Change of registration mark on an Australian aircraft
When applying for the change of a registration mark, the registration holder must abide by the requirements set out in the Preliminary Note on page 1 of the application form (Form 023) and ensure that the implementation can take place within the established timeframe and without any negative impact on the operation of the aircraft.
Registration status of the new registration mark
Before the change of registration mark takes place the new registration mark must be reserved to the aircraft - identified by its manufacturer, model and serial number - and to the aircraft's registration holder.
The following conditions apply:
- Whilst reserved to an aircraft - by reference to its manufacturer, model and serial number - the mark must not be placed on another aircraft unless CASA receives written consent to that effect from the holder of the reservation.
- Any person other than the reservation holder cannot use the mark unless the reservation holder relinquishes control of the mark by providing CASA with written consent to that effect
Timeframe to apply to CASA for a change of registration mark
An application for a change of mark must be made in advance to CASA. The application must be received by the Australian Civil Aircraft Register at least 14 days prior to the requested effective date of the mark change. Registration holders who do not request the change of mark far enough in advance will be contacted and asked to nominate a new effective date.
How to apply for change of registration
Submit form 023 – Application for change of registration mark accompanied by any relevant documents referred to on the form, to the Australian Civil Aircraft Register by mail or fax.
CASA may require the registration holder applying for a change of mark to provide further information or documentation, as described in the notice. CASA may refuse to further consider the application until the registration holder complies with the notice.
Return of the certificate of registration
The superseded certificate of registration, bearing the old registration mark, must be returned to CASA within 14 days of the date of effect on the new certificate. If the old certificate has been destroyed or lost, the registration holder must give CASA a statutory declaration to that effect within the 14 days.
Processing an application for change of mark
Provided that the registration holder or authorised representative submits a correctly completed application and all relevant additional documents, CASA will process the application.
When the change of registration mark is approved, CASA will issue a new certificate of registration under the new mark, to be effective from the date provided in Section 2 of form 023.
- The registration holder and the CASA Area Office assigned to oversee the airworthiness of the aircraft will be notified when the approval of the change of registration mark is granted.
- It is the registration holder's sole responsibility
to contact the CASA Area Office to ascertain the aircraft requirements
in respect to matters such as:
- aircraft markings, if unable to meet Part 45 requirements;
- maintenance and airworthiness documents requiring update or re-issue due to change of mark;
- air operator's certificate - if engaged in commercial operations
- The new registration will be mailed on the same day to the communications address of the registration holder.
What will happen to the superseded registration mark?
It will be released and made available for reservation or use on another aircraft.
What happens if the registration holder decides not to proceed with the change of mark after its approval?
The registration holder must notify the Australian Civil Aircraft Register, in writing, at least 7 days before the effective date of change. If less than 7 days notice is given to CASA, it may not be possible to reverse the process without causing some inconvenience to the registration holder. If the registration holder changes his mind on or after the date of effect a new application for mark change must be lodged as the change will have already taken place.
What happens if the registration holder wants to change the effective date?
The registration holder must notify the Australian Civil Aircraft Register, in writing, of the required amended effective date at least 7 days before the original date scheduled for the change of mark. A new effective date can not be earlier than the originally scheduled date.
If the registration holder is unable to provide 7 days notice, then the mark change will take place on the original effective date, or the application must be withdrawn and the mark change will be cancelled. If an application is withdrawn the fee will not be refunded.
If an application is withdrawn and the registration holder still wishes to change a mark, then a new application and fee must be submitted.