I don't often hear much about this, but it looks like some states require registration of aircraft and pilots. Is this just a revenue generator? What's the deal? It doesn't look like CA requires it (amazingly) but some other states like Oregon do at least.

Do you register your plane and pilot status with your state aeronautics dept?

Hi, In Michigan we are required to register aircraft. We pay 1 cent per pound of gross weight, for example $33.50 for my 185. This makes it illegal for the state or any local government to tax aircraft as personal property. We are required to pay one time 6% sales tax on the purchase price though. We also have the option of registering as a pilot. In exchange for registering as a pilot the state will send you a free aeronautical chart which they print, and if you have an aircraft registered they will send you a state airport directory.

Tim

Idaho requires you to register your aircraft. Its cheap. If your bird has a gross weight of 1900lbs, its 19bucks. The money goes to a good cause. California assesses aircraft as personal property tax. The assessor is is most aggressive in jacking up your tax if your aircraft increases in value. The money doesn't go to aviation, I wonder where . Another good reason to leave California.

Idaho Supercub

Idaho also requires you to register as a pilot every 2 years, the money goes to search and rescue.

Jon

Washington State required aircraft registration and also pilot registration. Before I got back into general aviation I could claim an exemption to registration because all my flying was commercial and not in this state. Now I have to register. Small fees relative to other costs of ownership but it all adds up. I have no idea what the fees are used for.

Minnesota requires registration fees for your aircraft. If your aircraft is "vintage" category, it is a one time $25 fee, and done. If newer, you pay annually, can't remember what the fee is.

No fee as a pilot, even though this is the "Land of Ten Thousand Taxes".

MTV