Have you ever watched a plane fly overhead and wondered who owns it? Maybe you heard a noisy aircraft buzzing around your neighborhood. Or perhaps you saw something that made you concerned about safety. You might be surprised to learn that finding out who owns an airplane is actually pretty easy. The information is sitting right there in public records, waiting for you to look it up.

Every plane typically has a public record you can access for free. You don't need special permission or secret access codes. This information is available to anyone who wants to find it.

People look up aircraft owners for all kinds of reasons. Some folks are dealing with noise complaints. Others witnessed unsafe flying and want to report it. Business buyers need to check out a plane before they purchase it. Accident witnesses need to find contact information. All of these are perfectly legal reasons to search for owner information.

The good news? You can find most of what you need in just a few minutes using your computer or phone. This article goes over exactly how aircraft records work and why they're so easy to access.

Key Takeaways

To identify the owner of an aircraft, find the tail number on the plane (the registration number starting with "N" for U.S. aircraft), then search the free FAA Aircraft Registration Inquiry database at registry.faa.gov. This database shows the registered owner's name, address, and aircraft details instantly. If the owner is a company or trust, you can search your state's Secretary of State website to find more details about who runs that business.

Understanding Aircraft Registration Numbers

Every plane that flies legally in the United States has a special identification number. Think of it like a license plate for your car. You can't drive without a license plate, right? Well, you can't fly without a registration number either.

These numbers are called tail numbers because you usually find them painted on the tail of the aircraft. In the United States, every tail number starts with the letter "N." That N stands for the United States. It's our country's special letter assigned by international aviation rules.

Here's what a typical tail number looks like:

• N12345 (numbers only after the N)
• N456AB (numbers followed by letters)
• N7 (yes, some are really short!)

The N-Number can be anywhere from one to five characters long after that first N. The Federal Aviation Administration doesn't allow the letters I or O in tail numbers because they look too much like the numbers 1 and 0. Smart thinking, right?

You can spot these numbers in several places on an aircraft:

• On the tail (most common spot)
• On the side of the body near the back
• Under the wing on some planes
• On the engine cowling for smaller aircraft

Once you have this tail number written down, you're halfway done. That number is your key to unlocking all the public information about who owns that airplane. The FAA requires these numbers to be big enough and clear enough that people can read them from the ground. Most numbers are at least 12 inches tall.

Every tail number is unique. No two planes in the United States can have the same number. When someone sells their aircraft, the tail number usually stays with the plane unless the new owner specifically requests a change.

Why Aircraft Ownership Information Is Public

The Federal Aviation Administration keeps detailed records on every single registered aircraft in the country. They maintain a huge database with information about planes, owners, and safety records. And here's the important part: almost all of this information is available to the public.

Why does the government make this information public? Safety is the biggest reason. When there's an accident or safety issue, investigators need to find the owner quickly. Emergency responders need contact information fast. Law enforcement might need to track down aviation violations. Making this information public helps everyone stay safe in the skies.

Think about it like this. When you register your car, that information goes into public records too. Anyone can look up who owns a vehicle by its license plate number. Aircraft registration works the same way, just with different rules and a different agency managing the records.

The public inquiry system also helps with:

• Accident investigations by the National Transportation Safety Board
• Noise complaints at airports and neighborhoods
• Business research for companies buying or selling planes
• Title searches by aviation lawyers and charter companies
• Safety reports from concerned citizens

There are a few exceptions to what's public. The FAA does offer privacy programs where registered owner information can be limited in certain databases. But the basic registration records themselves always remain accessible through official channels. That's federal law.

The database gets updated every single workday at midnight. So the information you find is usually very current. When someone buys or sells an airplane, they have to notify the administration within a certain timeframe. This keeps the records accurate and useful for everyone who needs them.

When You Might Need to Find an Aircraft Owner

Let's talk about real situations where finding an owner makes sense. These aren't made-up examples. These are actual reasons people search aircraft records every single day.

