Data plate

[bc12d]

While searching for my Data plate on the door post of my C140 the door post is covered with vinal I pulled the vinal off and found the spot where the data plate had been located, I found a plate on the left rear of the fuselage but it only has the name Cessna 140 on it and another spot with the serial number on it,not a complete data plate I heard that in the 90's the FAA required the data plate be put outside on the fuselage, is this plate adequate, will the FAA buy this, Also I found that in 1946 MAA numbers were not used for records only N numbers serial numbers and manufacture numbers , does any one know how hard it is to get an approved data plate.

[6597]

This is what goes under your stab on the left side of the fuselage...

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This is what goes on your inside left door post, or up on the dash depending on year. Getting a new one of these is not easy, you should have had one all along if you have been getting your plane annualed...

dataplatedoorpost.png (328.81 KiB) Viewed 128 times

[dcannon]

Here is the location on the glare shield. You can make out the four drilled holes.

If its not under all the glue and vinyl then replacement process will start with your FSDO. You will need to get an airworthiness inspector to come see the airplane and documents. They issue a letter requesting Cessna to provide you with a replacement data plate. That's when you really get your wallet reamed out.

PXL_20231005_220352391.jpg (61.79 KiB) Viewed 115 times

[6183]

I apologize for sounding negative about this subject, but this issue could potentially be a very bad situation for you, since technically, an aircraft without a manufacture’s supplied data plate (in this case Cessna Aircraft) is considered by the FAA to be unairworthy. That plate on the rear of the fuselage that you’re asking about is not the required manufacturer’s supplied data plate (see pictures from previous posts) that was attached to the airframe when the aircraft originally received it’s certification at the factory. The rear ID plate is installed per a later regulation, CFR 45.11, which details identification marking of aircraft. Section (e) of the regulation (CFR 45.11) covers aircraft manufactured before 7 March 1988, and since the 140/120/140A aircraft series were manufactured before that date, the owner or operator must attach identification as detailed in section (e) of the regulation utilized in identification purposes for law enforcement, FAA, and TSA situations.

If you purchased this airplane as a project or a complete airplane, it would be highly recommended to perform a very thorough look through all the parts boxes and document folders you have in order to try to find that Cessna supplied data plate. If you could even inquire with the previous owner you might get lucky.

Here’s a discussion from our good friend George Horn over at the International Cessna 170 Association on the subject. It’s from 2002, but it provides some good information.

Replacement Data Plate


Dear Cessna Customer:
Thank you for inquiring on how to obtain a replacement data plate for your aircraft. Before we can consider supplying a replacement the following criteria must be met and your request submitted through an Authorized Cessna Service Station or a Cessna Service Engineer.

1. A notarized letter from the registered owner stating what happened to the original data plate, along with describing the circumstances surrounding the loss. The letter must also contain a statement as to when the plate was first found to be missing. The letter must also indicate any major repairs or modifications (requiring a 337 Form or S.T.C.). If no modification or major repairs have been accomplished, the following statement must be contained in the letter: No major repairs or modifications have been accomplished to this airplane.
The letter must also contain the aircraft model and serial number and the registration number.

2. A letter (on official letter head) from the F.A.A. Regional Office or appropriate governmental agency (International) stating that the airplane is as represented. The letter should also state aircraft model, serial number, registration number, and registered owner's name, and give permission to remove and/or install the Duplicate Data Plate.

3. An aircraft conformity check confirming in writing that:
A. The aircraft meets the original type certificate, i.e.: engine, propeller and placards.
B. All mandatory bulletins are accomplished (a Service Bulletin List obtained from Technical Support Services shall be used and each mandatory bulletin must be marked as complete by the party performing the conformity check. This list must be returned to Cessna Technical Information Services with the request). This listing may be ordered by contacting Cessna at 316-517-5800.
C. Modification such as winglets, STOL kits, spoilers or any others are not installed.This conformity check must be performed by:
A. An authorized Cessna Service Station
B. A Cessna Service Engineer
Cessna will be happy to coordinate such a conformity check and you may contact us at 316-517-5800.

4. There is a charge plus your local and state sales tax for the replacement data plate if supplied by Cessna.
Additionally a check or credit card number (Visa, MasterCard or American Express) must accompany your request.

5. Cessna reserves the right not to supply a duplicate data plate if we feel the aircraft has been modified or repaired in such a manner that, in our opinion, the design load carrying ability or flight characteristics of the airplane have been changed.

NOTE: Prices subject to change without notice.
Sincerely,
Cessna Aircraft Co.

[6643]

All good info. If the plate was covered with vinyl you should still be able to see its outline through the covering. That said, one would have to be a complete idiot to cover the data plate with anything.

Without the dataplate what you have is a well organized collection of parts. (Sorry...)

[6478]

Correct me if I'm wrong but I remember seeing here on the forum that if you have the Manufacturers Aircraft Association MAA Plate Number shown at the bottom of your Data Plate it is much easier to get a replacement plate if needed. Not all the hoops to jump through, just order a new one. I know I immediately took a picture of my data plate so I'd have it. Obviously no help here if you don't have the data plate already but it could be easy insurance if you record yours now.