---
title: Registration, N-Numbers and Ownership
description: Registration, N-Numbers and Ownership. Builder questions and answers from Van's Builder Technical Support.
---
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October 5, 2026
# Registration, N-Numbers and Ownership
## Builder Tech Support answers on registration, n-numbers and ownership
This article collects Builder Technical Support answers on registration, n-numbers and ownership.
### Overview
As your build approaches first flight — and in the years that follow — you'll have questions about logbooks, inspections, and the paperwork that documents your aircraft. This article covers the registration, N-number, and ownership questions that Builder Tech Support answers most often.
### Kit provenance for used kits
If you purchased a partially completed kit and need to establish provenance for a bill of sale or registration, contact Van's Aircraft with the kit serial number and original builder number. Van's can confirm the original purchase record and ship date. **Important:** This confirmation covers only what Van's shipped. It does not validate any work the previous builder performed.
### Will this affect my ELSA registration?
SL-00068 is a Van's Aircraft service letter. Completing the work described in SL-00068 during the initial build does not, by itself, disqualify an RV-12iS from *Experimental Light Sport Aircraft* (ELSA) registration. For airworthiness or registration questions specific to your build, consult your Designated Airworthiness Representative (DAR).
### Serial Number Lookup for Purchased Aircraft
If you purchased a flying RV-6 or RV-6A and cannot locate the Van's Aircraft kit serial number, send the following to Builder Support: the original builder's name, the aircraft's registration history, and the approximate kit purchase year. Van's can usually locate the kit serial number from internal records to enable registration on the Van's website.
### Who to contact
- **FAA Designee Locator** - to find a DAR in your area.
- **EAA Technical Counselor** - for pre-inspection review and build advice.
- **Van's Aircraft Builder Support** — for Service Bulletin (SB) compliance questions, suspected cracks, and damage assessments
- **Van's Registrations team** - for questions about kit documentation and N-number paperwork.
### Van's Tech Q&A: Buying a Flying RV
*Copied from Van's Aircraft Tech Q&A on 2026-10-01. Source: [Buying a Flying RV](https://www.vansaircraft.com/faq-technical-builder-items/buying-a-flying-rv/).*
**SO, YOU’RE CONSIDERING BUYING A FLYING RV….**
With increasing frequency, prospective buyers of flying RVs are calling Van’s Aircraft, Inc. for advice about finished RV aircraft they would like to buy. This puts us in a difficult position.
Our business is airframe kits, and the airframe is only part of an airplane. We are not in the business of inspecting, brokering or judging finished aircraft. We cannot recommend for or against the purchase of any particular airplane or offer any opinion about the builder. With very few exceptions we’ve never seen the airplane in question and know virtually nothing about it, its equipment, construction quality or history.
That said, here are a few suggestions derived from our experience:
**PAPERWORK**
If you are buying a flying RV, it must have all the pertinent paperwork: Airworthiness Certificate, Registration, Weight and Balance, and — because it is registered in the Experimental category — a set of Operating Limitations specific to this one airplane.
In addition, regulations require an Operator’s Handbook. This handbook is the responsibility of the aircraft builder/owner/test pilot. Because an RV might be fitted with almost any engine, propeller, avionics and other equipment imaginable (and sometimes, equipment Van’s never imagined!) the data necessary to compile the Operator’s Handbook must be derived from flight testing of that specific airplane.
Similarly, the almost infinite configuration and build possibilities prevent Van’s from supplying a Maintenance Manual. Van’s strongly suggests that the plans and builder’s manual used during construction remain with the airplane when it changes hands. Also, copies of the builder’s log and photo record would prove very useful for any future maintenance and repair. You may also want to purchase an inexpensive USB stick drive from Van’s with the latest versions of drawings and instructions as a reference. You can [find the USB plans in our online store](https://shop.vansaircraft.com/cgi-bin/shop.cgi?browse=videos&product=fd_plans). But please realize that we revise and make changes to the builder plans for each model over time, so your airplane may not incorporate all the latest changes. The actual plans to which the airplane was built are most important for use in understanding the specific aircraft and performing proper ongoing maintenance and support.
Radios, instruments, engine accessories, etc. all come with installation and operation manuals. These should be included with the airplane – much of the information in them can be found nowhere else. A prospective buyer should insist on receiving all the pertinent documents.
