What is the CAA aircraft register?
The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) maintains the Civil Aircraft Register - commonly called the G-register - which records all aircraft registered in the United Kingdom.
Every G-registered aircraft has a unique registration mark (e.g., G-ABCD) and a corresponding entry on the public G-register. The register records the aircraft's registration, type, serial number, and - critically for finance - any mortgages or charges registered against it.
The register is public and searchable at aviation.caa.co.uk. Any person can check whether an aircraft carries an existing mortgage - this is essential for buyers purchasing used aircraft to ensure they are not inadvertently acquiring an asset subject to an undisclosed charge.
What is a CAA aircraft mortgage?
A CAA aircraft mortgage is a charge registered against the aircraft's G-register entry in favour of a lender. It is the legal mechanism by which the lender secures their finance against the aircraft asset.
The mortgage gives the lender the right to repossess the aircraft in the event that you default on the finance - just as a residential mortgage gives a lender the right to repossess your home if you stop making payments.
Important distinctions from property mortgages:
The aircraft is a moveable asset - it can and does move internationally. The CAA mortgage provides enforceable security in UK law, but enforcement against an aircraft abroad requires cooperation from foreign authorities.
The mortgage is registered publicly - visible to any buyer, lender, or insurer. This protects all parties.
The mortgage is discharged on settlement - when you repay the finance, the lender instructs the aviation solicitors to remove the mortgage from the register. A CAA Register Discharge Certificate is issued.
Do all aircraft need to be G-registered for finance?
Most UK specialist aviation lenders require the aircraft to be G-registered before finance is drawn. G-registration provides the clearest security structure - the mortgage is registered in the UK and enforceable under English or Scottish law.
Exceptions and alternatives:
- N-registered aircraft (US FAA): many business jets and turboprops operated by UK owners are N-registered. UK specialist lenders do finance N-registered aircraft, but the security structure is different - typically involving a US-law aircraft security interest registered with the FAA's Aircraft Registry, and sometimes a Cape Town Convention registration on the International Registry.
- Red Ensign Group flags (Cayman, Isle of Man, BVI, Jersey, Guernsey): these are accepted by specialist lenders and private banks for high-value aircraft. Security is registered on the relevant territory's aircraft register.
- BMAA and LAA permit aircraft: permit microlights and homebuilt LAA aircraft are not G-registered in the same way as certificated aircraft. Specialist microlight lenders take security in alternative ways.
The role of aviation solicitors
CAA aircraft mortgage transactions require specialist aviation solicitors. Not all property solicitors can handle an aircraft mortgage - the specialist legal framework for aircraft security is distinct from property conveyancing.
What aviation solicitors do:
- Title search: before any finance completes, the solicitors conduct a search of the CAA register to confirm the aircraft is free of existing mortgages, charges, or other encumbrances. They also check the Cape Town Convention International Registry for any international interests registered against the aircraft.
- Mortgage documentation: the solicitors prepare the mortgage deed and security agreement that the borrower signs. The documentation creates the legal charge in favour of the lender.
- CAA registration: the solicitors submit the mortgage to the CAA for registration against the G-register entry. This is the moment the lender's security is perfected.
- Discharge: on repayment of the finance, the solicitors obtain a discharge from the lender and remove the mortgage from the register.
- Expected legal costs for a standard GA aircraft mortgage: typically £500-£1,500. Business jet transactions: £2,000-£5,000+.
Checking for existing mortgages - what to do before you buy
Before purchasing a used aircraft, always check the CAA register for existing mortgages. This is part of the standard pre-purchase due diligence - your aviation solicitor will conduct this search as part of the transaction.
What to check:
- CAA Civil Aircraft Register: search at aviation.caa.co.uk using the aircraft registration (G-XXXX). Any registered mortgages appear on the register entry.
- International Registry (Cape Town Convention): for aircraft above a threshold (primarily jets and turboprops), search the International Registry at internationalregistry.aero for any international interests registered against the aircraft's manufacturer serial number.
- HPI check (personal property): some lenders register security against aircraft through personal property security registers. Your aviation solicitor will advise on the appropriate searches for the specific aircraft.
- If an existing mortgage is found: the seller must discharge the existing finance from the sale proceeds before or at completion. Your aviation solicitor manages this - it is a standard part of aircraft conveyancing.