Vanity N-numbers

Hiperbiper

Hiperbiper

Well-known member
Joined
May 30, 2020
Messages
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Location
Shreveport Louisiana DTN
My Champ project is almost finished...
Normally if I've rebuilt or restored a plane I hunt around the FAA website for a "vanity" N number just because...
The 1946 Navion I did two years ago became N46NA for '46 North American (factory). But it had had several number changes since 1946 so I wasn't concerned about legacy...and it was a number that was easy to say and use.
My Champ has been N82588 it's whole life. So on the one hand I don't want to mess with history. On the other hand I found (and reserved) N-number N125RB because I planned to paint the Champ like the Red Baron's WW1 airplane and the Rittmeister was 25 when he was killed...and 125 Romeo Bravo rolls off the tongue better than 82558.
So what does the Continuum think?
Legacy or Vanity??? It only costs $10.00 and a little time...

Chris
 
I vote for historical continuity in this instance.

Vanity is cool when the reference is reasonably clear, eg 46NA. When the reference is too cryptic, nobody is going to have any idea what it means, unless you go around explaining it.

It's pretty cool on the FB forum when someone posts a new airplane they just bought, and someone else chimes in "Hey, I got my PPL in that airplane 40 years ago!"
 
I have changed several, including my Decathlon. I probably wouldn't change a Waco N-number, but the rest are non-descript.
But caution: as with ferry permits it is all automated, and inspectors don't quite know how to issue revised airworthiness certificates. Used to take about five minutes; now it takes around two months if you keep gently pushing.
 
Howdy from Maine,

Originally, folks who built their own aircraft (Experimental Homebuilt) or someone that had more money and a swollen head, did indeed change their "N" Number to something kool.

But I do not see the point changing a "N" Number just because, especially if they are planning to sell and upgrade to another aircraft in the near future.

Now, if your bird is a Homebuilt you built, or part of your family and you plan on handing down your aircraft to a family member, or you have a good reason to have a "Vanity" Number, and then go for it.

So, it is just a personal preference to change or not. It's your aircraft, and your decision and stand by it! Besides, a lot of folks who will comment on the "N" Number usually do not know what it represents or do not own an aircraft of their own.

Take it for what it is worth. Just my 2 cents worth.

Ken "COWBOY" Winiarski
Cowboys Air Ranch (84ME)
72 Citabria N11667
 
I saw a number of "rich guys" here in Texas change N numbers back in the day... Usually Bdays, initials, companies, etc... Paying for em was no object either. I saw it on bonanzas to jets too.
 
Mine isn't vanity - I just didn't want to be zero three echo. Yuk. I am now zulu whiskey - a refreshing African beverage.
 
Cowboy, that's a good looking car! Hood reminds me of the movie "Corvette Summer"with Mark Hamill. What's under the hood?
My wife and I are also vette nuts. C6 Z06's...mine is black hers is yellow.
Chris
 
Hiperbiper said:
Cowboy, that's a good looking car! Hood reminds me of the movie "Corvette Summer"with Mark Hamill. What's under the hood?
My wife and I are also vette nuts. C6 Z06's...mine is black hers is yellow.
Chris
Click to expand...
Howdy,

The Vette in Corvette Summer was changed to a right steering column, and the hood had large air induction scoups, one side facing forward and the other facing rerwrd. I love that movie as well.

My C3 just has a 350 under the hood, mostly stock, higher compression, 4 barrel Holley 600 CFM and moderate cam. Only around 210 hp I estimate. The best part is the 410 gear ratio and the 6 speed T56 Transmission with duel overdrive. I am building a 408 for it (400 bored out .040", and should push around 425 honest HP, but dragging my feet right now. I can make it almost lift the front end off the ground and a comfortable 1800 RPM at 80 MPH on the highway.

My Citabria gets first dibbs at having the money spent on it. Want to sell the Vette, but wife loves it. So, no time soon. But if I do sell the Vette, that should get me close to enough $$$$ for a 180HP STC conversion for my Citabria.

The pic I was going to post was the Vette with the Citabria parked behind it, but I could not find the pic right away.

Cowboy
(84ME)
 
I decided to keep the original N-number on my Airknocker...
After surviving for 75 years as 82558 I just couldn't pull the trigger on the number change. I guess I've gotten sentimental in my old age...
Or maybe old in my sentimental age?
I did put the numbers on using vinyl in case the next owner wants to change them.
Chris
 
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