to the exterior of the payload.
9. GENERAL
The provisions of this Annex shall not apply to meteorological pilot balloons used exclusively for meteorological purposes or to unmanned free balloons without a payload.
PART A — DIFFERENCES
BANGLADESH
3.3.1
The marks shall also appear on the right upper surface of the wing.
CANADA
4.1.2
The launching of unmanned free balloons, other than weather balloons, is currently permitted for high altitude scientific research only. Since these balloons are used only once, Canada sees no purpose in their registration.
4.2.2
The minimum height of all the marks on heavier-than-air aircraft shall be 15 cm (6 in) except for those in the wing surfaces which shall be 50 cm (20 in) and those on the bottom surface of rotorcraft fuselages or cabins which shall be four-fifths as high as the width of the fuselage or cabin or 50 cm (20 in) whichever is less.
Note.— The height of marks on wing surfaces conforms with the Standard specified in 4.2.1.
5.2
The width of the letter “I” shall be one sixth of its height and the width of letters “M” and “W” shall not be more than their height.
DEMOCRATIC PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF KOREA
2.3
P is used for the nationality mark of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.
FIJI
3.2
Registration and marking of captive balloons are not required.
GERMANY
3.2.5, 4.1.2, 6 and 8
In Germany unmanned free balloons do not require a traffic licence and therefore are not subject to registration. Consequently all provisions of Amendment 4 to Annex 7 which refer to the location of marks on unmanned free balloons cannot be applied in Germany.
INDONESIA
Definitions:
Helicopter. A rotorcraft which depends principally for its support and motions in flight on power-driven rotor(s) rotating about substantially vertical axes.
ITALY
3.2.5, 4.1.2 and 6
Unmanned free balloons are not classified as aircraft in Italy. Therefore these international Standards cannot be applied in Italy.
JAPAN
Definitions, 3.2.2, 3.2.3, 3.2.4 and 3.2.5
A balloon is not defined as an aircraft in accordance with the provisions of Japanese Aeronautics Law.
MALI
3.3.1
On heavier-than-air aircraft the marks shall appear once on the upper surface and once on the lower surface of the wing structure. They shall be located on the right half of the upper surface and on the left half of the lower surface of the wing structure unless they extend across the whole of the lower surface of the wing structure.
4.2.2
The marks on the fuselage (or equivalent structure) shall be as high as possible, but not less than 15 cm and not more than four-fifths of the mean fuselage height. The marks on the vertical tail surfaces of heavier-than-air aircraft shall leave a margin of at least 5 cm to the edges of these tail surfaces.
5.3
The characters and hyphens shall be formed by solid lines and shall be white or black so as to contrast clearly with the background. The thickness of the lines shall be one-sixth of the height of a character.
MAURITIUS
3.2.5
Our law does not provide for the registration of unmanned free balloons.
MOROCCO
4.2.2
According to Moroccan regulations, the height of the marks on the fuselage must be as large as possible, while being no smaller than 15 cm and no larger than 4/5 of the median height of the fuselage (Article 2 of the Decree of 1963).
8
The identification plate is not mentioned in the Moroccan regulations.
KINGDOM OF THE NETHERLANDS
3.2.5
The marking of unmanned free balloons is not required.
5.2, 5.3 and 5.4
In the ministerial decree of 10 August 1992, No. LI 92.5378 it is stated that owners of aircraft can make a choice between the characters as described in Annex 7 (5.1, 5.2, 5.3 and 5.4) or the typical Dutch model as described in the above-mentioned decree.
A copy of the decree, including a description of the alternative model of the characters, can be obtained by submitting a request to:
Civil Aviation Department Aeronautical Inspection Directorate Aircraft Registration
P.O. Box 575
2130 AN Hoofddorp
KINGDOM OF THE NETHERLANDS
6 and 8
The marking of unmanned free balloons is not required.
NEW ZEALAND
3.1
Airplanes with a maximum certificated take-off mass of 5700 kg or less and airplanes operating pursuant to a special category airworthiness certificate (experimental or special flight permit) are not required to bear a nationality mark when operating in New Zealand.
