In a direct final rule published in the Federal Register Nov. 22, 2022, the FAA is extending the duration of aircraft registration certificates from three years to seven years.
The new rule, which was required by the 2018 FAA Reauthorization Act, provides two types of relief for aircraft owners.
First, the change to a seven-year registration period will reduce the number of applications for aircraft ownership renewals awaiting FAA approval at any given time, reducing the agency’s administrative burden, and expediting the approval of renewals.
Second, the rule expands authority for aircraft owners to operate beyond the registration renewal date from 90 days following expiration to 12 months, a timeframe that should cover any renewal delays stemming from agency backlogs.
The rule will take effect 60 days after it was published in the Federal Register. The change will apply to all aircraft currently registered under existing FAA regulations.
FAA officials explain they chose to make this change through a direct final rule because it anticipates the rule will be noncontroversial and the agency believes it will not receive any adverse comments.
You can read the rule here.
I just renewed the registration for my Aeronca L-16A. It expired Nov of 2022. It expires Nov. of 2025.
I guess I renewed too soon, or will they automatically extend mine 5 more years?
Silly question I guess.
My aircraft was grounded for six months due to this administrative mess. Not super happy.
So, does this mean that the Renewal notice that I got on 16NOV22 is invalid now?
My airplane has a current registration.
From the link above to the Federal Register:
SUMMARY:
The FAA is extending the duration of aircraft registration certificates from three years to seven years. Initial Certificates of Aircraft Registration will expire seven years from the month issued. In addition, the FAA is applying this amendment to all aircraft currently registered under existing FAA regulations governing.
Seems pretty clear, but if you still have questions, contact the FAA.
I might add, the Federal Register says,
“This direct final rule will become effective January 23, 2023.
Send comments on or before December 22, 2022. If the FAA receives an adverse comment, the FAA will advise the public by publishing a document in the
Federal Register before the effective date of this direct final rule. That document may withdraw the direct final rule in whole or in part.”
So, though I’m not a lawyer, I’d take all this to mean that if my registration is current through 1-23-23 or later, there’s no need to send in a registration renewal. Unless the FAA decides to withdraw the rule before 1-23-23. If you’re an AOPA member (and we all should be), call them for advice.
Our elected representatives required this my adding it to law way back in the “2018 FAA Reauthorization Act” . Now ONLY 4 years later the bureaucratic Federal organization is able to get this done. Not exactly lightning speed. I wonder how long any business could survive out in the competitive world with speed such as this on the easy stuff?
I agree Flying B, any business would go under operating under these conditions, but “hey” our government seems to be the only entiy that can work this way and survive.
Good idea. Less “busy work”, and has zero effect on safety. Somebody, somewhere deserves a medal for asking “Exactly why are we doing this anyway?” instead of just going on forever with the normal useless and inefficient government paper pushing.