Aircraft Registration

Aircraft Registration – Eligible Registrants

An aircraft is eligible for U.S. Registration if it is owned by:

• A U.S. citizen. A U.S. citizen by definition of FAR Section 47.2 can be an individual, or partnership where each individual is a U.S. citizen, or a corporation organized under the laws of the United States, State, Territory or possession of the United States of which the president and two-thirds of the board of directors are U.S. citizens and 75 percent of the voting interest is owned or controlled by U.S. citizens;
• A Resident Alien (foreign individual lawfully admitted for permanent U.S. residence
• A U.S. governmental unit or subdivision
• A non-citizen corporation organized and doing business under the laws of the state of Delaware (or any other state) can own register an aircraft as long as they comply with the following rules as cited in Section 47.9 Corporations not U.S. citizens and are lawfully organized and doing business under the laws of the U.S. and as long as the aircraft is based and primarily used in the U.S. (60% of all flight hours must be from flights starting and ending within the U.S.) An address for all records or flight hours must me available for inspection. 
• A non-citizen CANNOT own and register with the FAA as an LLC! The application will be rejected
• The aircraft may not be registered in a foreign country during the period it is registered in the United States. You must provide the FAA with legal evidence of ownership e.g. Certificate of Incorporation.

Registration is available with the FAA for Non US citizens not following the guidelines of using their airplane in the US 60% of the time through the formation of a Delaware Corporation and Delaware Trust.

How do I protect my assets when incorporating in Delaware?

Registration is available with the FAA for non US citizens not following the guidelines of using their airplane in the US 60% of the time  through the formation of a Delaware Corporation and Delaware Trust. Delaware is the incorporation capital of the world, and offers a favorable tax structure and climate having:

If you qualify and meet FAA regulations as an International Client our fee is $465 to establish the corporation. It should be noted that as a non US Citizen registering your aircraft with an “N” Number with the FAA you cannot file as an LLC. Registration is available for Non US citizens with the FAA through the formation of a Delaware Corporation and Delaware Trust Learn More

Only US Citizens (not non US Citizens) can own and register an aircraft through an LLC, a Limited Liability Company. However, there are advantages to individuals owners to own their aircraft as a Corporation in lieu of an LLC. Owning an aircraft as a company can offer you asset protection, privacy and tax savings.

Non-citizen corporations are permitted to register their airplanes as long as they meet with the regulations as set forth by the FAA but again cannot own and register their aircraft with the FAA as an LLC Even though, when purchasing the aircraft, there is always a possibility that a use tax may be assessed in the state you are actually keeping or using the aircraft, the true advantage of owning the aircraft as a corporation (besides protection of assets) truly comes into being when you opt to sell the aircraft.

DISCLAIMER: It is important to note that sales tax shelters are situational. Many states have a “use tax” and the like. One should consult with a legal or tax advisor to determine if a tax on a aircraft will be due in the State in question.

Lease Options. Call us for a free consultation on arranging a Lease Agreement.

You must apply for a Certificate of Aircraft Registration from the Civil Aviation Registry before it may be operated. Do not depend on a bank, loan company, aircraft dealer, or anyone else to submit the application for registration. Do it yourself (in the name of the owner, not in the name of the bank or other mortgage holder).

If you would like us to prepare the documents for your FAA registration Form 8050-1 our fee is $215.00. Click here and select Other Services Not listed.