U.S. Owner-Trust Registration
Not a U.S. citizen? We act as your U.S.-citizen owner trustee so your aircraft can carry an N-number, fully compliant with 14 CFR Part 47.
FAA Registration
The Proven Path to an N-Number
U.S. registration is restricted to citizens and residents. A non-citizen owner trust lets a qualified U.S. trustee hold legal title on your behalf, recognised worldwide and by the FAA.
U.S.-Citizen Trustee
We hold legal title so your aircraft qualifies for U.S. registration while you keep beneficial ownership and use.
Compliant by Design
Trust instrument and affidavits drafted to the FAA's 2013 policy, including the 25% non-citizen control limit.
Cape Town Ready
We coordinate FAA filings with International Registry registrations so lenders' interests are perfected.
Online Document Builders
Complete your trust agreement, affidavits, and FAA forms in our secure client portal.
Fast Turnaround
Trust documents typically prepared within a few business days of a complete intake.
Full Administration
We administer the trust for its life and respond to FAA information requests.
How It Works
From Inquiry to N-Number, Step by Step
1. Inquiry & Eligibility Check
You tell us about the aircraft (make, model, serial, current registration) and the ownership structure. We confirm an owner trust is appropriate and send a fixed-fee proposal and engagement letter.
2. Engagement & KYC / Due Diligence
You sign the engagement letter and complete our intake questionnaire. We collect identity documents for beneficial owners and screen all parties against OFAC and international sanctions lists.
3. Trust Documents Prepared
We draft the Owner Trust Agreement, the trustee affidavits (beneficiary citizenship and control), and any operating agreement to be disclosed to the FAA. You review and approve.
4. Execution & Notarization
You (as trustor/beneficiary) and PassionJet (as trustee) execute the documents. Signatures are notarized and, where needed, apostilled for international recognition.
5. FAA Filing & Escrow
We assemble and submit the complete registration package to the FAA Aircraft Registry on your behalf, coordinating escrow and bill-of-sale handling as needed. We manage the filing details so you don't have to.
6. International Registry (If Financed)
For Cape Town-eligible aircraft, we register the international interest and any related assignments on the International Registry, matching the FAA filing.
7. Registration Issued
The FAA issues the Certificate of Aircraft Registration in the trustee's name. You receive copies and can operate under your N-number. (Temporary authority is available while the certificate is processed.)
8. Ongoing Administration
We hold the trust records, track the registration renewal, respond to FAA information requests within required timelines, and process any changes for the life of the trust.
What You'll Need
Documents to Have Ready
Having these on hand speeds your registration considerably.
About the Aircraft
Make, model, manufacturer serial number, year, current/prior registration marks, and evidence of ownership (bill of sale or chain of title).
About the Owner(s)
Identity documents for each beneficial owner; for entities, formation documents, ownership chart, and authorized signatory details.
Financing (If Any)
Loan/lease agreements, lender details, and any security or mortgage documents to be recorded with the FAA and International Registry.
Operating Arrangements
Any management, charter, or use agreements affecting the aircraft, which must be disclosed to the FAA under current policy.
Eligibility
Check Your Eligibility
Answer five quick questions to see whether a non-citizen owner trust fits your situation and what setup might cost.
Indicative only, not advice or a binding quote. Final eligibility depends on completed KYC and document review.
Talk to Us
Tell us about your aircraft and what you need. We'll come back with a clear, practical plan.
Check My Eligibility Book a Call