Registration Delay Woes Thought Likely To Continue Into 2023

Image: Sporty's Pilot Shop
Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • The FAA Civil Aviation Registry is projected to experience aircraft registration backlogs well into 2023, leading to potential delays of up to six months for all types of aircraft.
  • Aircraft buyers are advised to meticulously prepare all necessary documentation with their legal and title teams, as even minor errors can significantly extend processing times.
  • Changing an aircraft's registration number is an additional process that can take six months to a year, cannot be expedited, and requires advance planning from all parties involved.
See a mistake? Contact us.

The National Business Aviation Association warns that a continuation of the strong market for sales augurs that aircraft registration backlogs are likely to continue into 2023. The FAA Civil Aviation Registry in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, is expected to experience delays of up to six months for registering a newly purchased aircraft, according to the trade group. And the delays affect all aircraft buyers, not just business jet shoppers.

Scott McCreary, aviation group leader for McAfee & Taft and a member of the NBAA’s Tax Committee, said, “People should reach out immediately to their title companies and law firms assisting them and make sure all their documentation is in order. Even a small mistake may cause longer delays in the processing of documents and the registration of the aircraft.”

NBAA further warns, “Transactions may also involve changing the aircraft’s current registration number, with the sale paperwork reflecting the new registration.” McCreary added, “That process may take anywhere from six months to a year, and there’s really no way to expedite that. All sides must plan accordingly.”

Mark Phelps

Mark Phelps is a senior editor at AVweb. He is an instrument rated private pilot and former owner of a Grumman American AA1B and a V-tail Bonanza.
Sign-up for newsletters & special offers!

Get the latest stories & special offers delivered directly to your inbox

SUBSCRIBE

Please support AVweb.

It looks like you’re using an ad blocker. Ads keep AVweb free and fund our reporting.
Please whitelist AVweb or continue with ads enabled.