The Irish Aviation Authority issued a notice that grounded N-registered aircraft held in trust by SACI and operating in Ireland. Owners needed to complete re-registration in line with FAA requirements before flights resumed. Approximately 803 aircraft linked to SACI ranging from light piston types to business jets and helicopters faced the grounding. The IAA advised operators not to fly the aircraft and provided guidance for transfer to the Irish register. The action carried wide-reaching implications for Irish-based pilots who relied on N-registration for operational flexibility and the FAA maintenance framework.
The grounding invalidated insurance policies in some cases as both the FAA and UK CAA warned of risks without valid certification. All flights including ferry or maintenance repositioning became prohibited. Legal and financial experts noted potential defaults in financing or leasing agreements that required legal registration and airworthiness. Owners had to re-register through another national registry or submit new FAA applications with evidence of ownership and a $5 fee equivalent to approximately €5. Temporary operating authority applied only within the United States. SACI disputed the FAA findings and planned to transfer trust operations to a U.S.-based trustee.
The Irish Aviation Authority shared in a written statement “N-registered aircraft held in trust by SACI and operating in Ireland are grounded until owners complete re-registration in accordance with FAA requirements advising operators not to fly their aircraft and providing guidance for those wishing to transfer to the Irish register.”
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