You're giving the trustee legal title to a multi-million-dollar asset. Here's how to tell a good one from the rest.
Not all owner trustees are the same. Because the trustee holds legal title and is the FAA-facing owner of record, the quality, responsiveness, and compliance discipline of your trustee directly affect your registration and your peace of mind.
The trustee must qualify as a U.S. citizen under the statute and must retain real authority over the aircraft. Ask how their trust instrument satisfies the FAA's 2013 policy and the 25% control limit.
The FAA expects answers within two to five business days. Ask about their process and track record for responding to information requests.
Ask how they perform KYC, AML, and OFAC/sanctions screening, and how they keep it current over the life of the trust.
Look for published, all-in pricing rather than “contact us for a quote.” Ask what is included and what is billed separately.
Escrow coordination, Cape Town registrations, and deregistration/export should be available under one roof so nothing falls between the cracks.
You want a named administrator who knows your file, not a ticket queue.
Ask how deregistration, sale, or trustee succession works before you need it. A good trustee makes the exit as clean as the entry.
Tell us about your aircraft and ownership for a fixed-fee proposal.
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