Registration Marks - Whats the law?
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Registration Marks - Whats the law?
I heard that some gyro's in Gauteng were grounded recently due to inadequate registration marks.
This probably follows on from a low-flying incident discussed elsewhere so lets not go there.
What I would like to know from the knowledgeable people, what does the law state with regard to registration marks? Is there a minimum size? a specified location?
I would like to establish if my machine complies before it possibly gets grounded also.
Len
This probably follows on from a low-flying incident discussed elsewhere so lets not go there.
What I would like to know from the knowledgeable people, what does the law state with regard to registration marks? Is there a minimum size? a specified location?
I would like to establish if my machine complies before it possibly gets grounded also.
Len
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Re: Registration Marks - Whats the law?
Hi Len,
http://www.caa.co.za
goto acts and regulations -> volume 3(CATS) -> SA-CATS-ARM Aricraft registration and markings (18Mb)
In short:
Markings must be made by solid lines and with a contrasting colour to aircraft colour.
6.7 The marks on a rotorcraft which is a gyrocopter must appear on both sides of the vertical surface
Thats about it.
Regards,
http://www.caa.co.za
goto acts and regulations -> volume 3(CATS) -> SA-CATS-ARM Aricraft registration and markings (18Mb)
In short:
Markings must be made by solid lines and with a contrasting colour to aircraft colour.
6.7 The marks on a rotorcraft which is a gyrocopter must appear on both sides of the vertical surface
Thats about it.
Regards,
The Naked Trike
ZU-AVL
"I hate CIRCLIPS!!"
ZU-AVL
"I hate CIRCLIPS!!"
Re: Registration Marks - Whats the law?
47.00.3 REQUIREMENT FOR AIRCRAFT MARKING
1. Definitions
Any word or expression to which a meaning has been assigned in the Aviation
Act, 1962, and the Civil Aviation Regulations, 1997, bears, when used in this
publication, the same meaning unless the context indicates otherwise, and –
“approved” means approved by the Commissioner;
“fireproof material” means a material capable of withstanding heat as well as or
better than steel when the dimensions in both cases are appropriate for the
specific purpose;
“heavier-than-air aircraft” means any aircraft deriving its lift in flight mainly from
aerodynamic forces;
“lighter-than-air aircraft” means any aircraft supported mainly by its buoyancy
in the air.
2. Allocation of marks
South African nationality marks are the capital letters ZS, ZT and ZU and the
registration mark is a group consisting of three letters appearing after and
separated from the nationality marks by a hyphen, for example, ZS-AAA.
3. Identification plate
(1) Every South African registered aircraft must have affrixed to it an identification
plate stamped or engraved with its nationality and registration
marks.
(2) The identification plate must be –
(a) made of fireproof metal or other fireproof material of suitable physical
properties; and
(b) affixed to the aircraft in a prominent position near the main point of entrance
to the aircraft.
4. Display of marks
(1) The nationality and registration marks must be –
(a) painted on the aircraft or affixed by any other approved means ensuring
a similar degree of permanence;
(b) legible;
(c) displayed to the best possible advantage having regard to the construction
or features of the aircraft; and
(d) kept clean and visible at all times.
(2) The letters and hyphen must be formed by solid lines and must be of a
colour which contrasts clearly with the background on which they are
painted.
CIVIL AVIATION TECHNICAL STANDARDS
Issue 1 ARM–8 CATS
5. Location of marks: Lighter-than-air aircraft
5.1 Airships
The marks on an airship must appear –
(1) lengthwise on each side of the hull near the maximum cross section of the
airship and on the upper surface on the line of symmetry; or
(2) on the following stabilisers:
(a) the horizontal stabiliser on the right half of the upper surface and on
the left half of the lower surface with the tops of the letters towards the
leading edge;
(b) the vertical stabiliser on each side of the bottom half stabiliser, with the
letters placed horizontally.
5.2 Spherical balloons
The marks on a spherical balloon must appear in two places diametrically
opposite and be located near the maximum horizontal circumference of the
balloon.
5.3 Non-spherical balloons
The marks on a non-spherical balloon must appear on each side of the balloon
and must be located near the maximum cross-section of the balloon immediately
above –
(1) the rigging band; or
(2) the point of attachment,
of the basket’s suspension cables.
5.4 All lighter-than-air aircraft
The side marks on all lighter-than-air aircraft must be visible both from the sides
and from the ground.
