Reg Number Size/Location

jchronic · #1 08-18-14, 10:53 PM

Perhaps a somewhat naive question, but in the slow process of repainting my airplane I want to move the reg numbers off the vertical stabs and place on the boom sides, where I see others.

The airplane having sported a camo paint scheme up to now and considered a 'display' airplane, the numbers on the tail were 3" high. According to Part 145 (I think it is), now that the airplane is being repainted the numbers have to comply with the 12" requirement. By my measurement, 12" numbers won't fit on the boom sides without some 'wraparound.' So do I fudge slightly smaller numbers, or accept some wraparound...or?

Since I operate in and out of the ADIZ a good bit, want to stay as legal as I can.

Thanks -
Joe

Skymaster337B · #2 08-18-14, 11:48 PM

If your aircraft is more than 30 years old then you can keep the 2" numbers...even if repainted. But can't use that for ADIZ crossings.

http://www.aopa.org/Pilot-Resources/...umber-Markings

Enjoy,

Rob

jchronic · #3 08-19-14, 09:21 AM

Thanks Rob. So I guess the Skymasters I see with numbers on the boom sides are maybe using less than 12" numbers under the more than 30 years old provision?

Joe

Skymaster337B · #4 08-19-14, 11:35 PM

The FAR leaves a lot of wiggle room.

JamesC · #5 08-23-14, 01:04 PM

I left the small registration marks on the booms and put an oversized version under one of the wings. If I ever have to wing waggle beside an F-18 they won't miss it.
https://flightaware.com/photos/view/...rt/date/page/1

Ernie Martin · #6 08-23-14, 02:41 PM

I went through ADIZ hundreds of times between So. Florida and the Bahamas over a 15 year period with the numbers on the booms and never had an issue.

Ernie

hharney · #7 08-24-14, 11:48 AM

Never a problem until they get the tape measure out. 10" numbers are standard on the booms because the 12" wrap around too far. Most would never know the difference anyway

jchronic · #8 08-24-14, 10:51 PM

Thanks for the insights. Just going to go with what fits, i.e. c10". I've been operating this airplane around the ADIZ for going on four years with 3" numbers; just wanted to try to comply with the reg now that it's finally getting repainted. In fact was out today operating just east of the presidential TFR out to the ADIZ.

Of course with the faux O-2B paint scheme it looked pretty official...maybe I shoulda' just left it alone!

Joe