Aircraft ID?

The numbers look too large for the aircraft and cross into the red
stripes -- never seen this on an aircraft. Note that military and law
enforcement helicopters may not have FAA numbers.

Jerry in NC

"David Stiles" wrote in message
...
Hi Folks,

I've taken a picture of a Bell JetRanger:

http://justsomeaircraftpics.4t.com/


I was curious to identify the owner. I wrote FAA and provided a picture
but
they were unable to identify it. They said:

"I researched all the aircraft that ever carried N73A and it appears that
N73A was never assigned to a Bell Helicoter. If you are able provide a
serial number, I may be able to assist you further.

In answer to your second question: yes, all civilian aircraft must display
a
registration number, whether it be a United States registration number
(which begins with "N") or a foreign registration mark (which may be a
combination of letters or numbers, depending on that country's
registration
system.)"

Should there be an "N" in front of the "73A"? Could there be a small "N"
number on top of the "73A"? I'm baffled (my normal state of affairs)
:-).
What's the best way to identify ownership of this beast?

David Stiles wrote:
Jerry wrote:


The numbers look too large for the aircraft and cross into the red
stripes -- never seen this on an aircraft. Note that military and law
enforcement helicopters may not have FAA numbers.




I put in a second letter to the FAA inquiring about law enforcement and
military aircraft. They responded:

"Most law enforcement aircraft are considered to be under the "civil"
category. I'm not sure how military registrations are maintained; I would
assume there may be an agency under each branch of the service that uses
aircraft."

This picture was taken in NW Florida. I think this aircraft also flies over
southern Alabama but I can't confirm that yet.



Helos in NW FL probably means SOCOM at Hurburt Field just out side of
Ft. Walton Beach. But there are lots of military in that area Pensacola
NAS, Eglin AFB and Hurlburt AFB.