The NBAA has welcomed the FAA's direct final rule to extend the duration of aircraft registration certificates from three to seven years.

“We applaud the FAA for hearing our concerns over the current requirements and making this change,” says NBAA director of flight operations and regulations Brian Koester. “The new rule comes with tangible benefits that will help drive convenience and efficiency for business aircraft owners.”

The policy change, which was required by the 2018 FAA Reauthorisation Act, provides two types of relief for aircraft owners. First, the change to a seven year registration period will greatly reduce the number of applications for ownership renewals awaiting FAA approval at any given time, thereby drawing down the agency's administrative burden and expediting the approval of renewals. Second, the rule expands authority for aircraft owners to operate beyond the registration renewal date from 90 days following expiration to 12 months, a timeframe that should cover any renewal delays stemming from agency backlogs.

The rule is expected to take effect in 60 days. The change will apply to all aircraft currently registered under existing FAA regulations.