The FAA today issued a Notice containing procedures to be followed at the FAA Registry relating to the Cape Town Treaty which will be in force starting tomorrow. The Notice identifies the types of aircraft and equipment subject to the Treaty including:
(1) Airframes, that when appropriate aircraft engines are installed thereon, are type certified by the competent aviation authority to transport at least eight (8) persons including crew; or goods in excess of 2750 kilograms (6,062 pounds);
2) Helicopters, heavier-than-air machines, supported in flight chiefly by the reactions of the air on one or more power-driven rotors on substantially vertical axes and which are type certified by the competent aviation authority to transport at least five (5) persons including crew; or goods in excess of 450 kilograms; and
3) Aircraft engines, powered by jet propulsion or turbine or piston technology and:
(a) in the case of jet propulsion aircraft engines, have at least 1750 lb of thrust or its equivalent; and
(b) in the case of turbine-powered or piston-powered aircraft engines, have at least 550 rated take-off shaft horsepower or its equivalent.
However, according to the FAA, “[s]ince a sanctioned comprehensive list prepared by an appropriate authority containing the manufacturer, model and serial number for each aircraft object subject to the Treaty has not yet been provided to the Contracting States; FAA will begin accepting documents related to the Cape Town Treaty on March 1, 2006, based on an interim updatable list of eligible aircraft objects compiled by the FAA.” Also, if an aircraft is not on the FAA’s interim list, an applicant for registration will need to establish the aircraft’s eligibility, per the above requirements, before the FAA will process documents related to the Treaty.
The Registry will require that AC Form 8050-135 Entry Point Filing Form–International Registry is submitted with a registration in order for it to issue an authorization code that will allow for the transmission of information to the International Registry with respect to civil aircraft of the United States, aircraft assigned a U.S. identification number (for prospective interests only), and aircraft engines with a rated takeoff horsepower of at least 550.
The Notice also contains procedures relating to de-registration and export of aircraft subject to the Treaty. If you would like more information regarding the Registry’s implementation of the Cape Town Treaty you can contact Walter Binkley, Manager, Aircraft Registration Branch (AFS-750), Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center, Federal Aviation Administration (AFS-750), Post Office Box 25504, Oklahoma City, OK 73125. Telephone (405) 954-3131.