**THE AIRFRAME**
RVs are built the same way the vast majority of certified airplanes are built. The airframes are largely aluminum, with some steel components. Composite materials are used in some areas like the cowl, wingtips and wheel fairings. Most are powered with the same Lycoming engines found in Cessnas, Pipers, etc. The standards for acceptable construction quality of aluminum airplanes and safe Lycoming engine installations are well-established, and any mechanic or inspector familiar with production light aircraft should be able to competently inspect an RV. In addition, there are a number of certified mechanics with specific and extensive expertise in RV aircraft. These individuals have both built and inspected multiple RV’s and are a valuable resource when determining whether or not you should buy a specific airplane.
Over the years, Van’s Aircraft has issued Service Bulletins for most RV types. Copies of these are available from Van’s Aircraft and [posted on Van’s website](https://www.vansaircraft.com/service-information-and-revisions/). These Service Bulletins have been issued for a reason and although Van’s has no way of knowing if a particular airplane is in compliance, it would be foolish to ignore or postpone acting upon them.
A prospective buyer should schedule a complete airframe inspection with a trusted mechanic, preferably one who is experienced and familiar with RV’s, their construction and maintenance.
**ENGINES**
It is important to realize that in an Experimental airplane, there is no such thing as a “standard” engine installation. Builders may choose any engine, engine accessory or component they desire. For instance, some RVs have gascolators, some have inline fuel filters, some have no provision for fuel filtering at all. RVs are designed around Lycoming engines, although kit builders are free to put in any engine they like. Lycoming engine installation is very straightforward and any mechanic or inspector familiar with production light aircraft should be able to inspect the engine and related systems.
It is possible that a flying RV may be equipped with a Lycoming engine that is not appropriate for the airframe. For instance, Van’s has never recommended the 200 hp IO-360 for the RV-4 or RV-6/6A. Some builders have installed this engine anyway. Prospective buyers should familiarize themselves with the potential drawbacks of bigger, heavier, more powerful engines. These include increased stress on the airframe and landing gear, as well as the potential for loadings and speeds outside design limits.
If the engine is anything other than a Lycoming, then it is likely that the builder had to design and install many of his own systems (Van’s does not supply components for anything other than Lycomings). Not only the engine, but the engine mount, cowling, cooling system, fuel, and ignition systems, in particular, should be
inspected with great care.
A prospective buyer should schedule a complete engine/system inspection with a trusted mechanic.
**FLIGHT TRAINING**
RVs are not difficult to fly, but the characteristics of a small, quick airplane with a low-aspect-ratio wing and a low power loading are quite different than many production aircraft. We highly recommend Transition Training specific to RVs, even for experienced pilots. Insurance companies may insist on it as well.
The FAA also has an Advisory Circular on the topic that is a must-read for new owners: [AC 90-109A – Transition to Unfamiliar Aircraft.](https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/advisory_circulars/index.cfm/go/document.information/documentID/1027806)For additional details about [RV Transition Flight Training](https://www.vansaircraft.com/rv-flight-training/), please review the information on this web site.
A prospective buyer should do everything he can to familiarize himself with RV flying and handling qualities before flying an RV airplane.
**MAINTENANCE**
One of the big advantages of an Experimental airplane is that the builder may receive a Repairman’s Certificate. This document allows him to sign off all necessary maintenance and repair on this one airplane. This privilege does NOT go with the airplane if it is sold. It remains with the builder. The new owner must have condition inspections signed off by an Airframe and Powerplant certificate holder, or by the holder of the Repairman’s Certificate for that aircraft. The owner without these credentials can perform all other maintenance and repairs but should seek supervision if he/she is unfamiliar with any maintenance or repair task. Check the FARs for permitted maintenance.
Van’s Aircraft, Inc. does not offer assistance on repair or maintenance. A prospective buyer should study and understand the maintenance history of the aircraft, and what
he is permitted to do.
**SO YOU WENT AHEAD AND BOUGHT IT…**
If you’ve bought a completed RV, there are a few things you should do shortly after:
- Notify Van’s Aircraft in writing, with the builder’s number of the airplane, a copy of the bill of sale, and all the pertinent information – your name, address, contact information, etc. This will allow us to keep accurate records – a good thing if we must issue a Service Bulletin, for example.
- Do your own weight and balance, following the directions in the Builder’s Manual.