6. Location of marks: Heavier-than-air aircraft
(1) The marks on aeroplanes and gliders must appear –
(a) except as provided in subparagraph (4), once, on the lower left surface
of the wing structure; and
(b) on both sides of the fuselage between the wings and tail surfaces, or
on the upper halves of the vertical tail surfaces.
(2) If the marks are confined to the outer half of the wing structure, they
must be located on the left lower surface.
(3) The tops of the letters must be towards the leading edge of the wing
and as far as possible, be equidistant from the leading and trailing
edges of the wing.
(4) Marks on a single vertical tail surface must appear on both sides of the
tail surface.
AIRCRAFT REGISTRATION AND MARKING
CATS ARM–9 Issue 1
(5) Marks on multi-vertical tail surfaces must appear on the outboard sides of
the outer surfaces.
(6) The marks on a rotorcraft (other than a rotorcraft which is a gyrocopter)
must appear –
(a) on the bottom surface of the fuselage or cabin with the top of the marks
towards the front side of the fuselage; and
(b) on both sides of the fuselage or cabin or tailboom in a prominent place
not obstructed in normal use.
(7) The marks on a rotorcraft which is a gyrocopter must appear on both sides
of a vertical surface.
(8) Marks on multi-vertical surfaces must appear on the outboard sides of the
outer surfaces.
(9) If a heavier-than-air aircraft does not possess parts corresponding to those
mentioned in the appropriate subparagraph of this paragraph, the marks
must appear in such a manner that the aircraft can be readily identified.
7. Specification of marks
(1) The nationality and registration marks must consist of capital letters in
Roman characters without ornamentation.
(2) The width of each letter (except letter “I”) and the length of the hyphen
must be two-thirds of the height of the letter.
(3) Each letter must be separated from the letter which immediately precedes
or follows it by a space equal to one-third the height of the individual letters,
the hyphen being regarded as a letter for this purpose.
(4) The lines forming the letters and hyphen must be solid and the thickness of
those lines must be one-sixth of the height of the letter.
8. Measurement of marks
(1) The nationality and registration marks must be formed of letters of equal
height, and must be so situated as to leave a margin of at least 50 mm
along each edge of any surface to which they are affixed.
(2) The height of the marks on lighter-than-air aircraft must not be less than
500 mm.
(3) The height of the marks on aeroplanes and gliders must be –
(a) on the wings, not less than 500 mm; and
(b) on the fuselage or equivalent structure and on the vertical surfaces, not
less than 300 mm, except that where the surface is not large enough to
accommodate full-size marks the Commissioner may approve marks
of a lesser measurement provided they are not less than 150 mm in
height and can be readily identified.
(4) The height of the marks on rotorcraft must be –
(a) on the bottom surface of the fuselage or cabin, not less than 500 mm
high; and
(b) on the sides of the fuselage or cabin, not less than 250 mm high,
except that where the surface is not large enough for full-size marks
CIVIL AVIATION TECHNICAL STANDARDS
Issue 1 ARM–10 CATS
the Commissioner may approve marks of a lesser measurement
provided they are not less than 150 mm in height and can be readily
identified.
(5) If an aeroplane or glider does not possess parts corresponding to those
mentioned in the appropriate subparagraph of this paragraph, the marks
must appear in such a manner that the aircraft can be readily identified.
9. Break-in-area markings on aircraft
(1) If areas of the fuselage suitable for break-in by rescue crews in an emergency
are marked on an aircraft, such areas must be marked as per
Figure 1.
(2) The colour of the markings must be red or yellow, and, if necessary, they
must be outlined in white to contrast with the background.
(3) If the corner markings are more than 2 m apart, intermediate lines of 90
mm x 3 mm must be inserted so that there is not more that 2 m between
adjacent marks.
1. Definitions
Any word or expression to which a meaning has been assigned in the Aviation
Act, 1962, and the Civil Aviation Regulations, 1997, bears, when used in this
publication, the same meaning unless the context indicates otherwise, and –
“approved” means approved by the Commissioner;
“fireproof material” means a material capable of withstanding heat as well as or
better than steel when the dimensions in both cases are appropriate for the
specific purpose;
“heavier-than-air aircraft” means any aircraft deriving its lift in flight mainly from
aerodynamic forces;
“lighter-than-air aircraft” means any aircraft supported mainly by its buoyancy
in the air.
2. Allocation of marks
South African nationality marks are the capital letters ZS, ZT and ZU and the
registration mark is a group consisting of three letters appearing after and
separated from the nationality marks by a hyphen, for example, ZS-AAA.
3. Identification plate
(1) Every South African registered aircraft must have affrixed to it an identification
plate stamped or engraved with its nationality and registration
marks.
