Searched, didn't see that it has been discussed before.

I've read the regs and googled the subject - there seems to be some debate about required sizing for aircraft over 30 years of age - 3" or 12" required?

FARs 45.29 and 45.22 apply, AC 45-2D seems to as well.

Thoughts? Experiences?

My IA/partner in my Champ restoration says we could get away with the 3" numbers since it qualifies as light sport. We would not be able to cross in and out of Canada with the 3" numbers, so we have went with 12"numbers. We elected not to paint the numbers on. We were able to get high quality vinyl numbers that are an exact color match to our shade of red, the number will go on the white part. If the buyer wants 3" numbers, they can be removed and replaced. It will also be handy if the aircraft sells out of the US, or if for some reason need a new registration number (doubtfull)

The Reg's seem fairly clear.

D.

Good point about the flying north of the border bit. I don't expect to anytime soon, figured I could go with temp numbers if that opportunity arises.

The Champ is clearly an antique, don't know why you'd do 12" aside from the potential Canada flying.

To clarify my question, once a plane goes past 30 years of age can the numbers go from 12" to 3" for domestic use?

I don't have time to find the references right now but I don't believe you need 12" numbers for Canada unless you fly through an ADIZ.

Mark J

3" numbers are legal for aircraft 30 years old or older, you don't need 12" numbers to fly to Canada UNLESS you fly thru an ADIZ (the coast).

I researched this in depth a couple of years ago. I even wrote AOPA with the question and they responded that 12 inch numbers were required to fly into Canada "because you will cross the ADIZ". They were wrong. If you fly the Highway to Alaska, you do not cross the ADIZ. In my research I found that almost everybody makes the assumption that large numbers are required, understandably so because it is confusing.



There is also a pdf file in my photo album that displays the Alaska ADIZ if you click on it. I couldn't figure out how to post it here but try clicking this link:

http://www.backcountrypilot.org/gallery/albums/userpics/12489/Alaska_ADIZ.pdf

For aircraft 30 years or more old, they can be 2 inches.

https://www.aircraftcolor.com/faa-regulation-excerpt

The pertinent paragraph is:
14 CFR Part 45
Identification and Registration Markings
Subpart C--Nationality and Registration Marks
Sec. 45.22 Exhibition, antique, and other aircraft: Special rules.

(b) A small U.S.-registered aircraft built at least 30 years ago or a
U.S.- registered aircraft for which an experimental certificate has been
issued under Sec. 21.191(d) or 21.191(g) for operation as an exhibition
aircraft or as an amateur-built aircraft and which has the same external
configuration as an aircraft built at least 30 years ago may be operated without displaying
marks in accordance with Secs. 45.21 and 45.23 through 45.33 if:
(1) It displays in accordance with Sec. 45.21(c) marks at least 2 inches
high on each side of the fuselage or vertical tail surface consisting of
the Roman capital letter "N" followed by:
(i) The U.S. registration number of the aircraft;


And here is what our hockey loving friends have to say about it:

http://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/civilaviation/regserv/cars/part2-202-1304.htm#202

Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs) 2011-2
Subpart 2 - Aircraft Marking and Registration
Content last revised: 2003/12/01
DIVISION I - AIRCRAFT MARKS
Requirements for Marks on Aircraft
202.01 (1) Subject to subsection (2), no person shall operate an aircraft in Canada unless its marks are visible and are displayed
(a) in the case of a Canadian aircraft, in accordance with the requirements of the Aircraft Marking and Registration Standards; and
(b)in the case of an aircraft registered in a foreign state, in accordance with the laws of that foreign state.

This is good news. I have relatively loose thoughts about flying up the Highway this summer or next in my 63 P172D, which although in a modern paint scheme has 3" numbers. I've not been particularly anxious to put on 12" numbers, even temporarily, but I wasn't sure where the ADIZ limits were. Thanks for doing my research for me!

Cary

Thanks KG, great info!

You're welcome! I spent a great deal of time researching this a couple of years ago. Glad I saved the links. K

2 or 3" numbers on the vertical, then 12" temp numbers in greasepaint or tape on the side of the fuselage if required.

hotrod150 wrote:2 or 3" numbers on the vertical, then 12" temp numbers in greasepaint or tape on the side of the fuselage if required.

Here are the paragraphs that authorize temporary large numbers for crossing an ADIZ.

14 CFR Part 45
Identification and Registration Markings
Subpart C--Nationality and Registration Marks
Sec. 45.21 General.

(c) Aircraft nationality and registration marks must--
((3) It is marked temporarily to meet the requirements of Sec.
45.22(c)(1)

Sec.45.22
(c) No person may operate an aircraft under paragraph (a) or (b) of this
section--
(1) In an ADIZ or DEWIZ described in Part 99 of this chapter unless it
temporarily bears marks in accordance with Secs. 45.21 and 45.23 through
45.33;