I have requested a new N number for my airplane a few months ago. Thinking the change would come through I had my airplane painted with the new number. What will happen if I fly it without the number being authorized?
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$\begingroup$ What will happen depends on whether someone is around to notice/report. Fly NORAD in the middle of nowhere and you can expect a different response than if you fly with ADSB blaring in a Class Bravo. $\endgroup$– Kenn SebestaCommented Jan 26, 2021 at 19:11
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2$\begingroup$ If it's been more than 90 days since requesting the number, you are supposed to call the registration branch, 1-866-762-9434 and figure out what is going on. $\endgroup$– Ron BeyerCommented Jan 26, 2021 at 19:22
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2$\begingroup$ If the previous N-number is still valid and it's simply an issue of paint, you can have the painted number temporarily covered up and the old one displayed over it. This is common in new aircraft test flights, international sales, lease returns, etc. $\endgroup$– user71659Commented Feb 25, 2021 at 21:22
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2 Answers
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As a controller, if it's a correctly constructed N-number, I'd know nothing. and wouldn't do anything. If you file a flight plan, however, the N-number you use will go into the FAA's database. Keep in mind that if you ask a controller for flight following, a Mode C check, etc., there will be a record, even if it's only "on the tape".
I have no idea whether they would flag an unregistered number, but I can give you some history on an aircraft that flew with an INVALID N-number.
In 2006 (or so, why is this stuff so long ago?), I was working the high altitude sector in the LBF (North Platte, NE) area. I received a handoff on an aircraft with a call sign similar to, but not exactly "N1EP2D", which is an illegal construct (see https://www.faa.gov/licenses_certificates/aircraft_certification/aircraft_registry/forming_nnumber/)
I alerted my supervisor, who directed me to question the pilot. As it turned out, the pilot had filed this deliberately, and on a whim.
The FAA does not do "whimsical".
I instructed the pilot to submit the correct N-number, which he did, and I amended the flight plan. I also instructed the pilot to NOT use the invalid number, and to call our Operations Manager for further instructions.
I heard it was a six-month suspension, although I had no official follow-up.
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You cannot fly. Since you changed the N-Number, you no longer have a valid airworthiness certificate (since they are tied to N-Numbers). This isn't just a wrong number on the side issue, you don't have a valid registration or certificate. You have 10 days after getting the registration number on your aircraft to file the appropriate form and receive an updated airworthiness certificate.
As far as what can happen... that depends. The FAA has pretty wide authority to issue fines, revoke certificates, or even impound aircraft. There is no set "you do X, then you get a fine of Y" like for traffic violations.
answered Jan 26, 2021 at 19:18
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$\begingroup$ But who is going to notice? Even if you fly into fields with a tower, I don't suppose they look up the N-number of every airplane that lands, or FTM even use binoculars to see the number. Indeed, in my long-ago student pilot days, I probably gave out the wrong number on occasion, when flying a different plane than the one I usually used. $\endgroup$– jamesqfCommented Feb 26, 2021 at 4:49
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$\begingroup$ @jamesqf When is the last time somebody verified you had a license and were current before you took off? Just because you don't get caught, doesn't mean that it's any less illegal to do it. Get ramp checked once though... it happens occasionally. $\endgroup$ Commented Feb 26, 2021 at 4:58