(2) The identification plate must be –
(a) made of fireproof metal or other fireproof material of suitable physical
properties; and
(b) affixed to the aircraft in a prominent position near the main point of entrance
to the aircraft.
4. Display of marks
(1) The nationality and registration marks must be –
(a) painted on the aircraft or affixed by any other approved means ensuring
a similar degree of permanence;
(b) legible;
(c) displayed to the best possible advantage having regard to the construction
or features of the aircraft; and
(d) kept clean and visible at all times.
(2) The letters and hyphen must be formed by solid lines and must be of a
colour which contrasts clearly with the background on which they are
painted.
CIVIL AVIATION TECHNICAL STANDARDS
Issue 1 ARM–8 CATS
5. Location of marks: Lighter-than-air aircraft
5.1 Airships
The marks on an airship must appear –
(1) lengthwise on each side of the hull near the maximum cross section of the
airship and on the upper surface on the line of symmetry; or
(2) on the following stabilisers:
(a) the horizontal stabiliser on the right half of the upper surface and on
the left half of the lower surface with the tops of the letters towards the
leading edge;
(b) the vertical stabiliser on each side of the bottom half stabiliser, with the
letters placed horizontally.
5.2 Spherical balloons
The marks on a spherical balloon must appear in two places diametrically
opposite and be located near the maximum horizontal circumference of the
balloon.
5.3 Non-spherical balloons
The marks on a non-spherical balloon must appear on each side of the balloon
and must be located near the maximum cross-section of the balloon immediately
above –
(1) the rigging band; or
(2) the point of attachment,
of the basket’s suspension cables.
5.4 All lighter-than-air aircraft
The side marks on all lighter-than-air aircraft must be visible both from the sides
and from the ground.
6. Location of marks: Heavier-than-air aircraft
(1) The marks on aeroplanes and gliders must appear –
(a) except as provided in subparagraph (4), once, on the lower left surface
of the wing structure; and
(b) on both sides of the fuselage between the wings and tail surfaces, or
on the upper halves of the vertical tail surfaces.
(2) If the marks are confined to the outer half of the wing structure, they
must be located on the left lower surface.
(3) The tops of the letters must be towards the leading edge of the wing
and as far as possible, be equidistant from the leading and trailing
edges of the wing.
(4) Marks on a single vertical tail surface must appear on both sides of the
tail surface.
AIRCRAFT REGISTRATION AND MARKING
CATS ARM–9 Issue 1
(5) Marks on multi-vertical tail surfaces must appear on the outboard sides of
the outer surfaces.
(6) The marks on a rotorcraft (other than a rotorcraft which is a gyrocopter)
must appear –
(a) on the bottom surface of the fuselage or cabin with the top of the marks
towards the front side of the fuselage; and
(b) on both sides of the fuselage or cabin or tailboom in a prominent place
not obstructed in normal use.
(7) The marks on a rotorcraft which is a gyrocopter must appear on both sides
of a vertical surface.
(8) Marks on multi-vertical surfaces must appear on the outboard sides of the
outer surfaces.
(9) If a heavier-than-air aircraft does not possess parts corresponding to those
mentioned in the appropriate subparagraph of this paragraph, the marks
must appear in such a manner that the aircraft can be readily identified.
7. Specification of marks
(1) The nationality and registration marks must consist of capital letters in
Roman characters without ornamentation.
(2) The width of each letter (except letter “I”) and the length of the hyphen
must be two-thirds of the height of the letter.
(3) Each letter must be separated from the letter which immediately precedes
or follows it by a space equal to one-third the height of the individual letters,
the hyphen being regarded as a letter for this purpose.
(4) The lines forming the letters and hyphen must be solid and the thickness of
those lines must be one-sixth of the height of the letter.
8. Measurement of marks
(1) The nationality and registration marks must be formed of letters of equal
height, and must be so situated as to leave a margin of at least 50 mm
along each edge of any surface to which they are affixed.
(2) The height of the marks on lighter-than-air aircraft must not be less than
500 mm.
(3) The height of the marks on aeroplanes and gliders must be –
(a) on the wings, not less than 500 mm; and
(b) on the fuselage or equivalent structure and on the vertical surfaces, not
less than 300 mm, except that where the surface is not large enough to
accommodate full-size marks the Commissioner may approve marks
of a lesser measurement provided they are not less than 150 mm in
height and can be readily identified.
