N number question

[TJ_Slice]

I know there is a requirement for font type for the N number, and that I can do a 3" number on an experimental aircraft.

If I comply with all of that, does anyone know if the FAA would have an issue if I also had 12" numbers in an unapproved font?

[AZBearhawk272]

Wow! Such a simple question but I understand the ask. : )
But it is an FAA guided path.
Somewhere out there is an AC / letter that gives guidance on said topic. IIRC it provides alpha and numerical constraints that the N number shall not be a word, abbreviation, or code.
The N number shall stand alone and not be stylized or incorporated into the artistic scheme of the aircraft and must serve the purpose of clear identification.

However the acid test is to register the Offical 3 in N number, place it in requisite location on the tail.
Then paint or wrap whatever stylized number or message you wish on the side of the fuselage, cause that’s art not a registration number…….

I have several meetings with the FAA FSDO next week
but will refrain from breaching the topic . : - )

Kevin D
N272DG

KCHD

[TJ_Slice]

The only thing worse than not doing it would be to do it and then have to take them off.

[500AGL]

I would recommend just installing the large letters if that’s what you want.
To have two n numbers displayed is likely a no no. Even if they are the same

[TJ_Slice]

If I can't do the large letters in the font I want, I'm just going to stick to the small ones. Doing the large ones in an approved font just won't fit with my idea.

[predragvasic]

If I recall the regulations correctly, painting the small numbers may be perfectly fine and legal in the USA, but you won’t be allowed to fly anywhere outside the USA unless you have the large 30cm tall numbers (in compliance with ICAO regulations).

[TJ_Slice]

You can do Canada with 3" letters. That is the only border I plan on flying across.

[Bcone1381]

If I recall the regulations correctly, painting the small numbers may be perfectly fine and legal in the USA, but you won’t be allowed to fly anywhere outside the USA unless you have the large 30cm tall numbers (in compliance with ICAO regulations).

I'd like to offer a slightly adjusted view on this topic. It's is kind of significant thing for the Patrol and maybe the LSA.....12" numbers for my N number will not fit on the fuselage between the aft window and the horizontal stab. I'd need a four digit nuymber or a number with narrow width like 1's or i's to make it fit.

I learned that FAR 45.29(h) gives us a loophole over the Canadian boarder. It says 12 inch numbers are only required if an ADIZ (air defense identification zone) is penetrated. An ADIZ does not exist between Canada and the US so I believe small registration numbers are fine to go to Canada. Not the case for Mexico or the Caribean. Also, 12 inch numbers can be temporarily installed to cross an ADIZ if one chooses to use a smaller font N number.



CFR 45.29(h)

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-14/chapter-I/subchapter-C/part-45/subpart-C/section-45.29

Map
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Air_Defense_Identification_Zone_%28North_America%2 9