3.2.5
Civil Aviation Rules do not require the registration of unmanned free balloons.
3.3
Airplanes, gliders, and powered gliders which operate exclusively within New Zealand territory are not required to display marks on the lower surface of the wing structure.
6
Civil Aviation Rule 101.5 exempts moored balloons, free balloons, rockets, kites, model aircraft, parasails, and gyrogliders from the requirements of Civil Aviation Rule Part 47 Aircraft Registration and Marking.
Civil Aviation Rule 106.9 (a) exempts hang gliders from the requirements of Civil Aviation Rule Part 47 Aircraft Registration and Marking
7.1
Fields 4 and 5 of the Certificate of Registration specify the name and address of the person lawfully entitled to possession of the aircraft for a period of 28 days or longer instead of the name and address of the owner.
PAPUA NEW GUINEA
3.2.1
Papua New Guinea regulations do not permit airship registration markings on stabilizer surfaces.
3.3.1
Papua New Guinea at present also requires markings on the upper surface of the wing structure. Procedures are in hand to provide compliance with this Standard
4.2.2
Papua New Guinea requires marks to be as large as practicable without interfering with visible outlines of the fuselage (or equivalent structure) and leaving at least a 50 mm margin along each edge of any vertical tail structure.
POLAND
6
Registration of unmanned free balloons with payload is not required. Such balloons are not in use in Poland thus far.
8
In the Polish regulations, there is no provision concerning unmanned free balloons because such balloons are not in use in Poland thus far.
RUSSIAN FEDERATION
2
When an aircraft is entered into the Russian Federation State Register of Civil Aircraft, it is assigned a State registration identification mark which appears on the aircraft. The identification marks for civil aircraft and the rules governing their emplacement are established by the Russian Federation Ministry of Civil A viation
3.3.1
The marks must also appear on the upper surface of the wing.
3.3.2
The marks on the tail fin appear mainly in the lower part thereof.
8
Not implemented.
SINGAPORE
6
As all manner of flights in Singapore are strictly controlled, the information described in the last sentence will be duly recorded in other documents.
SPAIN
7, 7.1 and 7.2
In this section, the Annex deals with the certificate of registration, whereas the regulation, under No. 7, lays down the following additional provisions:
7.1 Notwithstanding the above provisions, all aircraft registered in Spain shall be marked, on the fuselage or across the entire vertical surface of the tail above the tops of the marks referred to in 3.3.2 and parallel to those marks and to the line of flight either by a strip with the colors of the national flag or by the national flag itself, which may be placed on any outer surface, on both sides of the aircraft.
7.1 Figures, emblems, or coats of arms may also be painted on provided that, in the over-all appearance of the aircraft, the nationality and registration marks and the strip with the colors of the national flag mentioned above or the national flag itself stand out clearly.
8
Here the Annex deals with the identification plate which is neither covered nor governed by the Spanish regulation.
UNITED KINGDOM
3.2.5
Balloons of no more than 2 meters in any linear dimension are exempt from registration and also from the need to carry a fireproof identification plate.
Reason: To exclude toy balloons from registration.
6
The United Kingdom Register of unmanned free balloons will not contain the date, time, and location of release of the balloon.
8
Balloons of no more than 2 m in any linear dimension are exempt from registration and also from the need to carry a fireproof identification plate.
Reason: To exclude toy balloons from registration.
UNITED STATES
3.2.5
Identification plates are not required on unmanned free balloons
3.3.1
The marks on wing surfaces are not required.
4.2.1
The marks on wing surfaces are not required.
4.2.2
The minimum height of marks on small (12 500 lb or less) fixed-wing aircraft is three inches when none of the following exceeds 180 knots true airspeed: (1) design cruising speed; (2) maximum operating limit speed; (3) maximum structural cruising speed; and (4) if none of the foregoing speeds have been determined for the aircraft, the speed shown to be the maximum cruising speed of the aircraft.
6
A centralized registry of unmanned free balloons is not maintained. Operators are required to furnish the nearest ATC facility with a prelaunch notice containing information on the date, time and location of release, and the type of balloon. This information is not maintained for any specified period of time.
8
Identification plates are not required on unmanned free balloons.