Noise complaints are probably the most common reason. Maybe a small plane keeps circling low over your house on weekends. The engine noise is driving you crazy. You want to file a complaint, but you need to know who operates that aircraft. Looking up the N-Number gives you the information you need to contact the right person or report it to local authorities.

Safety concerns are another big reason. Imagine you see a plane flying dangerously low over a crowded area. Or maybe you notice an aircraft that looks like it might have mechanical problems. You want to report this to the FAA, but they need specifics. The tail number and registered owner information helps officials follow up on your concern.

Accident witnesses definitely need this information. If you see an aircraft crash or make an emergency landing, you become an important witness. Law enforcement and the National Transportation Safety Board will ask you for details. Having the tail number and owner information helps everyone involved.

People buying an airplane always check the records first. Before you spend thousands or millions of dollars on an aircraft, you want to know everything about it. Who owned it? Is there a lien on it? Has it been in accidents? The registration records are your starting point for this research.

Business purposes matter too. Companies might need to:

• Research competitors who own private jets
• Verify charter company claims about their fleet
• Check if an airline really owns the planes they advertise
• Investigate potential business partners who claim aircraft ownership

Airport managers and fixed-base operators often need to identify aircraft parked on their property. Sometimes a plane gets left behind or abandoned. Finding the registered owner helps them resolve these situations legally.

Insurance companies and lawyers frequently search these records during claims and lawsuits. After an aviation accident, they need to identify all the parties involved. The aircraft registration database gives them the starting point for their investigation.

Even aviation enthusiasts and plane spotters use these tools just out of curiosity and passion for flying. They like to track interesting aircraft, especially vintage planes or rare models. There's a whole community of people who photograph planes and research their histories using public records.

All of these uses are completely legal. The information is public for exactly these purposes. You're not doing anything wrong by looking up aircraft owners, as long as you use that information responsibly and legally.

Finding Aircraft Owners Using the FAA Database

The FAA Aircraft Registration Inquiry database is your main tool for finding owner information. It's free, it's fast, and it's surprisingly easy to use. Let me walk you through the whole process step by step.

First, open your web browser and go to registry.faa.gov/aircraftinquiry. This is the official Federal Aviation Administration website for looking up aircraft records. Bookmark this page because you'll probably use it again in the future.

When the page loads, you'll see several search options. The most common way to search is by N-Number. Remember, that's the tail number you saw on the plane. Here's the trick: don't type the letter N when you search. If the tail number is N12345, just type 12345 into the search box. The system automatically knows you're searching U.S.-registered aircraft.

Click the search button and boom. Within seconds, you'll see the aircraft information appear on your screen. Here's what the database shows you:

Basic Aircraft Details:

• Manufacturer name (like Cessna, Boeing, or Piper)
• Model name and type
• Year it was manufactured
• Serial number (this is different from the tail number)
• Engine type and count

Registration Information:

• Registered owner name
• Owner's mailing address (usually complete with street, city, state, and zip code)
• Date of last registration action
• Registration status (active, expired, pending, etc.)
• Certificate issue date

Aircraft Classification:

• Type certificate (what category of airplane it is)
• Aircraft category (like single-engine, multi-engine, helicopter)
• Airworthiness class
• Weight class

The owner name is the most important piece of information. Sometimes you'll see an individual person's name listed. John Smith from Dallas, Texas. Simple and straightforward. But many times, you'll see something different. You might see a corporation name, an LLC, or a trust name instead.

When you see a company name, write it down exactly as it appears. You'll need it for the next step. Common examples include:

• "ABC Aviation LLC"
• "Smith Family Trust"
• "XYZ Corporation"
• "Skyward Holdings Inc."

The address shown is usually the mailing address where the FAA sends official documents. This might be a home address, a business address, or even an attorney's office. Sometimes it's a PO Box. All of these are normal.

