"N" number / Experimental

[skyflea73]

I was told that the letters for Experimental had to be 2 inches and 3 inches for my "N" number. The next question is the Font, can I use any font I want? Can I make the Letters and numbers appear 3D. The reason why I ask, I wanted to paint the letters instead of applying them as stickers. Does anyone know the exact rules about "N" numbers / experimental applications. The only thing I have read is that they have to be a certain size. I would hate to go through the trouble and paint these things the wrong way, only to be told I can't do that and need to change it after it has already been clear coated.

[Harry_S.]

You have the sizes correct. They can be installed horizontally, vertically or on a bias, but, they must be readable. On the vertical tail, of course.

[Harry_S.]

Addendum: Vertical tail for the N numbers, XP anywhere that the passenger can see it.

[skyflea73]

Can they be painted font of choice or do they have to be the basic square font? Can I paint them in away they look 3D and kind of jump out at you? I did not see anything saying it can't, but want to make sure. Thanks
Darren Twellman

[Harry_S.]

Size and readability is all that matters. Be artistic as you will, but, it must be * readily readable *.

[gyropilot]

From FAR 45 (Non-relevant sections deleted.)

Section 45.21: General

(c) Aircraft nationality and registration marks must --

(1) Except as provided in paragraph (d) of this section, be painted on the aircraft or affixed by any other means insuring a similar degree of permanence;

(2) Have no ornamentation;

(3) Contrast in color with the background; and

(4) Be legible.


Section 45.27: Location of marks; nonfixed-wing aircraft

(a) Rotorcraft. Each operator of a rotorcraft shall display on that rotorcraft horizontally on both surfaces of the cabin, fuselage, boom, or tail the marks required by §45.23.


Section 45.29: Size of marks.

(a) Except as provided in paragraph (f) of this section, each operator of an aircraft shall display marks on the aircraft meeting the size requirements of this section.

(b) Height. Except as provided in paragraph (h) of this part, the nationality and registration marks must be of equal height and on --

(iii) Marks at least 3 inches high may be displayed on an aircraft for which an experimental certificate has been issued under §21.191(d) or 21.191(g) for operating as an exhibition aircraft or as an amateur-built aircraft when the maximum cruising speed of the aircraft does not exceed 180 knots CAS; and

(c) Width. Characters must be two-thirds as wide as they are high, except the number "1", which must be one-sixth as wide as it is high, and the letters "M" and "W" which may be as wide as they are high.

(d) Thickness. Characters must be formed by solid lines one-sixth as thick as the character is high.

(e) Spacing. The space between each character may not be less than one-fourth of the character width.

(f) If either one of the surfaces authorized for displaying required marks under §45.25 is large enough for display of marks meeting the size requirements of this section and the other is not, full-size marks shall be placed on the larger surface. If neither surface is large enough for full-size marks, marks as large as practicable shall be displayed on the larger of the two surfaces. If any surface authorized to be marked by §45.27 is not large enough for full-size marks, marks as large as practicable shall be placed on the largest of the authorized surfaces.

[Scooter]

http://www.engravers.net/aircraft/faa_specs.htm

It's all here.