FAA Registration vs Title

skidoo

skidoo

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skidoo
Help me understand title to aircraft. I just received my registration from the FAA for my C182. On it, it disclaims that it does not prove title to the aircraft, that it is between private parties to determine. The document is for registration purposes only.

So, if the FAA registration does not establish title, then how is it typically done or otherwise proven?
 
Chain of custody provided by a Bill of Sale or mortgage liens and releases against the aircraft.

There is no "title" to aircraft as there is to cars.
 
skidoo said:
Help me understand title to aircraft. I just received my registration from the FAA for my C182. On it, it disclaims that it does not prove title to the aircraft, that it is between private parties to determine. The document is for registration purposes only.

So, if the FAA registration does not establish title, then how is it typically done or otherwise proven?
Click to expand...

Bill of Sale, chain of ownership, etc.
 
The FAA bill of sale executed by the seller (or other documents if lender forecloses, etc) is filed with the FAA prior to the new registration being filed (title companies usually file and time-stamp the bill of sale filing one minute and the registration the next minute) to insure and orderly transfer and to prevent liens being filed while the change of ownership is being effected.

Most purchase agreements also contain provisions for a warranty bill of sale to be executed by the seller, in addition to the FAA document.
 
The registration process went through just fine. But, it sounds like the Bill of Sale is the proof. But, in order to register with the FAA, the original Bill of Sale must be submitted. So, I only retain a copy. I think a copy helps, but not much for legal proof. Now the FAA has the original Bill of Sale, but disclaims registration as proof of title.

I just don't understand this system yet... So, what happens to the original Bill of Sale? How is it ensured to maintain its existence?
 
What's official is what's on file at the FAA Registry. The fact that you received your registration certificate tells you that the FAA has accepted the transfer of ownership. They retain the original bill of sale, and if there's any question of ownership, the records at the Registry are what determines who owns the plane unless someone can produce a later bill of sale or other ownership transfer document signed by the owner of record as listed at the Registry.
 
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