CAR

PART 4

Republic of the Philippines

CIVIL AVIATION REGULATIONS (CAR)
PART 4
AIRCRAFT REGISTRATION AND MARKING

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RECORD OF AMENDMENTS

Amendment No.

Date

Original Issue
First Amendment

23 June 2008
21 March 2011

Second Amendment

01 August 2013

Third Amendment

20 November 2014

Subject
Amendment to the
Definitions of Aircraft
Amendment to the
provisions on
Registration
Requirements Part
4.2.1.1 (a) and (b)
Inserted vertical bars
on the previous
amendments
4.3.1.12 Registration
for UAV

Amendment 3

Incorporated By
Ruben F. Ciron
Ramon S. Gutierrez

LT GEN William K
Hotchkiss III AFP (Ret)
LT GEN William K
Hotchkiss III AFP (Ret)

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LIST OF EFFECTIVE PAGES

Part

Page

Amendment No.

Page Date

Part 4 Aircraft Registration and Marking

Cover Page

21 March 2011

iii-v

21 March 2011

Record of Amendments

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20 November 2014

List of Effective Pages

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20 November 2014

Table of Contents

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20 November 2014

Introduction

ix

23 June 2008

4-1

21 March 2011

4-2

23 June 2008

4-3

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4-5

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4-6

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23 June 2008

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Board Resolution

Page

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CONTENTS

4.1

GENERAL....

4-1

4.1.1.1

Applicability..

4-1

4.1.1.2

Definitions.

4-1

4.1.1.3

Abbreviations

4-2

4.2

REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS............................................................

4-4

General.

4-4

4.2.1.1
4.2.1.2

Registration eligibility.

4-4

4.2.1.3

Application

4-4

4.3

NATIONALITY AND REGISTRATION MARKS..

4-6

4.3.1.1

Applicability..

4-6

4.3.1.2

General.

4-6

4.3.1.3

Nationality and registration marks to be used

4-6

4.3.1.4

Display of marks: general...

4-7

4.3.1.5

Size of marks

4-7

4.3.1.6

Deviations for size and location of marks

4-8

4.3.1.7

Location of marks on fixed-wing aircraft.

4-8

4.3.1.8

Location of marks on rotorcraft

4-8

4.3.1.9

Location of marks on lighter-than-air aircraft.

4-8

4.3.1.10

Sale of aircraft: removal of marks

4-9

4.3.1.11

Identification plate required..

4-9

4.3.1.12

Registration for UAV.

4-9

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Introduction
CAR Part 4 sets forth the requirements for registration of aircraft in the Republic of the
Philippines and governs the application of nationality and registration marks. Part 4 is derived
from ICAO Annex 7.

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4.1

GENERAL

4.1.1.1

APPLICABILITY

(a) Part 4 prescribes the requirements for registration and marking of Civil Aircraft under
the provisions of the Civil Aviation Law.
4.1.1.2

DEFINITIONS

(a) For the purpose of Part 4, the following definitions shall apply:
(1) Airplane (aeroplane). A power-driven heavier-than-air aircraft, deriving its lift in
flight chiefly from aerodynamic reactions on surfaces which remain fixed under
given conditions of flight.
(2) Aircraft. Any machine that can derive support in the atmosphere from the
reactions of the air other than the reactions of the air against the earth's surface.
(3) Airship. A power-driven lighter-than-air aircraft.
(4) Balloon. A non-power-driven lighter-than-air aircraft.
(5) Common mark. A mark assigned by the International Civil Aviation Organization
to the common mark registering authority registering aircraft of an international
operating agency on other than a national basis.
(6) Common mark registering authority. The authority maintaining the non-national
register, or where appropriate, the part thereof, in which aircraft of an
international operating agency are registered.
(7) Fireproof material. 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.
(8) Glider. A non-power-driven heavier-than-air aircraft, deriving its lift in flight chiefly
from aerodynamic reactions on surfaces which remain fixed under given
conditions of flight.
(9) Gyroplane. A heavier-than-air aircraft supported in flight by the reactions of the
air on one or more rotors which rotate freely on substantially vertical axes.
(10) Heavier-than-air. Any aircraft deriving its lift in flight chiefly from aerodynamic
forces.
(11) Helicopter. A heavier-than-air aircraft supported in flight chiefly by the reactions
of the air on one or more power-driven rotors on substantially vertical axes.
(12) International operating agency. An agency of the kind contemplated in Article 77
of the Convention.
(13) Lighter-than-air aircraft. Any aircraft supported chiefly by its buoyancy in the air.
(14) Ornithopter. A heavier-than-air aircraft supported in flight chiefly by the reactions
of the air on planes to which a flapping motion is imparted.
(15) Rotorcraft. A power-driven heavier-than-air aircraft supported in flight by the
reactions of the air on one or more rotors.
(16) State of Registry. The State on whose register the aircraft is entered.
NOTE: See other definitions in Part 1.