What if you don't have the N-Number? The database offers other search options:

Search by Serial Number: Every aircraft has a manufacturer's serial number. If you know this number, you can search for it directly. This is useful when researching aircraft history or dealing with sales records.

Search by Name: Type in a person's name or company name if you're trying to find all aircraft they own. This works great for researching business aviation fleets or seeing what planes a specific person owns.

Search by State or County: Want to see all aircraft registered to owners in your area? Use this option. You can browse through lists of planes by location. It's fascinating to see how many aircraft are based near you.

Search by Manufacturer: Looking for all the Cessnas or all the Pipers in a certain area? This search option lets you filter by who made the plane.

The inquiry system shows you current information only. If an aircraft has been sold recently, there might be a note saying "Potential change of registered ownership in progress." This means the paperwork is being processed but isn't complete yet.

You can also check the aircraft's registration status. An active registration means the plane is legal to fly. An expired registration means the owner needs to renew it before flying. Cancelled means the aircraft is no longer registered in the U.S. system.

One really helpful feature: you can see the date of the last action. This tells you when something changed in the aircraft's registration. Maybe it was sold recently. Maybe the owner updated their address. This date gives you context about how current the information is.

The database also shows you if there are any documents on file. These might include:

• Bills of sale
• Security agreements
• Dealer's Aircraft Registration Certificates
• Corporation or LLC statements
• Trust documents

You can't view these documents directly on the website, but knowing they exist is useful. If you need copies of these documents, you have to make a formal request to the FAA Aircraft Registration Branch. More on that in a minute.

What to Do When the Owner Is a Company or Trust

So you searched the FAA database and found out the owner is "ABC Aviation LLC" or "Smith Family Trust." Now what? Don't worry. There are more steps you can take to find out who actually controls that entity.

When you see an LLC listed, your next stop is your state's Secretary of State website. Every state requires corporations and LLCs to register and file public information. This information tells you who manages the company and where their office is located.

Let's walk through this process:

Step 1: Go to your state's Secretary of State website. Just search "[your state] Secretary of State business search" in Google. Every state has one of these websites, and most are completely free to use.

Step 2: Find the business entity search tool. It might be called "business search," "entity search," or "corporation lookup." They all do the same thing.

Step 3: Type in the exact company name you found in the FAA records. Use the same spelling and format. If it says "ABC Aviation LLC," search for that exact name.

Step 4: Look at the results. The state database will show you:

• The LLC or corporation's full legal name
• Formation date
• Status (active, inactive, dissolved)
• Registered agent name and address
• Managing members or officers
• Principal office address

The registered agent is the person who receives legal documents for the company. This might be one of the owners, or it might be a lawyer or business service. Either way, you now have a real person's name and contact information.

The managing members or officers section shows who runs the LLC. For smaller companies, this is often the same person who owns the aircraft. For larger companies, you might see several names listed. These are all public records, so you're not doing anything sneaky by looking them up.

What about trusts? Trusts are trickier. When an aircraft is owned by a trust, the FAA registration shows the trust name, like "John Doe Revocable Trust." The trustee's name might be listed, but the beneficial owner (the person who actually benefits from the trust) often stays hidden.

Why do people use trusts for aircraft ownership? Several reasons:

• Privacy protection (especially for celebrities or high-profile business people)
• Estate planning (making it easier to pass the plane to heirs)
• Foreign ownership (non-U.S. citizens can't register aircraft directly, so they use trusts)
• Liability protection (separating the aircraft from other assets)

If you need more details about a trust, you'll have to request official documents from the FAA. Trust documents filed with the Federal Aviation Administration include more information about who controls the trust and who benefits from it.

Here's how to request documents from the FAA:

The Aircraft Registration Branch keeps copies of all registration documents on file. This includes bills of sale, trust agreements, LLC statements, and more. You can request copies for any aircraft in the database.

Three ways to request documents:

Online Request: Go to the FAA website and use their online request form. This is the fastest method. You'll need the N-Number or serial number of the aircraft you're researching.

