As an attorney who has drafted and reviewed hundreds of aircraft transactions across the United States over the past twelve years, I can tell you that a properly executed bill of sale for aircraft is the single most important document in proving ownership transfer. Whether you’re selling a 1978 Cessna 172, a homebuilt RV-10, or a turbine-powered corporate jet, the FAA will not record your new title without an acceptable bill of sale. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll give you my battle-tested aircraft bill of sale template (free download below), walk you through every field, explain FAA requirements, and highlight costly mistakes I’ve seen clients make.
An aircraft bill of sale is a legal document that transfers ownership of an aircraft from the seller to the buyer. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires it to register the aircraft in the new owner’s name and issue a new Certificate of Aircraft Registration (FAA Form 8050-3).
The FAA’s preferred form is AC Form 8050-2 – Aircraft Bill of Sale, available on FAA.gov. While many private-party transactions still use the official form, thousands of attorneys, escrow companies, and aircraft brokers (including my own practice) use customized templates that contain additional warranties, “as-is” language, and state-specific provisions while still satisfying 14 CFR § 47.33 and § 47.35.
Click the link below to instantly download my 2025-updated template used by pilots, aircraft owners, and escrow agents nationwide:
Download Aircraft Bill of Sale Template (DOCX + PDF) – Completely Free
(No email required – direct download)
| Scenario | Recommended Document |
|---|---|
| Simple private sale of a certificated piston single | FAA AC Form 8050-2 (free on FAA.gov) |
| Sale involving liens, multiple owners, or LLCs | Custom long-form bill of sale (my template) |
| Sale through escrow (Aerospace Escrow, Oklahoma City Title, etc.) | Escrow usually provides their own – but my template is widely accepted |
| Homebuilt / experimental / light-sport aircraft | Custom template + condition inspection statement |
Below is how a completed version of my template looks for a typical Cessna 172 sale:
AIRCRAFT BILL OF SALE
KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS:
That John A. Seller, residing at 123 Skyway Drive, Austin, Texas 78701 (“Seller”), for and in consideration of the sum of One Hundred Twenty-Five Thousand U.S. Dollars ($125,000.00), and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, does hereby sell, grant, transfer and deliver unto Sarah B. Buyer, residing at 456 Aviation Lane, Denver, Colorado 80201 (“Buyer”), all of Seller’s right, title, and interest in the following aircraft (“Aircraft”):
Seller warrants that: (a) Seller is the absolute owner of the Aircraft; (b) the Aircraft is free from all liens and encumbrances except as disclosed; (c) Seller has the full right and authority to sell the Aircraft.
The Aircraft is sold AS-IS, WHERE-IS, with all faults and without any warranties, express or implied, except those expressly stated herein.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Seller has executed this Bill of Sale on this 15th day of November, 2025.
Seller: _______________________________
John A. Seller
State of Texas §
County of Travis §
Notarized signature block follows…
Use full legal names exactly as they will appear on the FAA registration application (Form 8050-1). For LLCs or trusts, include the entity name and the authorized signatory.
The FAA does not require the price to be disclosed, but most states require it for sales/use tax calculation. You may write “Ten Dollars and other valuable consideration” if you prefer privacy.
Must include:
Private sellers almost always sell “as-is.” My template includes clear language that has withstood challenges in several states.
The FAA does not require notarization for recording purposes (14 CFR § 47.33), but many county recording offices and lenders do. I always recommend notarizing.
In my practice, these are the top reasons the FAA returns bills of sale:
Source: FAA Aircraft Registration Branch
Even though the FAA is federal, most states impose sales or use tax on aircraft purchases. Common exemptions include:
Always check your state’s department of revenue – penalties can exceed 100% of the tax due.
Microsoft Word (.docx): Download Aircraft Bill of Sale Template – DOCX
PDF (fillable): Download Aircraft Bill of Sale Template – PDF
Do I need a bill of sale for an aircraft that is still on an FAA “reservation”?
Yes – the reservation does not transfer ownership.
Can I email or fax the bill of sale to the FAA?
No. The FAA still requires original “wet” signatures mailed to Oklahoma City (as of November 2025). Electronic signatures are not yet accepted for aircraft registration.
Is the AC Form 8050-2 still valid in 2025?
Yes – the version dated 10/2023 is current.
This article and the free aircraft bill of sale template are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal, tax, or accounting advice. Aircraft transactions involve complex federal and state laws. I strongly recommend consulting a qualified aviation attorney or escrow agent in your jurisdiction before signing any documents.
Safe flying!
– Ryan J. Davis, Esq.
Aviation Transaction Attorney
Over 600 aircraft closings nationwide