12 inch N numbers

donahuedc · #1 07-07-2006, 02:51 PM

I understand that experimentals can paint 6 inch numbers. I intend to fly out of the country, and therefore need 12 inch numbers to return. How do people handle this? I don't want to paint 12 inch numbers if I don't have to, I think the 6 inch ones look better. I've heard that there are temporary stick on ones. Has anyone used these? Do they come off without removing or maring the paint? I would also be willing to paint the big ones on the bottom of the wings ( like a J3 cub ) if this is legal, but I don't see any homebuilts this way.

Kahuna · #2 07-07-2006, 03:07 PM

We just completed a flight of 5 to Cozumel.
2 planes with electrical tape, 3 planes left their tiny numbers.
See here

We have also in the past used shoe polish. Anything will work. Or our experience is that as long as you dont get intercepted, little numbers will work too.
Enjoy

johngoodman · #3 07-07-2006, 09:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kahuna

We just completed a flight of 5 to Cozumel.
2 planes with electrical tape, 3 planes left their tiny numbers.
See here

We have also in the past used shoe polish. Anything will work. Or our experience is that as long as you dont get intercepted, little numbers will work too.
Enjoy

Kahuna,
I was wondering who was tagging along with Subob. Nice photos. Technically, shouldn't a Super Eight have 12 inch because of speed? (g)

Bob's bro,
John

RV6_flyer · #4 07-07-2006, 11:05 PM

Going to the Bahamas, I purchased 12" N numbers from Sporty's Pilot Shop for $35 a set. LEGAL, not too pricy, and they were removable. A small amount of heat from a heat gun or hair dryer and they pull right off easier than they went on. Only down side, there is a very small amout of glue residue around the outline of the letters (< 1/32") that comes off with IPA. You do not need 12" numbers unless you are going through an ADIZ. From the lower 48 to Canada, your 3" are fine.

Quote:

Originally Posted by donahuedc

I understand that experimentals can paint 6 inch numbers. I intend to fly out of the country, and therefore need 12 inch numbers to return. How do people handle this? I don't want to paint 12 inch numbers if I don't have to, I think the 6 inch ones look better. I've heard that there are temporary stick on ones. Has anyone used these? Do they come off without removing or maring the paint? I would also be willing to paint the big ones on the bottom of the wings ( like a J3 cub ) if this is legal, but I don't see any homebuilts this way.

dan · #5 07-09-2006, 12:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RV6_flyer

...residue around the outline of the letters (< 1/32") that comes off with IPA.

I assume you mean isopropyl alcohol and not wasting my glass of fine India Pale Ale?

mike109g6 · #6 10-24-2008, 08:45 AM

Read somewhere that if leaving the country, that you must now have 12 inch 'N' numbers on side of aircraft to re-enter USA. Is this true?
Mike H 9A/8A

Randy Hooper · #7 10-24-2008, 09:46 AM

That's the truth.
Check the Customs and Border Protection web site. It is in there some where.

Randy Hooper

Mel · #8 10-24-2008, 09:49 AM

12" numbers are required within the ADIZ either leaving or returning to the US. They may be temporary numbers.

Garage Guy · #9 10-24-2008, 10:58 AM

What's the best way to do temporary numbers?

Duct tape seems a bit tacky (pun intended), but vinyl numbers as from Aircraft Spruce and the like aren't really temporary...

AndyRV7 · #10 10-24-2008, 11:03 AM

Never use duct tape if you want to remove it. Get some gaffer tape. It is designed to be residue free when removed.

Incidentally, I would ask a vinyl guy about his product. They can't be much different from the stuff car dealers use to spam the back of you new purchase. And those logos seem to come off very easily with a hair dryer or heat gun. Just an idea.