Phone Request: Call the Aircraft Registration Branch at (866) 762-9434. They're open Monday through Friday during business hours (Central Time). Have the tail number ready when you call.

Mail Request: Write a letter to: FAA Aircraft Registration Branch P.O. Box 25504 Oklahoma City, OK 73125

Include the aircraft N-Number or serial number, your name and address, and a check for $10 made payable to the Federal Aviation Administration.

What you'll receive: The FAA sends you copies of all documents related to that aircraft's registration. This usually includes:

• The original registration application
• Bills of sale showing ownership transfers
• Corporation or LLC statements with officer names
• Trust documents (if applicable)
• Lien or security interest documents
• Any amendments or changes

The documents arrive by mail in about 10 business days. You can request them on paper or on a CD-ROM. Both cost the same $10 fee. If you're researching multiple aircraft, that's $10 per airplane.

These documents often reveal information you couldn't find anywhere else. The LLC statement, for example, must list the names and addresses of all managing members. Trust documents show who the trustee is and sometimes who the beneficiaries are. Bills of sale show the complete chain of ownership over the years.

What if the company listed is in another state? No problem. Let's say you live in California, but the LLC is registered in Delaware. Just go to Delaware's Secretary of State website instead. The process works the same way, regardless of which state you're searching.

Some states charge small fees for business searches or document copies, but most offer basic information for free. Delaware, Nevada, and Wyoming are popular states for aircraft ownership because they offer more privacy protection than other states.

Using Flight Tracking Websites

Sometimes you need to find an aircraft owner but you only saw the plane flying overhead. You don't have the tail number because you couldn't read it from the ground. That's where flight tracking websites come in handy.

FlightAware is one of the most popular flight tracking tools. It's free for basic features, and it tracks thousands of flights every day across the United States and around the world. Here's how to use it:

Go to FlightAware.com and look at the live flight map. You'll see a map covered in airplane icons. Each icon represents a plane currently in the air. You can zoom in on your area to see what aircraft are flying nearby.

Click on any plane icon and you'll see:

• The aircraft's N-Number
• Current altitude and speed
• Origin and destination airports
• Estimated arrival time
• Aircraft type
• Sometimes even a photo of that specific airplane

If you saw a plane an hour ago, you can scroll back through recent flights in your area. The timeline feature lets you see what aircraft were overhead at specific times. Once you find the flight that matches what you saw, you've got your tail number.

Write down that N-Number, then head over to the FAA database to look up the owner information. Now you know who was flying over your house.

Flightradar24 works similarly but has better coverage in some parts of the world. It's especially good for international flights. The free version shows basic information. The paid versions (Silver and Gold) give you more features like:

• 90 or 365 days of flight history
• More detailed aircraft information
• Weather overlays
• Airport information

Both FlightAware and Flightradar24 let you set up alerts. Want to know every time a specific aircraft flies in your area? Create an alert for that N-Number. You'll get email or phone notifications when that plane is in the air.

Privacy blocking matters here. Remember how I mentioned that some aircraft owners can block their information? This applies to flight tracking too. The FAA offers a program called LADD (Limiting Aircraft Data Displayed) that lets owners hide their flight data from public tracking websites.

When an aircraft is blocked, you might see:

• "Data unavailable" instead of the N-Number
• "Private" or "Blocked" as the owner name
• No flight history or tracking data
• A generic aircraft icon with no details

Why do people block their data? Lots of reasons:

• Privacy concerns (celebrities, business executives, wealthy individuals)
• Security issues (government officials, law enforcement)
• Competitive intelligence (companies don't want competitors tracking their business travel)
• Personal safety (domestic violence situations, stalking concerns)

If you need to track a blocked aircraft for a legitimate reason (like an accident investigation or legal matter), you might need to work with law enforcement or hire an aviation attorney. The data exists, but you need proper legal authority to access it.

