I don’t own an N reg aircraft and I don’t hold an FAA licence, so to me these questions are a bit academic. But people do ask from time to time.
To answer the question fully requires an understanding of both UK (ANO) and USA (FAA) regulations, supplemented by legal opinion letters written by FAA lawyers on specific questions (they are rather good at this and opinions are formally recorded and available). Fortunately, Flyer David has studied all this thoroughly and his article is regarded by many as a definitive answer.
To address, briefly, the more common questions about N reg aircraft….
Can I own an N reg aircraft in the UK? Yes – but it must be formally owned by a US entity. There are companies that offer US trust arrangements.
Why might I consider owning an N reg? They may be cheaper on the market, and that is primarily because maintenance arrangements are (said to be) more flexible and cost effective.
Can I fly an N-reg in the UK on a UK licence? Yes. In fact, you MUST hold a UK licence to fly an N reg in the UK, if you are resident in the UK.
Can I fly it in the UK on an FAA licence? If you are a UK resident, No
What licence do I need to fly an N-reg outside the UK? You must hold an FAA licence.
How can I get an FAA licence? There are 2 routes.
- Obtain a full FAA licence, in the USA, through the normal training and testing route. You must continue to hold at least an FAA class 3 medical to keep the FAA licence current.
- Request an FAA 61.75 or ‘piggy-back’ licence, based on your UK (or other ICAO) licence. This is more cost-effective overall. It involves submitting paperwork in advance and entails a brief visit to the USA to apply. A 61.75 is valid with a UK class 2 medical (but not a LAPL medical).
How do I keep the FAA licence current? You must do a biennial flight review with an FAA authorised instructor. There are not many of these, so they may charge more than a local UK club instructor!
I’m an instructor. Can I instruct someone on an N-reg aeroplane? Yes, but only for UK ratings. There is no longer a requirement to get permission for this from the CAA / DfT.
How about ab initio training? Yes, that is also possible but you CANNOT send the student solo in an N reg, only in a UK reg.
Any other things for an instructor to be aware of? Yes, you should be familiar with FAA regulations since you are operating in accordance with both FAA and UK regulations (the more restrictive will always apply). If operating an N-reg on the basis of an FAA licence outside the UK, you must hold an FCC Restricted Radiotelephone Operator’s Permit – inexpensive and straightforward to obtain.