Re-using N Numbers
Thread Starter
Joined: Jan 2003
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From: New Zealand
Re-using N Numbers
Just wondering why do certain companies (ie Boeing) reuse N numbers? Was looking at the 777-240/LR and the tail number is the same as a 747-400 that was built for Qantas?
Lindstrim
Lindstrim
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 2,627
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From: UTC +8
Once any "N" number is "de-registerd" [taken off the register] it becomes available for registration again.
This applies not just to "N" registrations, but to other countries as well. For example, a previous Lufty registerd B-720B "D-ABOH" today applies to an A320.
This applies not just to "N" registrations, but to other countries as well. For example, a previous Lufty registerd B-720B "D-ABOH" today applies to an A320.
Any examples of UK registrations issued more than once 
Joined: Feb 2005
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From: flyover country USA
Reuse on reggies
Most manufacturers in the US have a "fleetwide" N-number that may be applied to all their aircraft involved in pre-delivery testing. This number is applied temporarily and is usually NOT used for ATC purposes - instead the Mfr's name and test number is usually used.
Owners / operators often re-use numbers too; after removing a desired number from one plane they can re-apply it to another ship. It's been done a thousand times or more.
Owners / operators often re-use numbers too; after removing a desired number from one plane they can re-apply it to another ship. It's been done a thousand times or more.
Gnome de PPRuNe
Joined: Jan 2002
Aviation Qualifications: Spotter
Posts: 15,198
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From: Too close to Croydon for comfort
Wooden Spoon mate, G-BOAC was used just the once by something that went quite fast...
G-BJCB was definitely used twice, both HS.125-600s.
If a UK registration was "Not Taken Up" for some reason it's possible to re-use it - look up G-AKUG on G-INFO, it was originally an Avro Tudor, and re-assigned in 1990 to a Luscombe as a period registration. I don't know why the Tudor didn't take up its reg. There are a few like that.
I always feel that Doug Arnold's frustrated Orstralian imports G-MUST and G-SMIT should be deserving of re-issue to suitable airframes... but maybe there's a good reason why not.
G-BJCB was definitely used twice, both HS.125-600s.
If a UK registration was "Not Taken Up" for some reason it's possible to re-use it - look up G-AKUG on G-INFO, it was originally an Avro Tudor, and re-assigned in 1990 to a Luscombe as a period registration. I don't know why the Tudor didn't take up its reg. There are a few like that.
I always feel that Doug Arnold's frustrated Orstralian imports G-MUST and G-SMIT should be deserving of re-issue to suitable airframes... but maybe there's a good reason why not.
