Aircraft Title and Registration
Aircraft title and registration issues can derail transactions, delay operations, and create serious legal and financial risk if not handled correctly. At Ridenour Law, PLLC, we provide focused aviation legal counsel to aircraft owners, buyers, sellers, lenders, and operators nationwide, with particular depth in aircraft title examination, FAA registration, lien resolution, and quiet title litigation.
Unlike general business or transactional firms, our aviation practice is built around the realities of the FAA Aircraft Registry, federal aviation law, and the consequences of defects in title. Whether you are acquiring an aircraft, correcting registry issues, financing, or resolving ownership disputes, our goal is simple: clear, marketable title and compliant registration—done right the first time
Unlike general business or transactional firms, our aviation practice is built around the realities of the FAA Aircraft Registry, federal aviation law, and the consequences of defects in title. Whether you are acquiring an aircraft, correcting registry issues, financing, or resolving ownership disputes, our goal is simple: clear, marketable title and compliant registration—done right the first time
Ridenour Law Firm Reviews
We've Fought on Behalf of People Just Like You
Jessica has always been such a great and professional legal source I can seek counsel from. I'd highly recommend her for your needs.
- Dias
I highly recommend Ridenour Law. Jessica's expertise and professionalism was evident from our initial conversation. I'm especially thankful for the Ridenour Law team's timely updates and response to questions.
- Sarah C
Excellent staff and lawyer. Jessica is the best. 5 star service!
- Jamie Williams
How Our Aircraft Title & Registration Attorneys Help
Aircraft Ownership & Title Transfers
We guide clients through every stage of aircraft ownership and transfer, ensuring transactions are properly structured, documented, and recorded with the FAA Aircraft Registry. Our services include drafting and reviewing aircraft purchase and sale agreements, advising on ownership and entity structures, and preparing FAA-compliant Bills of Sale and conveyance documents.
We also coordinate closely with escrow agents and title companies to ensure documents and funds are sequenced correctly, reducing the risk of post-closing disputes, recording gaps, or registry delays that can affect aircraft operation, resale, or financing.
We also coordinate closely with escrow agents and title companies to ensure documents and funds are sequenced correctly, reducing the risk of post-closing disputes, recording gaps, or registry delays that can affect aircraft operation, resale, or financing.
Aircraft Title Examination & Risk Mitigation
A clear aircraft title is essential to protecting both ownership rights and aircraft value. Our attorneys conduct comprehensive FAA aircraft title searches and legal reviews of conveyance records, security agreements, and prior filings. We identify liens, encumbrances, recording errors, and breaks in the chain of title that may create a clouded or unmarketable title.
When defects are identified, we advise on corrective strategies—whether administrative, contractual, or judicial—to restore clear, marketable ownership and reduce exposure to future disputes.
When defects are identified, we advise on corrective strategies—whether administrative, contractual, or judicial—to restore clear, marketable ownership and reduce exposure to future disputes.
Quiet Title Actions & Title Defect Resolution
Some title defects cannot be resolved through paperwork alone. When administrative corrections are insufficient, we pursue aircraft quiet title actions to judicially resolve ownership issues and eliminate competing claims, unreleased liens, or breaks in title.
Quiet title litigation is a core capability of our aviation practice, not an afterthought. We regularly represent aircraft owners in court to clear title and protect long-term aircraft value when registry defects threaten transactions or financing.
Quiet title litigation is a core capability of our aviation practice, not an afterthought. We regularly represent aircraft owners in court to clear title and protect long-term aircraft value when registry defects threaten transactions or financing.
Aircraft Financing & Lien Documentation
Aircraft financing depends on properly drafted and recorded lien documentation. We prepare and review aircraft loan documents, security agreements, and aircraft mortgages to ensure enforceability under federal aviation law and proper recording with the FAA Aircraft Registry.
Once obligations are satisfied, we also prepare and file lien releases and termination documents, helping protect future transactions, resale value, and lender confidence.
Once obligations are satisfied, we also prepare and file lien releases and termination documents, helping protect future transactions, resale value, and lender confidence.
FAA Aircraft Registration Services
FAA registration is required for lawful operation of U.S.-registered aircraft. We handle the full registration process for new acquisitions, ownership changes, entity updates, and corrections, allowing clients to avoid common filing errors and delays.
Our services include assistance with N-number selection, reservation, and transfer, as well as compliance with FAA citizenship, ownership, and control requirements. We prepare and submit required FAA forms accurately and efficiently to minimize registration delays and operational interruptions.
Our services include assistance with N-number selection, reservation, and transfer, as well as compliance with FAA citizenship, ownership, and control requirements. We prepare and submit required FAA forms accurately and efficiently to minimize registration delays and operational interruptions.
International Title & Registration Matters
Cross-border aircraft transactions introduce additional legal and regulatory complexity. We advise clients on international title and registration issues, including compliance with the Cape Town Convention and International Registry filings when applicable.
Our attorneys also assist with export and import documentation, aircraft deregistration, and coordination with foreign counsel to address country-specific registration and ownership requirements, helping clients avoid jurisdictional conflicts and title defects across borders.
Our attorneys also assist with export and import documentation, aircraft deregistration, and coordination with foreign counsel to address country-specific registration and ownership requirements, helping clients avoid jurisdictional conflicts and title defects across borders.
Ownership Disputes & Enforcement
Ownership and lien disputes can escalate quickly and become costly without experienced aviation counsel. We represent clients in disputes involving aircraft ownership, title defects, competing claims, and enforcement of recorded security interests.
Our practice includes advising on lawful repossession and recovery strategies, ensuring compliance with federal aviation law while protecting client rights in high-stakes situations.
Our practice includes advising on lawful repossession and recovery strategies, ensuring compliance with federal aviation law while protecting client rights in high-stakes situations.
Trusted Aviation Counsel—Nationwide
We serve aircraft owners, operators, lenders, and aviation businesses across the United States. Our practice is grounded in real-world aviation transactions and litigation, not generic legal theory. The result is practical, precise guidance that protects aircraft value and keeps transactions moving.
Schedule a Consultation
If you are buying, selling, financing, registering, or correcting title issues involving an aircraft, consult aviation counsel before problems arise.
📞 Call (918) 894-4415 to schedule a consultation and protect your aircraft investment with experienced aviation legal guidance.
📞 Call (918) 894-4415 to schedule a consultation and protect your aircraft investment with experienced aviation legal guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is aircraft registration required?
FAA registration establishes the official record of ownership and authorizes lawful operation of the aircraft.
Who can register an aircraft in the United States?
U.S. citizens, resident aliens, government entities, and qualifying U.S.-organized entities that meet FAA ownership and control requirements may register aircraft.
How long does FAA aircraft registration take?
Processing times vary, but registration typically takes several weeks depending on document accuracy and registry workload.
What is the difference between aircraft title and registration?
Registration authorizes operation, while title establishes ownership and lien priority as recorded with the FAA Aircraft Registry.
How do I know if an aircraft has clear title?
A clear title requires a thorough FAA title search. Certain defects may require corrective filings or a quiet title action.
Can an aircraft be registered in multiple states?
No. Aircraft are registered federally with the FAA, not by individual states.