Data Plate Registration

[BobHeath]

About 3 years ago I bought a collection of BC-65 parts that included the data plate and aircraft logs. The seller included a copy of the bill of sale from the registered owner to him but not one from him (my seller) to me. I can't get him to send me a bill of sale for it and, so far, I can't get in touch with the registered owner.

As near as I can figure the data plate is worthless unless I can get it registered to me. Is this right? If so, any suggestions on how to remedy the situation? Thanks. Bob

[alwaysoar]

registration

You probably don't need the bill of sale from your seller to you IF the bill of sale from the previous seller to your seller is signed in original ink--that is, the signature is not a copy. You didn't say if your seller had registered the data plate because if he had then you would need a bill of sale from him. I ran into similar issues with gliders I had bought from an estate. None had been registered, and the chain had been broken. It took a while to sort it out but I did find people cooperative, which apparently your seller is not. Call FAA aircraft registration in OKE city. Those people are very helpful and anxious to please. They helped me with my glider problems.

Ed@BTV VT
TF 527

[BobHeath]

Thanks for the advice! I have the carbon copy of the bill of sale from the previous owner to my seller, but my seller never registered it so it's still in the previous owners name. I'll try mail to the previous owner as he probably doesn't want it in his name anyway and a call to the FAA. Thanks again!

[alwaysoar]

It's the chain of title that's important. If he balks reassure him that you just need to complete the chain and there's no liability to him. You should do a title seach. Through AOPA they're about $60 and worth it.

Ed @BTV VT
TF 527

[alwaysoar]

also, a carbon copy is fine as long as the signature is original ink and matches the name on the registration. Whenever I buy airplanes I always have the seller sign the copy in ink so I have one for myself since one has t0 go to OKE.

[BobHeath]

OK, that's great because the registered owner's signiture is in ink. I appreciate your help!!

[alwaysoar]

registration

Lucked Out! Now all you need to do is send it in.

[BobHeath]

Well, I guess it's not that easy after all.

While I do have a bill of sale with the registered owners signature in ink, the seller (to me) wrote his name in the purchaser block and that shows up on the carbon copy.

FAA registry branch says that I have to have something to bridge the gap even if the seller to me never registered it. I guess I'm back to contacting the the registered owner by mail since there's no phone listing.

Thanks again for your help!

[alwaysoar]

There are ways around that if he is totally uncooperative. Ask the registry branch what they are. For example, if he died with no relatives, or just refuses, or whatever. Do you have a cancelled check that shows you paid him for the parts?