Re-using N Numbers
Thread Starter
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
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: UTC +8
Posts: 2,626
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
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.
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: flyover country USA
Age: 82
Posts: 4,579
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
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
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Too close to Croydon for comfort
Age: 60
Posts: 12,635
Received 300 Likes
on
168 Posts
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.