There has been a new wrinkle added to the California state/local property tax
exemption for aircraft of "historical interest". Historical interest is an
aircraft over 35 years old OR an aircraft that there are less than 5 copies of
in the world.

Most of us flying old airplanes fit into the 35 year category, and most
Californians building homebuilts have gotten the word to name their aircraft a
unique name like "Blatz VeryEasy Supercruiser" so that there is only ONE copy in
the world.

Another provision is that the aircraft has to be "on exhibition" 12 days a year
or more. Simply opening the hangar door doesn't cut it; the exhibition has to
be at some sort of recognized gathering of aircraft. There ARE exceptions to
this, but in general, you have to display at an advertised airshow or event of
some sort.

Starting 1 January 2004, you have to have the signature of the "event
coordinator" on your certificate of participation. There is no definition of
"event coordinator" or "certificate of participation" at this time, but I
suspect that the California Tax department counsel will make some sort of
interpretation before long.

Just be advised...until we get further guidance, get SOMEBODY's signature on
your paperwork when you go to an airshow if you are intending to use the tax
exemption on your aircraft.

I've suggested to the EAA that until we get firm guidance that the sponsors of
any airshow or gathering designate the pilot of the aircraft a "deputy event
coordinator" upon registration of the aircraft at the airshow.

It would also be a hell of an idea if a chapter has a meeting place on an
airport that they put a standing "coming events" notice in the local newspaper
with an annotation that the public is invited to view "historical aircraft".
Then designate the entire airport the "designated display area" so that tiedowns
and open hangars can be used for display.

The same could be done by the local airport authority by designating one day a
month (first Saturday, fourth Tuesday ...) as "airport display day" in
accordance with the preceding ideas.

Just trying to save you money, folks...

Jim

Jim Weir (A&P/IA, CFI, & other good alphabet soup)
VP Eng RST Pres. Cyberchapter EAA Tech. Counselor
http://www.rst-engr.com