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4.1.1.3

ABBREVIATIONS

(a) The following abbreviations are used in Part 4:

(1) ADIZ - Air Defense Identification Zone
(2) DEWIZ - Distant Early Warning Identification Zone

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4.2

REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS

4.2.1.1

GENERAL

(a) No person may operate a civil aircraft that is eligible for registration under the laws of
the Republic of the Philippines unless it has been registered by its owner/operator
under the provisions of the laws of the Republic of the Philippines and the Authority
has issued a Certificate of Aircraft Registration for that aircraft which shall be carried
aboard that aircraft for all operations.
(b) The certificate of aircraft registration shall be in English.
4.2.1.2

REGISTRATION ELIGIBILITY

(a) An aircraft is eligible for registration if it is:

(1) Owned by or leased to a citizen or citizens of the Philippines or corporations or
associations organized under the laws of the Philippines at least sixty per centum
(60%) of whose capital is owned by Filipino citizens (as referred in Section 44 of
the RA 9497), or a government entity of the Republic of the Philippines; and
(2) Not registered under the laws of any foreign country.
(b) A foreign-owned or registered aircraft may be eligible for registration, if utilized by
members of aero clubs organized for recreation, sport or the development of flying
skills as a prerequisite to any aeronautical activities of such clubs within the
Philippine airspace, and if so authorized by the Authority.
4.2.1.3

APPLICATION

(a) A person who wishes to register an aircraft in the Republic of the Philippines must
submit an application for aircraft registration to the Authority in a form and manner
acceptable to the Authority. Each application shall:
(1) Certify as to citizenship as defined under Subpart 4.2.1.2;
(2) Show evidence identifying ownership or lease-agreement (as approved by the
Authority); and
(3) Be signed in ink.
(b) The fee provided for by law will be submitted with the application for aircraft
registration to the Authority.
(c) Upon an applicant meeting all requirements for registration, a Certificate of Aircraft
Registration will be issued by the Director of Flight Standards Inspectorate Service.

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4.3

NATIONALITY AND REGISTRATION MARKS

4.3.1.1

APPLICABILITY

(a) This Subpart prescribes the requirements for the identification and marking of civil
aircraft registered in the Republic of the Philippines.
4.3.1.2

GENERAL

(a) No person may operate a civil aircraft registered in the Republic of the Philippines
unless it displays nationality and registration marks in accordance with the
requirements of this section. The letter or letters used to identify the nationality of the
Republic of the Philippines shall conform to the requirements specified in this Part.
This is to be followed by a series of numbers or letters assigned by the Authority in
accordance with this Part.
(b) Unless otherwise authorized by the Authority, no person may place on any aircraft a
design, mark, or symbol that modifies or confuses the nationality and registration
marks. The marks shall not be confused with the International Five Letter Code of
Signals or Distress Codes.
(c) Permanent marking of aircraft nationality and registration shall be painted on the
aircraft or affixed by other means insuring a similar degree of permanence, have no
ornamentation:
(1) Contrast in color with the background: and
(2) Be legible.
(d) The Authority maintains a current register showing for each aircraft registered in the
Republic of the Philippines, the information recorded in the Certificate of Registration.
(e) The register of unmanned free balloons shall contain the date, time and location of
release, the type of balloon and the name of the operator.
4.3.1.3