For most everyday situations though, flight tracking websites give you everything you need. They're incredibly useful tools, and they're fun to explore even when you're not actively searching for something specific.

Finding Owners of Foreign Aircraft

Not all aircraft you see will have U.S. registration. If a plane doesn't start with the letter N, it's registered in another country. Each country has its own system and its own aviation authority that manages records.

How to recognize foreign aircraft:

Canadian aircraft start with C- (like C-ABCD) British aircraft start with G- (like G-ABCD) German aircraft start with D- (like D-ABCD) Australian aircraft start with VH- (like VH-ABC) Japanese aircraft start with JA- (like JA-1234)

There are registration prefixes for every country in the world. If you see an unfamiliar prefix, just search "aircraft registration prefix [letters]" online and you'll find out which country it belongs to.

Finding foreign aircraft owners requires searching that country's aviation authority database. The process is similar to searching the FAA database, but each country's website works a bit differently.

United Kingdom: The UK Civil Aviation Authority maintains a searchable database called G-INFO. It's free and public, just like the FAA system. Go to their website and search by the aircraft's G- registration number. You'll see the owner's name, address, and aircraft details.

Canada: Transport Canada has an online aircraft register. Search by the C- registration number to find owner information and aircraft specifications. The system is available in both English and French.

Australia: The Australian Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) offers an aircraft register search. Type in the VH- number and you'll get basic information about the aircraft and its registered owner.

Other countries vary widely. Some have excellent online databases that are free and easy to use. Others require you to submit written requests or pay fees. Some countries only provide limited information to protect owner privacy.

The International Registry of Mobile Assets is another resource, but it's mainly used for commercial aviation and larger aircraft. It tracks financial interests, like loans and leases, for aircraft, helicopters, and engines. There's a fee to search this database, and it won't help with small private planes.

If you're researching a foreign aircraft and can't find information online, your best bet is to contact that country's civil aviation authority directly. Most have email addresses or phone numbers for public inquiries.

Legal and Ethical Guidelines

Let's talk about the rules and responsibilities that come with accessing aircraft owner information. Just because the information is public doesn't mean you can use it any way you want.

Legal uses of aircraft owner information:

Safety reporting is always appropriate. If you see unsafe flying, you should report it. The FAA wants to know about safety concerns. Giving them the N-Number and owner information helps them follow up on your report.

Noise complaints are a legitimate use. If an aircraft is bothering your neighborhood, you have a right to find out who operates it and file a formal complaint with local authorities or the airport.

Accident reporting and investigation definitely requires this information. If you witness a crash or incident, law enforcement and safety investigators need accurate details. You're helping ensure a thorough investigation.

Business research is generally okay. Companies routinely research competitors, partners, and customers. Looking up aircraft ownership as part of business intelligence is a normal practice.

Pre-purchase research is essential. If you're buying an airplane, you absolutely should check the registration records, ownership history, and any liens or encumbrances on the aircraft.

Legal proceedings often require aircraft ownership information. Lawyers, insurance companies, and courts need accurate records for lawsuits, claims, and legal disputes.

What NOT to do with this information:

Don't harass owners. Finding someone's name and address doesn't give you permission to show up at their house or bombard them with unwanted contact. That could be harassment or stalking, which are serious crimes.

Don't use it for commercial solicitation without permission. Just because you found contact information doesn't mean you can add people to your marketing list. Anti-spam laws protect people from unwanted commercial messages.

Don't stalk or threaten anyone. This should go without saying, but using public records to track someone's movements for harmful purposes is illegal. Flight tracking combined with personal information could constitute stalking.

Don't lie about your purpose. If you request documents from the FAA or contact an aircraft owner, be honest about why you need the information. Fraud or misrepresentation can get you in legal trouble.

Respect privacy blocking. If an owner has chosen to block their flight tracking data through the LADD program, respect that choice. They have legitimate reasons for privacy, and the Federal Aviation Administration supports their right to limit public display of their information.