- Learn your airplane. Take the cowl off and learn the routing, position and operation of the various systems. Remove the seat pans and learn how the control linkages work. Remove the wheel fairings and learn how to change a tire or brake pad.
- Get Transition Training. This can’t be over-emphasized.
- Practice.
***A prospective buyer should understand that the airplane he is considering is unique. It is up to him to acquire the skills and knowledge to operate it safely and enjoyably.***
### Van's Tech Q&A: Buying a Second-Hand RV Kit
*Copied from Van's Aircraft Tech Q&A on 2026-10-01. Source: [Buying a Second-Hand RV Kit](https://www.vansaircraft.com/faq-technical-builder-items/buying-a-second-hand-rv-kit/).*
**SO, YOU’RE CONSIDERING BUYING A SECOND-HAND KIT**
There are a lot of RV kits, in various stages of completion, available in the second-hand market. Some of them are very inexpensive. With increasing frequency, prospective buyers of unfinished RV kits are calling Van’s Aircraft, Inc. for advice. This puts us in a difficult position. Once the kit leaves our shipping dock, we have no knowledge at all about what happens to it. We can not recommend for or against the purchase of any particular kit or offer any opinion about previous owners or their craftsmanship.
That said, here are a few suggestions derived from our experience.
**COMPLETENESS**
When the kit ships, it includes inventory and packing lists that list the parts included. Use these to check the kit you are considering. Original purchasers have thirty days to notify Van’s of any shortages. Most partially complete kits are long past these deadlines, so purchasers should expect to pay for parts, even if they find shortages in the kit. A Builder’s Manual and construction drawings were also included. If you are buying a kit, insist on receiving these documents.
Older kits did not include all the bits and pieces modern ones do. For instance, most RV-3 and many RV-4 kits shipped without tires and inner tubes…it was expected that builders would find their own sources. In early kits, many plumbing and hardware items were not included. Be sure you know what you are getting and where you can get what you’re missing. When you add up the parts you must source and acquire on your own, the price may surprise you.
**COMPATIBILITY**
Over the years, we have made many improvements to the kits. New RV kits are much more complete and easier to assemble than older ones. An older kit may be cheaper, but it will probably take longer to build.
Standard Kits took a huge leap forward several years ago when pre-punching was introduced. Unfortunately, it was not possible to make the new pre-punched parts “backward compatible”. For example, purchasing pre-punched wing skins for an older non-pre-punched RV-4 kit may seem an attractive option, but it will not work. People who have an early RV-8/8A fuselage kit cannot use parts from the later “pre-punched” fuse kit, except in some specific limited part combinations and circumstances (call Van’s for that need – it gets a bit too complicated to explain and we have a cross-reference parts chart we can refer to in order to assess your situation).
Van’s Aircraft stocks a limited supply of parts for older kits, but it is imperative that you order the correct part(s) for your kit. Also, simply saying “I need all the wing ribs for an old RV-4 kit” just doesn’t work. The best source of correct part numbers for an older kit is the original packing list that was delivered for inventorying purposes to the original purchaser. The next best source of information is the original blueprints for the kit in question. Using the EXACT part numbers as listed for components on the blueprints will help us send you the correct part.
**CONDITION**
Kits are packed for shipping, not indefinite storage. Check for any corrosion caused by long or poor storage. The plastic that coats the aluminum may be (extremely) hard to remove if the parts have been stored for many years, especially in hot climates. Worse yet, moisture may have crept underneath the plastic or paper packing material, remained for long periods and promoted extensive corrosion. “Still in the original crate” isn’t always a good thing.
Partially completed kits run the whole gamut of craftsmanship. Construction quality can be a real issue. Some people are in a hurry and cut corners, others are distracted or careless. Some never quite get the “knack” and others simply try to beat the kit into submission. When they finally realize that the quality of their work is not acceptable, they abandon the project.
Partially completed components may be so poorly built that you will be forced to repair, rebuild or replace them. Besides being expensive, repair work is usually more difficult and frustrating than new construction. Inspect the workmanship on the kit carefully and if you don’t feel qualified to judge, take along someone who is.
**Builder PLans**
Make sure you have the full set of plans available with the used kit. We’ve refined and revised out plans over time for each kit, so you may also want to purchase an inexpensive USB stick drive from Van’s with the latest drawings and instructions. You can [find those in our online store](https://shop.vansaircraft.com/cgi-bin/shop.cgi?browse=videos&product=fd_plans).
