FAA & Stearman or N2N warbird markings

[JBoyle]

There are several Stearman N2Ss at the local field in military paint schemes.
As we all know, the Navy put the model mumber on the tail... N2S-5 for example.

A couple here have their designations changed to VN2S-5...or something similar.

When I asked why, I was told (by a man who I certainly defer to in all matters Stearman) that it was because the FAA does not allow any numbers that begin with "N" on a aircraft other than the N-number.

I've never heard that before and I'm sure I've seen other aircraft (N2Ns and the like) with Navy N-designations on the tail.

Anyone else ever hear that?

Is it possible a local FAA inspector has it wrong, or have I been in a cave my entire life?

[k5083]

I believe that the Price/CAF Spitfire NH749 has its serial shortened to H749 on the fuselage for that reason.

There may be people who get away with designations like "N2S-1" just by not attracting the FAA's attention to it.

August

[51fixer]

From FAR 45.22 Exhibition, antique, and other aircraft: Special rules.-

(2) It displays no other mark that begins with the letter “N” anywhere on the aircraft, unless it is the same mark that is displayed under paragraph (b)(1) of this section.

(b)(1) reads-

(1) It displays in accordance with §45.21(c) marks at least 2 inches high on each side of the fuselage or vertical tail surface consisting of the Roman capital letter “N” followed by:

(i) The U.S. registration number of the aircraft; or

(ii) The symbol appropriate to the airworthiness certificate of the aircraft (“C”, standard; “R”, restricted; “L”, limited; or “X”, experimental) followed by the U.S. registration number of the aircraft; and

2) It displays no other mark that begins with the letter “N” anywhere on the aircraft, unless it is the same mark that is displayed under paragraph (b)(1) of this section.

[JBoyle]

Okay, I want all you N3N and N2S owners to turn yourselves in.

[N3Njeff]

Okay, I want all you N3N and N2S owners to turn yourselves in.

[WallyB]

I believe that the Price/CAF Spitfire NH749 has its serial shortened to H749 on the fuselage for that reason.

There may be people who get away with designations like "N2S-1" just by not attracting the FAA's attention to it.

August

Likely depends on the individual inspector as well. Anyone who can't see that NH749 or N2S-1 are obviously NOT US registration marks probably doesn't deserve to be in aviation anyway, but all bureacracies have thier share of anal types; FAA more than most.

And what about those Rapides and Moths blatantly displaying British civil marks ? That may not be against any FAA rule, but it most certainly violates ICAO.