(4) The height of the marks on rotorcraft must be –
(a) on the bottom surface of the fuselage or cabin, not less than 500 mm
high; and
(b) on the sides of the fuselage or cabin, not less than 250 mm high,
except that where the surface is not large enough for full-size marks
CIVIL AVIATION TECHNICAL STANDARDS
Issue 1 ARM–10 CATS
the Commissioner may approve marks of a lesser measurement
provided they are not less than 150 mm in height and can be readily
identified.
(5) If an aeroplane or glider does not possess parts corresponding to those
mentioned in the appropriate subparagraph of this paragraph, the marks
must appear in such a manner that the aircraft can be readily identified.
9. Break-in-area markings on aircraft
(1) If areas of the fuselage suitable for break-in by rescue crews in an emergency
are marked on an aircraft, such areas must be marked as per
Figure 1.
(2) The colour of the markings must be red or yellow, and, if necessary, they
must be outlined in white to contrast with the background.
(3) If the corner markings are more than 2 m apart, intermediate lines of 90
mm x 3 mm must be inserted so that there is not more that 2 m between
adjacent marks.
Dave Lehr
Magni Gyro M22 ZU-EPZ
“You're flying Buzz! No Woody we're falling in style!”
Magni Gyro M22 ZU-EPZ
“You're flying Buzz! No Woody we're falling in style!”
- Gyronaut
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- Joined: Mon Oct 30, 2006 4:26 pm
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Re: Registration Marks - Whats the law?
Thanks Learjet and Wargames.
As I see it then this applies...
(7) The marks on a rotorcraft which is a gyrocopter must appear on both sides of a vertical surface.
(8) (4) The height of the marks on rotorcraft must be –
(a) on the bottom surface of the fuselage or cabin, not less than 500 mm
high; and
(b) on the sides of the fuselage or cabin, not less than 250 mm high,
except that where the surface is not large enough for full-size marks
Agreed?
This means they can insist on it being on either side of the cabin at minimum 250mm high and underneath at 500mm high. Does it then have to be on the vertical surface (tail) as well?
Its not clear to me whether its either/or?
Len
As I see it then this applies...
(7) The marks on a rotorcraft which is a gyrocopter must appear on both sides of a vertical surface.
(8) (4) The height of the marks on rotorcraft must be –
(a) on the bottom surface of the fuselage or cabin, not less than 500 mm
high; and
(b) on the sides of the fuselage or cabin, not less than 250 mm high,
except that where the surface is not large enough for full-size marks
Agreed?
This means they can insist on it being on either side of the cabin at minimum 250mm high and underneath at 500mm high. Does it then have to be on the vertical surface (tail) as well?
Its not clear to me whether its either/or?
Len
- Wargames
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- Posts: 1353
- Joined: Sat Jan 12, 2008 2:00 pm
- Location: Morningstar, Cape Town
Re: Registration Marks - Whats the law?
Dont agree.(6) The marks on a rotorcraft (other than a rotorcraft which is a gyrocopter)
must appear –
(a) on the bottom surface of the fuselage or cabin with the top of the marks
towards the front side of the fuselage; and
(b) on both sides of the fuselage or cabin or tailboom in a prominent place
not obstructed in normal use.
I think a gyro only needs to comply with no 7. A heli must have markings on the belly, not you guys. What tattoo do you have in mind, Len?? Maybe you should ask caa. This can be confusing.
The Naked Trike
ZU-AVL
"I hate CIRCLIPS!!"
ZU-AVL
"I hate CIRCLIPS!!"
Re: Registration Marks - Whats the law?
Len, as I read it:
As I see it, the above is all that relates to a gyrocopter. (no cabin or underside marking etc provided that "except that where the surface is not large enough for full-size marks") My understanding (needs confirmation) is that in instances where the outboard sides of the vertical surfaces are too small to allow the prescribed lettering size, the manufacturer may apply for permission for the reg lettering to be modified in size to fit. When I recently changed my reg the CAA asked for a photo of the gyro with the new reg displayed (on the outside stabs) which they seemd quite happy with.(7) The marks on a rotorcraft which is a gyrocopter must appear on both sides
of a vertical surface.
(8) Marks on multi-vertical surfaces must appear on the outboard sides of the
outer surfaces.
Last edited by Learjet on Wed May 13, 2009 4:20 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Dave Lehr
Magni Gyro M22 ZU-EPZ
“You're flying Buzz! No Woody we're falling in style!”
Magni Gyro M22 ZU-EPZ
“You're flying Buzz! No Woody we're falling in style!”
- Wargames
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- Joined: Sat Jan 12, 2008 2:00 pm
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Re: Registration Marks - Whats the law?
