Registration of aircraft

Before an aircraft can be used for aviation, it must be registered. The provisions on aircraft registration, nationality and markings are laid down in the Finnish Aviation Act. More detailed rules on registration are contained in Aviation Regulation GEN M1-5.

The register shows the aircraft owner, possessor, operator, and details of the aircraft. Moreover, any mortgages granted on the aircraft as well as their renewal, cancellation and changes in priority order are entered in the aircraft register.

If the aircraft has not previously been in the Finnish aircraft register, the owner must apply for registration using a form provided by the Finnish Transport Safety Agency (Trafi).

The following documents must be attached to the application:

• bill of purchase or other title deed (or a copy)
• an attestation or notification of removal from register by a foreign authority or an attestation that the aircraft is not registered in the country of manufacture
• power of attorney, if applicable, or other document indicating the right of ownership and the right of signature
• if the aircraft has an operator, possessor or agent (other than the owner), please attach a notification on the aircraft operator.

Change of ownership

When an aircraft changes owner, the new owner must notify Trafi of the change of ownership. This notification is made using the same form as for a new registration. According to section 16 of the Finnish Aviation Act, the notification must be made within 14 days of the change.

If there is more than one owner, full contact details for all owners must be given on the form or in a separate attachment. All owners must also sign the notification form or present a power of attorney where necessary.

The following documents must be attached to the notification:

• bill of purchase or other title deed (or a copy)
• earlier certificate of registration in original
• power of attorney, if applicable, or other document indicating the right of ownership and the right of signature
• if the aircraft has an operator, possessor or agent (other than the owner), please attach a notification on the aircraft operator.

The documents are subject to a fee. The processing time is approximately one week.

Sales notification and removal from  register

The seller of the aircraft may notify Trafi of the sale using a sales notification form. If the seller wants the termination of ownership to be recorded in the aircraft register, the bill of purchase must be enclosed with the notification.

Application for removal of an aircraft from the aircraft register can be made to Trafi using a specific form. In the event that the aircraft has been sold to another country, the new country of registration must be stated in the section “Reason for removal”. The original registration certificate must be enclosed with the application. Removal from register is free of charge.