What's an N-Number Worth

[RV10builder]

My father and I are building an RV-10 and we have a decent N-Number reserved, however, yesterday I went online and noticed that there is a really short, really cool, N-Number that we would rather have. When I did a search by name, the person who owns it is parked on something like 20 N-Numbers, all just being reserved, none actually on an airplane. It looks to me like this guy is running a side business of gobbling up N-Numbers and then selling them.

If he has the N-Number I want, how much is an N-Number worth? Does anybody else have experience with this? What is the process of getting the N-Number transferred from him to me if I offer him what he's after?

I realize this is somewhat subjective, but the whole concept intrigues me.

Thanks
Jon
40514 - wings
N475R Reserved

[Flyrod]

First I would report him to the FAA. They may not realize what he is doing. They should limit the number of times an individual can reserve a N number.

[flyeyes]

Originally Posted by RV10builder

(snip)
If he has the N-Number I want, how much is an N-Number worth? Does anybody else have experience with this? What is the process of getting the N-Number transferred from him to me if I offer him what he's after?

I realize this is somewhat subjective, but the whole concept intrigues me.
(snip)
N475R Reserved

It's worth whatever you (or someone else) is willing to pay for it.

Years ago, I remember Peter Lert writing about the N-number on his sailplane, N1KE.

A large corporation approached him and they reached an agreement that included a new paint job (with an N-number change) and IIRC a lifetime supply of running shoes.

That n-number is flying on a gulfstream operated by or for the Nike corporation.

[f1rocket]

There's no limit that I'm aware of as long as you continue to pay the renewal fee each year. I actually had reserved about four numbers for my Rocket until the owner of my RV-6 called me and told me he was releasing my original N-number and wanted to know if I wanted it back. So I've had the same number on two different experimentals.

You can call the FAA in Ok city and they can coordinate a switch for you if the guy is willing to release it.

[rvpilot]

I know a fellow who was paid $10,000.00 for the n-number off his old airplane!

[N941WR]

Prior to 1976 the government approched the owner of J-3, N1776, and asked for the N-number to put on Air Force One. The owner turned them down and if you check, N1776 is still on that J-3.

I guess, the government didn't have enough money for him.

[Deuskid]

Originally Posted by N941WR

Prior to 1976 the government approched the owner of J-3, N1776, and asked for the N-number to put on Air Force One. The owner turned them down and if you check, N1776 is still on that J-3.

I guess, the government didn't have enough money for him.

/rant on/
are you kidding... the gov't is way broke...

they're constantly robbing peter to pay paul and needing to borrow tons of money on top of that!

It is both financially and morally bankrupt. /rant off/

jmo

John

[RV10builder]

As a point of reference, I made the holder of the N-Number an offer in the hundreds (what it is worth to me) and he wrote back looking for something in the many multiples of thousands. Oh well, I still like the one I already have reserved.

[Walt]

How hard is it to change N numbers?

[Low Pass]

Originally Posted by Walt

How hard is it to change N numbers?

It's a piece of cake. I found a short, sweet number I liked, reserved it, completed the registration change form and mailed it in. Removed old numbers and applied new ones. As I recall a carbon copy of the change form was my temporary registration until receiving the revised copy. May have cost a few bucks.

The new number is *much* better than that old birthday, lotto number, initials thing!