The Federal Aviation Administration maintains the Civil Aviation Registry in Oklahoma City, which records aircraft ownership and airman certificates. When a pilot or aircraft owner dies, the executor or heir must report the death to the FAA, transfer or cancel the aircraft registration, and return the airman certificate. Under 14 CFR 47.41, an aircraft's Certificate of Aircraft Registration ends 30 days after the death of the registered owner, and the FAA must be notified within 60 days.

Death notification

The executor, administrator, or heir-at-law must notify the FAA Aircraft Registration Branch when a registered aircraft owner dies. Notification is made by returning the Certificate of Aircraft Registration (with the reverse side completed) to the Registry, along with a certified copy of letters testamentary, letters of administration, or — if no executor or administrator is appointed — an heir-at-law affidavit. For a deceased pilot, the family or executor reports the death to the FAA Airmen Certification Branch by signed letter (email or mail) with the airman's full name, date of birth or certificate number, and proof of death such as a death certificate, obituary, or coroner's report.

Deadline: Within 60 days after the death of the certificate holder (14 CFR 47.41(b)(2)). The Certificate of Aircraft Registration itself ends 30 days after the death of the certificate holder (14 CFR 47.41(a)(4)).

Survivor benefits

The FAA offers 3 benefits for surviving family members.

Aircraft Re-Registration in the Estate's Name

Under 14 CFR 47.11(e), the executor or administrator of the deceased owner's estate may apply to have the Certificate of Aircraft Registration reissued in the executor's or administrator's name. The applicant submits a new Aircraft Registration Application (AC Form 8050-1) together with a certified copy of the letters testamentary or letters of administration appointing them.

Aircraft Transfer to a Buyer from the Estate

Under 14 CFR 47.11(f), a buyer purchasing an aircraft from the estate must submit both a Bill of Sale (AC Form 8050-2) signed for the estate by the executor or administrator and a certified copy of the letters testamentary or letters of administration. If no executor or administrator has been appointed, the buyer submits a Bill of Sale signed by the heir-at-law together with an heir-at-law affidavit.

Heir-at-Law Transfer

When no executor or administrator has been or is to be appointed, the heir-at-law may submit an affidavit describing the aircraft and stating that no application has been made for the appointment of an executor or administrator, that none is expected to be made, and that the affiant is the person entitled under the laws of the state having jurisdiction to take possession of or dispose of the aircraft. The FAA publishes a Heir-At-Law Form (REGAR-HEIR-1) for this purpose.

Forms

AC 8050-1Aircraft Registration Application

Filed by the executor, administrator, heir-at-law, or buyer to register the aircraft after the owner's death (14 CFR 47.11)

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AC 8050-2Aircraft Bill of Sale

Used by the executor, administrator, or heir-at-law to transfer aircraft ownership from the estate to a buyer (14 CFR 47.11(f))

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REGAR-HEIR-1Heir-At-Law Form

Affidavit submitted when no executor or administrator has been or will be appointed, identifying the affiant as the person entitled under state law to take possession of or dispose of the aircraft

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When someone dies

Notifying the FAA after a death

6-step process, 6 required documents, and 3 survivor benefits.

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Frequently asked questions

When no executor or administrator has been or is to be appointed, an heir-at-law may submit an affidavit (FAA Heir-At-Law Form, REGAR-HEIR-1) describing the aircraft and stating that no application for appointment has been made, that none is expected, and that the affiant is the person entitled to take possession of or dispose of the aircraft under applicable state law.

Once a complete Aircraft Registration Application (AC Form 8050-1) is on file, the applicant's "pink copy" serves as temporary authority to operate the aircraft. Under 14 CFR 47.31, that temporary authority is valid until the certificate is issued, the application is denied, or 12 months elapse from the receipt of the first application following transfer of ownership.

Under 14 CFR 47.11(f), the buyer submits a Bill of Sale (AC Form 8050-2) signed for the estate by the executor or administrator, an Aircraft Registration Application (AC Form 8050-1) in the buyer's name, and a certified copy of the letters testamentary or letters of administration. When no executor or administrator has been appointed, the Bill of Sale is signed by the heir-at-law together with an heir-at-law affidavit.

By U.S. Postal Service: FAA Aircraft Registration Branch, P.O. Box 25504, Oklahoma City, OK 73125-0504. By commercial delivery service: FAA Aircraft Registration Branch, Registry Building Room 118, 6425 South Denning, Oklahoma City, OK 73169-6937. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Central Time. The toll-free number is 1-866-762-9434.