Introduction: Legal Foundations of Aviation
Aircraft registration and de-registration are fundamental processes that determine the nationality of an aircraft and the legality of its operation. Georgia, as a member state of ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization), strictly adheres to international standards. Registration in the Civil Aircraft Registry of Georgia grants the aircraft the Georgian nationality mark (4L), meaning it falls under Georgian jurisdiction and safety regulations. This service is critical for airlines, leasing companies, and private owners who want to legally operate or alienate an aircraft or helicopter. The process involves not only bureaucracy but also complex technical and legal checks.
What Does This Service Cover?
The service covers the full cycle from aircraft acquisition/leasing to its removal from the registry. Specialists offer:
- Documentation Preparation: Legal refinement of proofs of ownership (Bill of Sale), lease agreements, and technical passports.
- Liaison with Civil Aviation Agency (GCAA): Submitting applications and communicating during the registration process.
- IDERA Registration: Recording Irrevocable De-registration and Export Request Authorization under the Cape Town Convention, protecting creditor/lessor rights.
- Coordination of Technical Inspection: Organizing checks required to obtain the Certificate of Airworthiness.
- De-registration: Removing the aircraft from the registry for export or registration in another country.
- Mortgage and Lien Registration: Reflecting rights encumbrances on the aircraft in the registry.
Common Situations and Scenarios
A typical scenario involves a Georgian airline leasing a Boeing or Airbus from an Irish company. The lessor requires IDERA registration to be able to quickly repossess the aircraft in case of payment default. The lawyer prepares all documents and registers the right. A second scenario is the purchase of a private jet: the owner wants to register it in Georgia due to low taxes or ease of operation. The specialist ensures the aircraft's technical and legal compliance. A third case is de-registration: when the lease term expires and the aircraft must return to the owner or be sold to another country, an "Export Certificate of Airworthiness" and removal from the registry are needed, which is a complex procedure.
Georgian Legal Framework
The field is regulated by the Air Code of Georgia and Orders of the Director of the Civil Aviation Agency (Rules on Civil Aircraft Registration). At the international level, the Chicago Convention on International Civil Aviation and the Cape Town Convention on International Interests in Mobile Equipment are crucial. It is the Cape Town Convention that ensures the protection of international creditors and the operation of the IDERA mechanism in Georgia. Technically, European regulations (rules harmonized with EASA standards) apply.
Process: How is Registration Conducted?
The process begins with filing an application at the Civil Aviation Agency. The applicant must submit a proof of ownership document, a certificate of de-registration from the previous registry (if the aircraft is pre-owned), an insurance policy, and technical documentation. Agency inspectors physically check the aircraft (possibly abroad). If everything is in order, a Certificate of Registration is issued, and the aircraft is assigned a tail number (e.g., 4L-ABC). IDERA registration is done via a separate application. For de-registration, the process is reversed—the status of the aircraft is checked (for liens) and a de-registration certificate is issued.
Why Choose a Specialist on Legal.ge?
Aviation law is a niche and specific field. Legal.ge gives you access to lawyers who have experience in aviation transactions and direct communication with the Civil Aviation Agency. Our specialists ensure that your multi-million asset is protected, registered, and ready for flight in the shortest possible time. Trust professionals who speak the language of aviation.
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