NATIONALITY AND REGISTRATION MARKS TO BE USED

(a) Every aircraft duly registered by the Authority shall display the registration mark
assigned to such aircraft. The nationality and registration marks appearing on the
aircraft shall consist of a group of characters.
(b) The nationality mark shall precede the registration mark. When the first character of
the registration mark is a letter, it shall be preceded by a hyphen.
(c) The nationality mark for Philippine registered aircraft is RP.
(d) The registration mark shall be a combination of letters and numbers assigned by the
Authority.
(e) The nationality and registration marks borne by aircraft shall consist of the following:
(1) The Roman capital letters "RP" immediately preceding identification number for
aircraft used solely for governmental purposes, and or belonging to the Philippine
government, provinces, municipalities, or political subdivisions (except those
belonging to the Philippine Army).
(2) The Roman capital letters "RP-C" will classify aircraft, except gliders, as
complying fully with the airworthiness requirements as the case may be for the
purpose of carrying persons or property, for or without hire.

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(3) Gliders complying fully with airworthiness requirements shall display the Roman
capital letters "RP-G" immediately preceding the license number or numbers.
(4) The Roman capital letters "RP-R" will classify an aircraft as complying in some
limited respect with the airworthiness requirements as the case may be, provided
each deficiency is compensated for by means of suitable operation limitations.
The certificate of an aircraft in this classification will specify the use or uses, for
such aircraft is deemed airworthy by such use or uses, shall exclude carrying of
passengers, and shall be for industrial purposes only.
(5) The Roman capital letters "RP-X" will classify an aircraft as one which has
applied for an experimental certificate.
(6) Non-type certificated aircraft will only be registered as RP-S (refer to Subpart
11.10.2 (b).
(7) The airworthiness symbol will be followed by a number or numbers issued for the
purposes of further identification.

4.3.1.4

DISPLAY OF MARKS: GENERAL

(a) Each owner shall display on that aircraft marks consisting of the Roman capital letter
denoting nationality of the Republic of the Philippines followed by the registration
number of the aircraft in Arabic numerals. Each suffix letter used in the marks
displayed must also be a Roman capital letter.
(b) If, because of the aircraft configuration, it is not possible to mark the aircraft in
accordance with this Part, the owner may apply to the Authority for a different
procedure.
4.3.1.5

SIZE OF MARKS

(a) Each operator of an aircraft shall display marks on the aircraft meeting the size
requirements of this section.
(b) Height. The character marks shall be of equal height and on(1) Heavier-than-air aircraft, shall be at least:
(i)

50 centimeters high if on the wings; and

(ii) 30 centimeters high if on the fuselage (or equivalent structure) and vertical tail
surfaces.
(2) Lighter-than-air aircraft other than unmanned free balloons, shall be at least 50
centimeters high.
(3) Unmanned free balloons, shall be determined by the Authority taking into
consideration the size of the surface to which the identification plate is affixed.
(c) Width. Characters must be two-thirds as wide as they are high, except the number
"1", which must be one-sixth as wide as it is high, and the letters "M" and "W" which
may be as wide as they are high.
(d) Thickness. Characters shall be formed by solid lines one-sixth as thick as the
character is high.
(e) Spacing. The space between each character may not be less than one-fourth of the
character width.

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(f) Uniformity. The marks required by this Part for fixed-wing aircraft must have the
same height, width, thickness, and spacing on both sides of the aircraft.
(g) Each operator of an aircraft penetrating an ADIZ or DEWIZ shall display on that
aircraft temporary or permanent nationality and registration marks at least 30
centimeters high.
4.3.1.6

DEVIATIONS FOR SIZE AND LOCATION OF MARKS

(a) If either one of the surfaces authorized for displaying required marks is large enough
for display of marks meeting the size requirements of this section and the other is
not, the operator shall place full-size marks on the larger surface.
(b) If neither surface is large enough for full-size marks, the Authority may approve
marks as large as practicable for display on the larger of the two surfaces.
4.3.1.7

