We consider the owner of an aircraft to be whoever has possession of it for 28 days or longer. Here's how to let us know if that changes.
To apply for a change of possession (‘ownership’)
To apply for a change of possession, both parties must complete and send us the form found on the reverse side of the existing certificate of registration, or use form 24047/3.
There is an associated fee. See Fees and Charges
24047/3 Notice of change of possession of aircraft [PDF 278 KB]
If the person giving up possession of the aircraft is unavailable, use form 24047/3A Notice of change of possession of aircraft (relinquishing party unavailable) [PDF 292 KB]
We must be notified within 14 days of the date of transfer of possession.
The existing certificate of registration expires on that transfer date.
It’s a breach of s106 of the Civil Aviation Act 2019 to operate an aircraft without a valid certificate of registration. So 28 days after the certificate of registration expires, the aircraft cannot be operated until a new certificate of registration is issued to the new owner.
New owners are advised to check the aircraft’s annual registration fee have been paid. If the fee is not paid, the aircraft may be deregistered and cannot be operated.
The fee for change of possession is to be paid by the party giving up possession of the aircraft (unless otherwise arranged between the two parties).
If there’s more than one owner, for example a partnership or syndicate, they need to decide who’ll sign the form and become the contact for us.
Maintenance providers and aircraft sales agents cannot sign the form on behalf of the applicant.
For further information, see rules 47.57 and 47.59.
47.57 Change of possession of aircraft
47.59 Operation of aircraft after expiry of certificate
Fit and proper person questionnaire – for new owners
By law, applicants for an aviation document (like a certificate of registration) who are new to the aviation system, must complete a fit and proper person questionnaire.
24047/02 Fit and proper person questionnaire – aircraft registration [PDF 33 KB]
You don’t need to do this if you already have an aviation document.
The fit and proper person questionnaire must be completed with an individual's details, even if the aircraft is being registered in the name of a company, syndicate, or partnership.
If there is more than one applicant, for example in a partnership or syndicate, a separate fit and proper person questionnaire must be completed by each member of the partnership or syndicate.
Fit and proper person questionnaires are valid for one year from the date they’re signed.
Emergency locator transmitter (ELT)
If the aircraft is fitted with an ELT, the contact details will need to be changed with the Rescue Coordination Centre (RCCNZ), see www.beacons.org.nz(external link).
If the RCCNZ is not given the updated contact information, the aircraft must not be flown. See rule 91.529 Aircraft emergency location system (AELS) and ELT.
Change of address
It’s the responsibility of every holder of an aviation document in Kiribati to promptly notify us of any changes to their address or contact details. Their address for service’must be in Kiribati
Aircraft owners need to return the certificate of registration to us to be re-issued with the correct details.
De-Register of an Aircraft.
An aircraft can be registered in only one country at any one time. Another country will not register an aircraft until it has received official notification the aircraft has been removed from the register of the exporting country (de-registered). This is an ICAO requirement, which is specified in rule 47.51(b).
Therefore, at some stage during the export of an aircraft, it must be removed from the Kiribati Register of Aircraft (de-registered). Otherwise it remains a Kiribati aircraft and has effectively not been ‘exported’.
The timing of deregistration, however, can be very important. As part of the deregistration process, we revoke both the certificate of registration and, if one has been issued to the aircraft, the airworthiness certificate. For this reason, it’s very important that deregistration is requested at exactly the point desired by the registered owner.
To de-register an aircraft, use the de-registration of aircraft form. If the owner isn’t available to sign, use the form for de-registration of an aircraft with a statutory declaration included.
24047/05 De-registration of aircraft [PDF 34 KB]
24047/05A De-registration of aircraft – with statutory declaration [PDF 36 KB]
Once the aircraft has been de-registered, it cannot be flown until it has been registered in an ICAO state and issued with an appropriate flight authorisation document.
On de-registration, the airworthiness certificate is revoked. If the aircraft’s owners want to return it to the Kiribati Register of Aircraft, it would be treated as a completely new entry. That would involve paying the fees associated with registration, and our inspections.
Similarly, until the aircraft is de-registered, it must comply with all Kiribati requirements regarding operation, maintenance, and personnel licensing.
Once the aircraft has been de-registered and the certificate of registration and the airworthiness certificate, if issued, are revoked, both certificates should be returned to us.
Once the aircraft has been de-registered, the registration marks of that aircraft (eg, T3-XYZ) become dormant for a period of 12 months before they are released for use on another aircraft. If an aircraft carries personalised markings, the owner will be given the option of reserving the marks again for their use.
For any questions on de-registration or personalised marks contact the CAAK Office.
Full details of the rules covering registration are in Part 47 Aircraft registration and marking and Advisory Circular AC 47-1.