N Number

[rongawer]

Originally Posted by Mel

You can't even APPLY for airworthiness certificate without registration!

And the corollary of that is you can register a crate of parts LONG before airworthiness is even a possibility....not recommended, as you might not finish the thing creating a problem about where the airplane went to, but it can be done.

The EAA recommendation is to apply for your registration about 6 months before your ready for your AWC inspection. Earlier is generally better than later.

[Mel]

Originally Posted by rongawer

And the corollary of that is you can register a crate of parts LONG before airworthiness is even a possibility....not recommended, as you might not finish the thing creating a problem about where the airplane went to, but it can be done.
The EAA recommendation is to apply for your registration about 6 months before your ready for your AWC inspection. Earlier is generally better than later.

Absolutely do NOT register the aircraft until you are sure you will finish it. I have run into this several times where, for instance, the registered owner dies before completion of the aircraft. It can get very "sticky"!

My recommendation is to register no sooner than 6-8 weeks prior to completion. Most original registrations go through within 2-3 weeks.

[jnorris]

Originally Posted by Mel

My recommendation is to register 6-8 weeks prior to completion. Most original registrations go through within 2-3 weeks.

I second Mel's motion. 6-8 weeks should be plenty, and if all your paperwork is in order you'll get it back a lot quicker than that.

I also agree that you shouldn't do it too early, both from the standpoint that Mel mentioned, but also from the standpoint of state taxes.

Don't be in too much of a rush!