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This is the place where the majority of the warbird (aircraft that have survived military service) discussions will take place. Specialized forums may be added in the new future
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Markings & Insignia Question

Sat Oct 01, 2005 7:44 pm

Most of you guys have seen how private owners who've bought surplus warbirds in the early days would paint out the national and military insignias on the planes (I figure they still do). I'm curious about whether this is an actual federal requirement in order to take delivery of the plane, or if its actually required at all. Did the military do this, or the persons buying the planes from them?

It doesn't make a whole lot of sense to paint out military insignias only to have the new owner paint them right back on again, but it is politicians making the laws, I guess. ;)

Anyone have insight into what the regulations were (and are) for this?

Sun Oct 02, 2005 12:26 pm

As far as I know, a military airplane cannot be flown with a civilian register, in the markings of an air force where it is still in service. This is not based in any laws or documents that I have read, but more than anything else, in hangar talk.


Saludos,


Tulio

Sun Oct 02, 2005 9:04 pm

Quite rightly almost all countries are wary of private owners flying in ex-military-schemed aircraft. Like wearing a uniform, you are able to represent something you are not qualified for or directed by.

In Canada, Australia and most of Europe, you need explicit written permission to paint an aircraft in military countries. In some of those countries, Australia for instance, you must apply the civil registration VH-XXX even it it's a few cm tall and under the tail.

When the Hannas wanted to paint their Hawker Fury in Iraqi markings, back in the 1980s, in the UK, they had to go through a lot of hoops to do so. I don't know that they ever actually got permission.

Static museum owned aircraft in Germany can wear the Swastika, but flying aircraft cannot. (This is based on visual evidence!)

In the 50s, aircraft in Canada, Britain and the US often had their military marking crudely defaced for ferry flights, and few were bothered or able to go through the trouble of getting permission - so civil schemes were most popular. Today, you can buy an ex-milirary aircraft, get permission, and it retains its original paint into civilian life. For example the Chipmunks bought by the Aircraft Restoration Co from the Ministry of Defence in the UK.

HTH

Sun Oct 02, 2005 9:51 pm

Right now in Canada, you need permission to have the small registration under the stab (3 or 4 inches), but you can paint the aircraft any which way you want.

Re- our Focke-Wulf and T-28B.

:wink:

Mon Oct 03, 2005 2:29 am

I read somewhere that Ray Hanna wanted to paint his La.9 in original Chinese markings, but the Chinese government refused permission. That is why it appeared in Russian markings.

Cheers,

Brett

Mon Oct 03, 2005 10:25 am

What authority would the Chinese have over that? There are plenty of Chinese marked CJs in the US.

Mon Oct 03, 2005 10:06 pm

I took this photo of a SK-61 with Swedish Air Force markings at the Gathering of Corsairs in Stratford:
Image
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