I agree!!Learjet wrote:Len, as I read it:
As I see it, the above is all that relates to a gyrocopter. (no cabin or underside marking etc provided that "except that where the surface is not large enough for full-size marks") My understanding (needs confirmation) is that in instances where the outboard sides of the vertical surfaces are too small to allow the presceriped lettering size, the manufacturer may apply for permission for the reg lettering to be modified in size to fit. When I recently changed my reg the CAA asked for a photo of the gyro with the new reg displayed (on the outside stabs) which they seemd quite happy with.(7) The marks on a rotorcraft which is a gyrocopter must appear on both sides
of a vertical surface.
(8) Marks on multi-vertical surfaces must appear on the outboard sides of the
outer surfaces.
The Naked Trike
ZU-AVL
"I hate CIRCLIPS!!"
ZU-AVL
"I hate CIRCLIPS!!"
- Gyronaut
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- Posts: 2265
- Joined: Mon Oct 30, 2006 4:26 pm
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Re: Registration Marks - Whats the law?
I hear you and initially that was also my interpretation. While I agree with you, we have to consider this however... "The height of the marks on rotorcraft must be –" can be construed to INCLUDE gyroplanes. This is open to interpretation but in the strictest sense, a gyroplane IS a rotorcraft and therefore must comply to 8 (4) also.
What will the CAA inspector decide at the field?
Dave, your pics (and mine) were sent prior to someone pissing-off the CAA person at the side of the Dronkwordspruit dam and he couldnt make out the registrations of the guilty machines. We've been warned and now it seems to be happening.
What will the CAA inspector decide at the field?
Dave, your pics (and mine) were sent prior to someone pissing-off the CAA person at the side of the Dronkwordspruit dam and he couldnt make out the registrations of the guilty machines. We've been warned and now it seems to be happening.
- Wargames
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Re: Registration Marks - Whats the law?
Hi Len,
On above you will see that they distinguise between (7) rotorcraft which include gyros, and (6) rotorcraft which does not include gyros.
Hope this is conclusive. You need them only on the sides.
Regards,
The Naked Trike
ZU-AVL
"I hate CIRCLIPS!!"
ZU-AVL
"I hate CIRCLIPS!!"
Re: Registration Marks - Whats the law?
Pissed off or not, the regulations seem pretty clear to me. Perhaps we should get clarification about the gyros that were grounded and establish exactly what markings they had (or didn't have)?Dave, your pics (and mine) were sent prior to someone pissing-off the CAA person at the side of the Dronkwordspruit dam and he couldnt make out the registrations of the guilty machines. We've been warned and now it seems to be happening.
Dave Lehr
Magni Gyro M22 ZU-EPZ
“You're flying Buzz! No Woody we're falling in style!”
Magni Gyro M22 ZU-EPZ
“You're flying Buzz! No Woody we're falling in style!”
Re: Registration Marks - Whats the law?
If you guys pay me enough, I will give you a well researched legal opinion on the subject designed to ensure that you never upset the powers that be...... and maintain the beauty and integrity of your aircraft in the bargain...... AND stay in the air.
- Wargames
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- Joined: Sat Jan 12, 2008 2:00 pm
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Re: Registration Marks - Whats the law?
What do you want to do when its already done??mikemat wrote:If you guys pay me enough, I will give you a well researched legal opinion on the subject designed to ensure that you never upset the powers that be...... and maintain the beauty and integrity of your aircraft in the bargain...... AND stay in the air.
The Naked Trike
ZU-AVL
"I hate CIRCLIPS!!"
ZU-AVL
"I hate CIRCLIPS!!"
- Gyronaut
- Toooooo Thousand
- Posts: 2265
- Joined: Mon Oct 30, 2006 4:26 pm
- Location: Morningstar - Cape Town, Western Cape
Re: Registration Marks - Whats the law?
If you pay me enough I won't hide a snoek head in your machine which as you know is parked right next to mine.mikemat wrote:If you guys pay me enough, I will give you a well researched legal opinion on the subject designed to ensure that you never upset the powers that be......
Re: Registration Marks - Whats the law?
I have seen a registration on either side of the keel of a gyro and assume that the lettering meets the minimum specs, so I suppose that's an option, being a vertical surface.
Re: Registration Marks - Whats the law?
I am not going to try and give my interpretation of the law.
SAGPA is in negotiations with CAA and we will report back when an agreement was reached.
SAGPA is in negotiations with CAA and we will report back when an agreement was reached.
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