When should you hire an aviation lawyer? Some situations are complex enough that you need professional help:

After an accident involving injury or significant property damage, an aviation attorney can help you navigate the legal process and gather the right information properly.

For business transactions like buying, selling, or leasing aircraft, a lawyer ensures all the paperwork is correct and your interests are protected.

In ownership disputes where multiple parties claim rights to an aircraft, legal representation becomes essential.

For complex ownership structures involving multiple LLCs, trusts, or international entities, a lawyer can help you trace the real owner through layers of corporate structures.

When dealing with foreign aircraft or international aviation law, specialized legal knowledge becomes important.

The bottom line: Use aircraft owner information responsibly and legally. The system is designed to promote safety and transparency in aviation, not to enable harassment or illegal activity. When in doubt about whether your intended use is appropriate, consult with an aviation attorney before proceeding.

Common Problems and Simple Solutions

Even with clear instructions, you might run into some hiccups when searching for aircraft owner information. Let's troubleshoot the most common problems and how to fix them.

Problem: The FAA database says "Potential change of registered ownership in progress."

This means someone recently bought or sold the aircraft, and the FAA is still processing the paperwork. The registration isn't complete yet. The new owner's information won't show up until the process finishes, which usually takes a few days to a couple of weeks.

Solution: Check back in a week or two. The database updates every night, so once the paperwork clears, you'll see the new owner information. If you need information urgently, you can call the FAA Aircraft Registration Branch and ask about the status.

Problem: The address listed for the owner is outdated or incorrect.

Sometimes owners move and forget to update their registration address. Other times the address might be an old business location or a lawyer's office that's no longer active.

Solution: Try searching for the person or company name online. A quick Google search often reveals current contact information. You can also check social media, business directories, or property records. If the owner is a company, search your state's business register for updated information.

Problem: Multiple companies or trusts are layered on top of each other.

You might find that "ABC Aviation LLC" owns the aircraft, but when you search for ABC Aviation, you discover it's owned by "XYZ Holdings Trust," which is managed by another corporation. Ownership structures can get complicated.

Solution: Request the full set of documents from the FAA. The bills of sale and entity statements will show you the complete ownership chain. For very complex structures, this might be a situation where hiring an aviation attorney makes sense. They deal with these layered ownerships regularly and know how to trace them quickly.

Problem: The aircraft isn't showing up in the FAA database at all.

A few possibilities here. Maybe the aircraft isn't registered in the United States. Maybe it's an experimental or homebuilt plane with special registration. Or maybe you wrote down the N-Number incorrectly.

Solution: Double-check the tail number you wrote down. Make sure you didn't confuse similar-looking numbers and letters. If you're certain the number is correct, try searching other databases. The aircraft might be registered in another country. Look for a different country's prefix on the tail number.

Problem: The flight tracking websites show "blocked" or "private" instead of the aircraft information.

The owner has opted into the FAA's privacy program that limits public display of flight data. This is their legal right.

Solution: You can still search the FAA registration database directly using the N-Number if you managed to see it. The registration records themselves don't get blocked, only the real-time flight tracking. If you have a legitimate legal need for the flight data (like an accident investigation), you'll need to work with law enforcement or an attorney to access it properly.

Problem: The aircraft is owned by a foreign trust or corporation, and you can't find information.

International ownership can be very tricky. Some countries have strict privacy laws that protect owner information much more than U.S. laws do.

Solution: Try contacting that country's civil aviation authority directly and ask about their public records process. Some countries will provide information if you make a formal request. For complex international cases, an aviation lawyer with international experience can help navigate foreign legal systems.

Problem: The information you need isn't in the public database.

Maybe you need maintenance records, airworthiness certificates, or other technical information that isn't shown in the basic FAA search.

Solution: These documents are also available from the FAA, but you have to request them specifically. Use the same document request process I described earlier. For $10, you can get copies of all filed documents for an aircraft, including maintenance and airworthiness records.

