UK Aircraft Registration: A Step-by-Step CAA Guide

Why Registration Matters

Every aircraft operating in the UK must be registered on the UK Register of Civil Aircraft maintained by the CAA. The registration mark (G-XXXX) is your aircraft's legal identity — required for insurance, airworthiness, and flight.

Who Can Register?

To register an aircraft in the UK, the owner must be:

• A UK citizen or national of an EEA state
• A company registered in the UK or an EEA state
• The Crown or a government department

The Registration Process

Step 1: Gather Documents

• Bill of sale or proof of ownership
• Previous registration certificate (if applicable)
• Export CofA if importing from abroad

Step 2: Complete Form CA1

Download the CA1 application from the CAA website. You'll need the aircraft's type, serial number, and your ownership details.

Step 3: Submit and Pay

Send the completed form to the CAA Aircraft Registration section. The current fee is approximately £70 for initial registration. Processing typically takes 2–4 weeks.

Step 4: Receive Your Certificate

Once approved, you'll receive a Certificate of Registration which must be carried on board the aircraft at all times.

Airworthiness Requirements

Registration alone doesn't permit flight. You also need:

• Certificate of Airworthiness (CofA) — for EASA type-certificated aircraft
• Permit to Fly — for Annex II aircraft (vintage, amateur-built, microlights)
• Airworthiness Review Certificate (ARC) — renewed annually by an approved engineer

Common Pitfalls

• Incomplete paperwork — the CAA will reject applications with missing documents
• Not deregistering from the previous country when importing
• Letting the ARC lapse — this grounds your aircraft until renewed
• Forgetting to notify the CAA of ownership changes within 28 days

Useful Links

Visit the CAA website for the latest forms and fee schedules.