Okay what is your N number?????

[xcrmckenna]

I have been doing as much research as I can on a few planes. My initial search is always http://www.aviationdb.com/Aviation/AircraftQuery.shtmThey always seem to provide the most detail on the history of the plane. But since I'm looking at older Mooney's most of them have had their N number changed at least once. So I only get the history of the plane while it has had that tail number. Is there a web site I can search the Serial number, or another number that would give me the whole history of the plane? Or will I just have to go through the logs and search each N number the plane has had? I know a shop would will do this during the Pre Buy. But all of you have taught me it is my responsibility to learn everything about the plane I can. And I don't want to sound like the GF that gets sent to the automotive store by her BF to buy blinker fluid.... Thanks for any help.

C.

[KSMooniac]

Sometimes you can find accident reports via serial number, but not always.  Not sure what else to tell you beyond what you already know.  I don't know any way to track previous tail numbers.  I'd start just searching "Mooney XX-XXXX" and see what you get.  I know when I search my plane it gets my current registration, flight aware, etc.  Searching another serial number that I know gets me to a crash in 2007 as well.

[carusoam]

You'd be surprised how many planes have their original N number.

Many 60’s Mooneys have a Q at the end, they run sequentially with SN.

Many Js have the 201, Ks have 231 in their tail number.

It costs too much to get it repainted.

It's too much effort to get it changed.

It doesn't hide the truth very well.

You are right, it is your responsibility to protect your finances.

Best regards,

-a-

[xcrmckenna]

Thanks KS, not that I'm complaining about going through all the digital logs. I have learned sooooo much by just doing that step. but I thought maybe the A&P's did some thing different. I read Don Maxwells write up about ppi and he writes about going through every page in every log so I'm sure that is the best way to do it.

 

Carusoam, I will keep an eye on the numbers that have a Q and make sure they list all the renewals back to the the cert date.

 

Was there anything special you guys did while doing the research on your winged family members?

 

On a side note, I saw one plane had the description of a Ground-Water Loop-Swerve Stall/mush. I don't know much but I would say that was a VERY unsuccessful take off. but what is the ground water loop swerve? 

 

[1964-M20E]

The FAA will send you a complete history of all owners if you ask for a specific N number and I believe maybe 5 or 10 dollars for processing if not free. I've done this on several planes I was looking at even before I contacted the owner to look at the plane.

 

You will get 337s on file, previous owners liens etc.

[carusoam]

I didn't get that deep...

Until, being into the purchase phase. So, once I selected the 'no damage history plane', it is time to read every page of every log book. Basically looking for proof that it is what the seller is representing.

Then things like earnest money, purchasing contract, PPI, insurance, and transition training become important.

While reading, keep notes for every expensive item being put in or taken out.

Fortunately, the sellers are up to speed with scanning logs.

To sell a plane expect the potential buyer is going to read it's logs.

When the seller doesn't have all the logs, that's a different can of worms all together.

Mooney owners know to keep track of their documents. Even after extended hospital stays, their first memory is where they left the plane and it's documents...

The first time you read through a log book, you will get a feel for what is important and what will get superseded... You won't care much about oil changes and spark plugs put in it's first engine when it is already on its third engine forty years later...

Some people really enjoy trading machinery!

Best regards,

-a-

[John Pleisse]

Have your FAA aircraft file pulled in OKC. $75.00, you'll have your entire history scanned and e-mailed to you within a day. Every A/C owner should do it, N number history or not. Ask for the lovely Rhonda. www.intlaircraft.com

[xcrmckenna]

Have your FAA aircraft file pulled in OKC. $75.00, you'll have your entire history scanned and e-mailed to you within a day. Every A/C owner should do it, N number history or not. Ask for the lovely Rhonda. www.intlaircraft.com

 

N4352H will that include the whole life of the plane or just the time it has had that N#? If it's the whole history I might have to look at even more airplanes to talk to this lovely Rhonda you speak of.....

[N601RX]

If you don't mind waiting a week or so you can get the history cd directly from the faa for $10. If you need it sooner use the company John mentioned above. If the number has changed there will be a copy of the paperwork when the new number was requested.

http://aircraft.faa.gov/e.gov/ND/

[piperpainter]

That was a cool website! Thanks! 

[carusoam]

Looked up my old C by serial number. Still has the same N number.

It's moved back North and Westish.

The four digit SN is shared with a dozen other aircraft.

Modern M20s are a bit more unique in their SNs...

Too much data is free for the taking in those files...

[carusoam]

Dp

[Oscar Avalle]

Well I just realized that my plane had suffered two not one incident... minor, but incident anyway.... When I bought her in 2002 it was nearly impossible to very the history of the plane.

[John Pleisse]

N4352H will that include the whole life of the plane or just the time it has had that N#? If it's the whole history I might have to look at even more airplanes to talk to this lovely Rhonda you speak of.....

 Should be a full report....Title chain, certs, BOS's and all 337's. They used to charge hundreds for this service, Fed' Exing a CD Rom within a day. Now a pdf shows up in you in box by COB. Shopping, or keeping, you need to know everything possible.

[Marauder]

If you don't mind waiting a week or so you can get the history cd directly from the faa for $10. If you need it sooner use the company John mentioned above. If the number has changed there will be a copy of the paperwork when the new number was requested.

http://aircraft.faa.gov/e.gov/ND/

Thanks for the link. Just ordered it to see what I get Now who said I was a Cheap Bast$&d? Never mind, I just used Bob Belville's credit card...

[N601RX]

Thanks for the link. Just ordered it to see what I get Now who said I was a Cheap Bast$&d? Never mind, I just used Bib Belville's credit card...

It's a good idea to order one any time you have a lot of work done that involves 337's. Otherwise it's possible the shop forgot to mail it, mail lost it, or faa put in the wrong folder.

[carusoam]

Are you confusing Bob with his lesser known musical brother Bel, Bib Devoe?

Fuzzy memories shared,

-a-

[Oscar Avalle]

Interesting database, but I noticed that for my previous airplane an incident/accident that happened after I sold her in 2002 has not been registered...