Most problems you encounter will have straightforward solutions. The key is to be patient, double-check your information, and know when to ask for help from professionals. The aviation community is generally helpful, and the FAA staff can guide you through their processes if you call them during business hours.

Conclusion

Finding out who owns an aircraft is much easier than most people think. The Federal Aviation Administration makes this information public for important safety and legal reasons. With just a tail number and a few minutes online, you can find the registered owner of almost any airplane flying in the United States.

Start with the FAA Aircraft Registration Inquiry database. It's free, it's fast, and it gives you the basic information you need for most situations. If the owner turns out to be a company or trust, take the extra step of searching your state's business records. Most of the time, these two simple searches tell you everything you need to know.

Remember to use this information responsibly and legally. The system exists to promote safety and transparency in aviation, not to enable harassment or stalking. If you're dealing with a complex situation like an accident, a business transaction, or an international aircraft, consider getting help from an aviation attorney.

The skies above us are busy places, with hundreds of thousands of registered aircraft flying millions of flights every year. Thanks to public registration records, we can all find out who operates these planes when we need to. It's a simple process that serves important purposes for safety, accountability, and transparency in aviation.

Ready to learn more about aircraft ownership, buying your first plane, or navigating the world of aviation? Visit Flying411 for expert guides, industry insights, and everything you need to know about owning and operating aircraft. Our team of aviation professionals is here to help you fly smarter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I find out who flew a specific flight if I only know the route and date?

Yes, you can often figure this out using flight tracking websites like FlightAware. Go to the departure airport page on the website and look at the flight history for your specific date. You can filter by destination airport and time of day to narrow down which aircraft made that trip. Once you identify the flight, you'll see the N-Number, which you can then search in the FAA database. This method works best for smaller airports with less traffic. At busy airports like major airline hubs, you might need to know the approximate departure time to sort through all the flights.

What should I do if I believe the aircraft owner information is being used to harass me?

If you're an aircraft owner and you're experiencing harassment based on your public registration information, you have several options. First, enroll in the FAA's LADD program to limit your flight tracking data from public websites. Second, consider using a corporation, LLC, or trust to own your aircraft so your personal name doesn't appear in basic searches. Third, report any harassment to local law enforcement and consider getting a restraining order if appropriate. You can also register your aircraft using a business address rather than your home address. Aviation attorneys specializing in privacy can help you structure ownership to maximize your protection while staying legal.

How do I find out if an aircraft has any liens or loans against it?

The FAA Aircraft Registration database shows if there are any recorded liens or security interests on an aircraft. When you search for an N-Number, look for notes about recorded documents. You'll need to request copies of those documents from the FAA to see the full details. The request costs $10 and takes about 10 days. These documents will show who holds the lien, how much is owed, and when the security agreement was filed. Charter companies, banks, and aircraft lenders routinely file these documents with the FAA to protect their financial interest in an airplane.

Are there any restrictions on photographing aircraft and their tail numbers?

No, there are no federal restrictions on photographing aircraft in public places. If you're standing on public property or your own property and you can see the plane, you can legally photograph it, including the tail number. Many airports allow plane spotting and photography from designated areas. However, some private airports might have their own rules, and you should always respect those. The Transportation Security Administration might question you if you're photographing aircraft in sensitive areas, but taking photos from public viewing areas is completely legal. Thousands of aviation enthusiasts photograph planes every day as a hobby.

Can I track who previously owned an aircraft before the current owner?

Yes, the ownership history is available through FAA records. When you request copies of documents from the Aircraft Registration Branch, you'll receive all the bills of sale that have been filed for that aircraft. Each bill of sale shows the seller and buyer for that transaction. By reading through these documents in chronological order, you can trace the complete ownership chain from when the plane was first registered to the current owner. This is particularly useful when researching aircraft history, investigating accidents that happened under previous owners, or doing due diligence before purchasing a used airplane. The $10 document request gives you access to this complete historical record.