Johnny

Hey All. I was reading this thread and thought I would bring it back from the dead just to shed a bit of light on the process for those seeking a custom N-Number. One quick aside...the N number isn't just a 'vanity issue' as someone on here suggested, at least for some of us. Imagine driving down the road and calling out your license plate number every 10 minutes...and listening to your radio for some barking out that number and waiting for a reply. Since we have to use it repeatedly during a flight and can't abbreviate it until ATC does, it is helpful to avoid a tongue twister. And a lot of numbers out there seem less than ideal. At least that's my take. So having a short, roll off the tongue number is pretty darn helpful. Yes, this is a first world problem!! The FAA servers will allow you to 'register' an available N-Number for AT LEAST two weeks after it becomes available. That means that if you and I both seek a particular number out, we'll both appear to get it initially, regardless of who is first. It is not until it is reviewed by a HUMAN at the FAA that a final determination is made as to assignment, based on who applied for it first. That human is involved to confirm the number is indeed available relative to previous registration data. For the individual who doesn't 'win' the number, you usually have to request a refund of the ten bucks after receiving a notice from the FAA that you didn't get the requested number. It won't automatically go back on your credit card. You should wait until you receive a letter from the FAA informing you that you didn't get it. To complicate things, the FAA online registration program will zero out your request for an N-Number shortly after you request it (a day or so). What this means is that you may request such a number online...check the next day, see it is still available, and potentially request it again (for another 10 dollars) thinking it somehow didn't "go through" before. This is a fluke of the FAA program. You do not need to run another transaction if your first transaction was listed as successful (e.g., you got an email confirmation). After a couple of weeks (or less) your requested number will show up as unavailable....a bit later it may then show up as available. Again, a weird quirk of the system. According to the FAA, it is something the IT folks said "has to be this way" from a programming standpoint. I have no idea what that means. The current process to reserve a number takes 3 or more weeks...probably a bit longer to see if you got it. If you are anxious you can call Oklahoma and they can tell you if your online attempt was successful....if you can get a hold of someone that is. Lastly, the 'gentleman' who runs Short-N-Numbers is indeed WELL KNOWN to the FAA. The person I spoke with at the FAA said they are aware of the problem, and it has been a point of discussion. According to this person, they view it as an abuse of the process and system (as do I). Unfortunately, I would not hold your breath on this. I was told that the only solution is a legislative one. Complaints to the FAA are unlikely to change things, but by all means try. Also, by current count, this guy has hoovered up something north of 5,000 numbers. Nuts. This is a bit like spam, if folks wouldn't buy from him...he'd stop. I certainly wouldn't. My two cents. Have a good day all.