long ez with no n#

[damyankee]

Hi troops:cool:

I am new to the home built thing. I am looking at a ez project that is unfinished at this time. the prints that the present owner has got does not have tail # Am i looking at a plane that can't be registered:

[Wayne Hicks]

Serial number and tail number are two different things. If the plans have a serial number, then the plans are probably authentic plans issued by RAF. That's a good thing. You don't need a tail number right now. Most homebuilders don't pursue applying to the FAA for a tail number until the airplane is ready for inspection. At this point, you want a serial number on the plans, not a a tail number.

[rpellicciotti]

You are considered to be the manufactuer of the aircraft as far as the FAA is concerned. When you register your airplane, you can call it a "Yankee EZ Flyer" and give it a serial number like "1" or whatever you want to give it.

 

When you file your registration, you will be issued a tail number ("N" number). You can also request a special tail number if you like.

 

The only reason for having a plans serial number would be to get support directly from Rutan Aircraft Factory. Not really necessary in today's world with such a large community of builders.

[Jon Matcho]

When buying Long-EZ plans, there's little reason to "need" a serial number as it's entirely useless to the recipient of the plans. Even for those that bought plans from RAF directly, are still building, and have a serial number, I seriously doubt anyone is being supported by RAF. Per a Canard Pusher, Rutan makes it clear that if you're selling plans, then YOU need to provide support for the builder and that RAF will have no part of support.

 

The only concern you have for the plans is that they're complete, legible, and accurate. I really don't understand when anyone needs a serial number.

 

Also, with the availability of the Open-EZ plans, the only reason I see for wanting Long-EZ plans is for their value as a collector's item.