**PAPERWORK**
Every kit shipped from Van’s is issued a serial number, variously known as the “builder’s number” or “customer number.” The FAA requires an official Bill of Sale from the kit manufacturer before issuing an Airworthiness Certificate. Van’s Aircraft supplies this to the person buying the kit directly from Van’s, but of course, cannot supply it to someone buying the kit from a private party. When you buy a second-hand kit, get a bill of sale from the seller that lists the serial number of the kit and his/her address. Van’s Aircraft must receive a copy of this document in order to maintain the required paper trail for the FAA. Also, include the necessary data about you, the new owner: name, address, email and phone numbers, etc.
If the kit has passed through several owners, be sure you can establish a clear chain of ownership, or you will have difficulties registering the airplane. Before you buy a used kit, contact Van’s with the serial number. We can then advise if there are any issues with the kit provenance that may preclude us from issuing a Bill of Sale to you in the future.
Also, because of the FAA’s 51% rule be sure to contact a local FSDO office of the FAA to discuss problems associated with your acquiring a repairman’s certificate.
**VAN’S POLICIES**
Van’s will gladly provide builder’s assistance and access to OEM pricing to buyers of secondhand kits. However, Van’s cannot be responsible for completely educating a new owner of a previously sold kit and new RV builders should expect to spend some time and effort learning the basics of RV construction on their own.
**IS IT A GOOD DEAL?**
Prospective buyers of second-hand RV kits should consider the alternatives carefully. Do ALL the homework before you put the money on the table. We have seen many cases where the buyer would have been better off with a new kit at full price. We have seen other cases where the buyer purchased a well-built kit and saved considerable time and money.
### Van's Tech Q&A: Registering and Licensing Your RV
*Copied from Van's Aircraft Tech Q&A on 2026-10-01. Source: [Registering and Licensing Your RV](https://www.vansaircraft.com/registration/).*
Ensuring the proper paperwork is in place for new aircraft registration and when selling/purchasing a used RV is important. We cover some of the information required below.
**New Aircraft Registration**
The FAA has specific requirements that must be met when registering and licensing new Experimental Amateur-Built (EAB) and Experimental Light-Sport Aircraft (ELSA). In order for Van’s to be able to provide the required documentation, the documented chain of ownership must be complete between the original purchaser of a kit and the current owner, as well as all owners in between. This means there needs to be a complete paper trail documenting all ownership changes (typically a bill of sale or similar document) each time the kits/aircraft change hands.
**Existing (Used) Aircraft Ownership Changes**
In addition, it is important that Van’s Aircraft is always aware of who owns an airplane or kit at any point in time, so we can communicate service and safety-related information to the current owner. To process a transfer of ownership of an existing airplane or kit to a new owner, please ensure a bill of sale or similar document is executed between the parties each time the ownership changes. Van’s will need copies of this documentation in order to change the information is our records-keeping system. This is important since we will sell certain parts and communicate certain information only to the person(s) recorded in our system as the current owner.
Van’s requires all RV kit/aircraft owners, whether the aircraft is being registered for the first time or if the airplane is changing owners, to sign the Van’s Aircraft Waiver and Release of Liability document (below) before any registration paperwork may be issued, and before certain aircraft parts maybe purchased.
The following documents are for reference and use when establishing proof of ownership and registering your RV aircraft. You may download each doc using the download icon located in the top menu bar displayed on each document.
If you need registration and licensing information or related assistance from Van’s, and to submit related documentation, you may email us at: [registrations@vansaircraft.com](mailto:registrations@vansaircraft.com).
**FAA Form AC8050-1 Aircraft Registration Application**
[https://www.faa.gov/documentLibrary/media/Form/AC8050-1.pdf](https://www.faa.gov/documentLibrary/media/Form/AC8050-1.pdf)
**Aircraft Registration Info and Documentation Request Form**
[Download: Aircraft\_Registration\_Info\_Request\_R1.pdf](https://www.vansaircraft.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Aircraft_Registration_Info_Request_R1.pdf)
**Van’s Aircraft Waiver AND RELEASE OF LIABILITY DOCUMENT**
[Download: Vans-Aircraft-Liability-Waiver-Rev-8.3.pdf](https://www.vansaircraft.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Vans-Aircraft-Liability-Waiver-Rev-8.3.pdf)
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