LOCATION OF MARKS ON FIXED-WING AIRCRAFT

(a) Fuselage/Tail: The aircraft shall display the required marks on either the vertical tail
surfaces or the sides of the fuselage.
(b) The marks required by paragraph (a) of this section shall be displayed as follows:
(1) If displayed on the vertical tail surfaces, horizontally on both surfaces, horizontally
on both surfaces of a single vertical tail or on the outer surfaces of a multi-vertical
tail.
(2) If displayed on the fuselage surfaces, horizontally on both sides of the fuselage
between the trailing edge of the wing and the leading edge of the horizontal
stabilizer.
(3) If engine pods or other appurtenances are located in the area described in
paragraph (b)(2) and are an integral part of the aircraft, the operator may place
the marks on those pods or appurtenances.
(c) Wings: the marks shall appear once on the lower surface of the wing structure as
follows:
(1) Shall be located on the left half of the lower surface of the wing structure unless
they extend across the whole of the lower surface of the wing structure. So far as
is possible, the marks shall be located equidistant from the leading and trailing
edges of the wings.
(2) The tops of the letters and numbers shall be toward the leading edge of the wing.
4.3.1.8

LOCATION OF MARKS ON ROTORCRAFT

(a) Each operator of a rotorcraft shall display marks horizontally on both surfaces of the
cabin, fuselage, boom, or tail; such that the rotorcraft can be readily identified.
4.3.1.9

LOCATION OF MARKS ON LIGHTER-THAN-AIR AIRCRAFT

(a) Airships. The operator shall place marks on an airship to appear on

(1) The hull, located lengthwise on each side of the hull and on its upper surface on
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(i) For the horizontal stabilizer, located on the right half of the upper surface and
on the left half of the lower surface, with the tops of the letters and numbers
toward the leading edge; and
(ii) For the vertical stabilizer, located on each side of the bottom half stabilizer,
with the letters and numbers placed horizontally.

(b) Spherical balloons (other than unmanned free balloons). The operator shall apply
marks to appear in two places diametrically opposite each other and located near the
maximum horizontal circumference of the balloon.
(c) Non-spherical balloons (other than unmanned free balloons). The operator shall
apply marks to appear on each side, located near the maximum cross-section of the
balloon immediately above either the rigging band or the points of attachment of the
basket suspension cables.
(d) Lighter-than-air aircraft (other than unmanned free balloons). The operator shall
apply side marks to be visible both from the sides and from the ground.
(e) Unmanned free balloons. The operator shall apply marks to appear on the
identification plate.
4.3.1.10

SALE OF AIRCRAFT: REMOVAL OF MARKS

(a) When an aircraft that is registered in Republic of the Philippines is sold, the holder of
the Certificate of Aircraft Registration shall remove, before its delivery to the
purchaser, all nationality and registration marks of Republic of the Philippines, unless
the purchaser is a citizen or other legal entity as prescribed in Subpart 4.2.1.2(a)(1).
4.3.1.11

IDENTIFICATION PLATE REQUIRED

(a) The operator shall affix to each aircraft registered under the laws of the Republic of
the Philippines an identification plate
(1) Containing the marks of nationality and registration;
(2) Made of fireproof metal or other fireproof material of suitable physical properties;
(3) Secured to the aircraft in a prominent position, near the main entrance, or, in the
case of a free balloon, affixed conspicuously to the exterior of the payload.
4.3.1.12

REGISTRATION FOR UAV

(a) Consistent with R.A. 9497 and PCAR Part 4, all large UAV shall be registered to
bear the registration markings RP-U followed by the assigned number 001 to
999, followed by a letter from A to Z.
(b) Required registration marks must be located on the visible side of the Electronic
Control Module (ECM). All UAVs where the ECM can be installed must comply
with the registration marking requirements of the Authority.
(c) Size of registration marks must be proportionate to the UAV or ECM.
(d) Registration marks must be made of waterproof, weather resistant inks, paints or
sticker (decal). (per Memorandum Circular No. 35-14, Series of 2014)

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