What does "N-registration" mean?
You can find our detailed article on this topic in our Pilot Hub: https://pilot-hub.com/n-registriertes-flugzeug-im-easa-raum-fliegen/
Every aircraft registered in the USA receives an aircraft registration number that begins with the letter "N" begins - determined by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The N-registration is therefore subject to US aviation law and allows the aircraft to be operated worldwide as long as the regulations of the respective country are observed.
Why do pilots in Europe fly N-registered aircraft?
Despite the geographical distance to the FAA, many owners in Europe deliberately opt for US registration. There are many reasons for this:
- Maintenance flexibility: FAA regulations are considered less bureaucratic and more cost-efficient than the EASA regulations.
- Better international saleability: N-registered aircraft are easier to trade on the international second-hand market.
- Independence from EASA regulations: Many operators find the FAA regulations more pragmatic.
- Access to FAA licences: An FAA licence makes it possible to fly N-registered aircraft worldwide - albeit with restrictions in the EASA area.
Restrictions on FAA licences in the EU
Since 2023, anyone living in Europe and wishing to fly an N-registered aircraft within the EASA area must convert his FAA licence into an EASA licence. The basis for this is the bilateral aviation agreement BASA (Bilateral Aviation Safety Agreement) between the EU and the USA and the associated TIP-L regulations (Technical Implementation Procedures for Licensing).
Conversion of an FAA licence to an EASA licence
Who wants a holds an FAA licencebut lives in the EASA area must complete the following steps in order to legally fly their N-aircraft:
- EASA medical certificate
- German radio licence (e.g. BZF or AZF - depending on the intended use)
- Background check (ZÜP)
- Practical examination by an EASA examiner
- Theory test (if less than 50 IFR hours) for instrument rating
Special feature: If you have at least 50 hours of IFR experience, the theory test for the instrument rating can be omitted.
EASA licence holder with N-aircraft: validation or conversion?
Anyone who already holds an EASA licence and also has their own N-registered aircraft outside his home country who wants to fly in EASA space has two options:
Option 1: Conversion
- Conversion of the EASA licence into a full FAA licence
- Requires FAA medical, theory test and flight test (in the USA)
- Advantage: FAA licence valid worldwide
Option 2: Validation
- Linked recognition of the FAA licence based on the EASA licence
- Valid only in connection with the EASA licence
- No theory test or flights required (except for IFR)
- FAA-PPL is bound to the validity of the EASA-PPL
Step-by-step: this is how validation works
- IACRA registration: Registration via the FAA portal iacra.faa.gov
- Licence check: The FAA contacts the LBA (Germany) to verify the EASA licence
- LoA (Letter of Authentication): Issued by the FSDO in the USA
- Theory test only required for IFR
- Flight Review (PPL) or IPC (IFR) with an FAA-certified flight instructor
- On-site appointment in the USA: The examiner issues the FAA certificate
Important: FCC radio licence
Regardless of licence status, every pilot operating an N-registered aircraft in Europe requires a "Radio Operator Permit - Limited Use" the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). This licence is mandatory for the operation of aeronautical radio stations outside the USA.
Further requirements for owning an N aircraft
- Ownership structure: Only US citizens or via a US Trust possible
- Radio Station Authorisation: Must be applied for with the FCC
- Insurance and maintenance rules: Must be FAA compliant
Conclusion: N-registration is attractive - but complex
The possibility of operating an N-registered aircraft in EASA space is still given - however no longer without restrictions. The stricter requirements since 2023 make careful planning and early licence adjustments necessary. At the same time, the Options for transcription and recognition flexible routes for both private and commercial pilots.
Anyone travelling with an N-aircraft within Europe should regularly inform themselves about Changes to the bilateral agreement (BASA) and the status of the respective licences. However, pilots who are not afraid of the effort can continue to benefit from the advantages of N-registration - be it in terms of costs, flexibility or the ability to operate internationally.
Source references:
Pilot Hub
