Recently got my updated registration certificate for the new 7-year change. My previous certificate was signed by the FAA administrator but the new one has no signature - it has a signature block but it’s empty. 91.203 requires an “effective” registration certificate - it doesn’t specifically say that it must be signed by the FAA administrator. So I’m thinking I’m in compliance, but curious if others have views or have looked into this? I emailed the FAA directly (probably dumb, I know) and did not receive a response. Appreciate any thoughts here.
New Registration Certificate
- Thread starter MJR Pilot
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What is in the box that says, "designated FAA representative"? Completely empty?
Nothing - it’s blank, which I thought was weird.
To be clear, my certificate doesn’t have that box - it only has a box for “Acting FAA Administrator”, which was left blank.
Duh Sorry. Wrong certificate
But I would be expecting something in that box, as in this sample, not left completely blank. I haven't heard anything about the updates not being signed (maybe someone else here has) and I'd hesitate heading into a foreign country without it.
I wonder whether there was some period that there was no acting administrator before Trottenberg was appointed? Still seems weird to me too.
Thanks, yes curious to hear if others who recently received certificates have the same issue.
Mongoose Aviator
Line Up and Wait
My registration has a signature by Acting Administrator. Looks like maybe Billy somebody?
These are the newer reg certs with the 7 year period.
These are the newer reg certs with the 7 year period.
Thanks. Yeah this my new certificate for the 7-year update as well - came in the mail 3 weeks ago, but no signature for acting FAA Admin.
Call the Registration Branch at the local number (405) 954-3116.
douglas393
Pattern Altitude
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douglas
Got mine about two months ago. I seem to remember it having the signature of the acting administrator. Cannot double check as the plane is going through the annual from hell. The AD with 1000 dollar v clamps among other expensive things. Need two of them with two more cheaper ones costing 200 dollars a piece. Only three weeks into it and not close to being done. Hopefully it will be done before the registration expires. Not holding my breath though.
Polly Trottenberg, appointed by Biden on June 8 2023.
Fearless Tower
Touchdown! Greaser!
That’s exactly what they are doing with Airworthiness Certificates now.
Emailing digitally signed pdfs.
Not sure why they can’t do that with registrations as well.
Actually they don’t even need to email the cert, the FAA could just send a notice that the cert is ready and maintain that the FAA website is the official record and pilots can download and retain digital copy or print one. Really a simple thing.
Fearless Tower
Touchdown! Greaser!
I got my revised registration within the last month and it has a signature.
My guess is that yours accidentally was mailed before the signature was applied.
Just received ours, and the Acting Administrator signature is in the box. I'd contact the registration branch and ask for a replacement.
FPK1
Line Up and Wait
I just received mine postmarked 8/29/23 and it is signed by Polly Trottenberg...
Stewartb
Final Approach
Ditto. There’s a printed image of a signature.
Mongoose Aviator
Line Up and Wait
Mine is signed by Billy Nolan.
Stewartb
Final Approach
Sure. I was surprised to receive it. I don’t think renewal was due. At any rate I didn’t request it or pay for it. My other plane also shows 2029 registration expiration on the FAA N Number search but I haven’t received that cert yet.
Attachments
Fearless Tower
Touchdown! Greaser!
The Feds recently extended the periodicity, so they are sending out replacement registration cards with the revised expiration date.[/QUOTE]
Stewartb
Final Approach
Well aware of the extension, just didn’t think it was retroactive. I expected it at the next renewal.
The regulatory change applied to all valid registrations in existence as of January 2023.
47.40(b)(2) "A Certificate of Aircraft Registration that is in effect on January 23, 2023 expires seven years after the last day of the month in which it is issued, notwithstanding the expiration date on the valid Certificate of Aircraft Registration."
The last part of that - "notwithstanding the expiration date" was to avoid the necessity of issuing new certificates, but the FAA probably decided that there were too many potential issues with pulling out a registration that on its face was expired.
The digital signature doesn't mean much when you're still obliged to print it out and stick it in the plane for it to be valid,.
Neither does an ink stamped one. Not, for that matter, one signed personally. In all cases they are just representations of being signed, subject to challenge as forgeries.
Thanks all. FYI - I heard back from the FAA this morning and they said it my certificate is still valid without the signature, though they will send a new one with the signature in the coming days. Think it was just an oversight on their part.