Aircraft buyer guide
Aircraft title and liens: what a registry lookup cannot prove
An FAA registration lookup does not establish clear title. Ownership documents, recorded interests, releases and transaction-specific legal questions require a separate title review.
By Aerovidence · Reviewed
Separate registration from title research
The FAA says its Aircraft Registration Branch does not perform title searches. State law determines lien and security interests, and there is no federal requirement to file every lien or security instrument with the FAA. An empty public summary cannot establish the absence of interests.
Official references: FAA aircraft title and recorded interests. Sources checked .
Prepare a transaction document list
Use the list to brief the qualified adviser handling the purchase. It is an organizer, not a legal opinion or a title certificate.
| Topic | Question to resolve |
|---|---|
| Aircraft identity | Do all documents describe the same manufacturer, model and serial? |
| Seller authority | Who has authority to sign for the transaction? |
| Recorded interests | Which relevant instruments and releases have been examined? |
| Outstanding questions | What additional searches or documents are required for this transaction? |
Read documents rather than a reassuring badge
FAA aircraft records include filed ownership and security documents that meet recording requirements. Keep the document identifier, dates and actual release evidence with the review. If a document is missing, illegible or ambiguous, record the question for the adviser instead of treating it as cleared.
Official references: FAA aircraft records. Sources checked .
Where Aerovidence fits
Use the dated public aircraft report to establish the registration details you want to investigate and to organize source references. Aerovidence’s public-data analysis does not issue clear-title findings, verify seller authority or replace title and closing work. No event match, a valid registration status and a free full report do not change that boundary.
Check the public records first
How Aerovidence handles evidence · Sources and coverage limits
Continue your research
How to look up an aircraft by N-number
Find FAA registration details by N-number, check the serial number and source date, and understand what a public aircraft lookup can establish.
Aircraft prebuy records checklist
Organize aircraft identity, public events, maintenance logs, AD evidence and title questions before a pre-purchase inspection.
How to read an aircraft public-record report
Read registration, identity, event, SDR and AD sections with their source dates and limits, then turn unresolved findings into prebuy questions.