§ 44101. Operation of aircraft

(a) Registration Requirement.— Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, a person may operate an aircraft only when the aircraft is registered under section 44103 of this title.

(b) Exceptions.— A person may operate an aircraft in the United States that is not registered—

(1) when authorized under section 40103 (d) or 41703 of this title;

(2) when it is an aircraft of the national defense forces of the United States and is identified in a way satisfactory to the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration; and

(3) for a reasonable period of time after a transfer of ownership, under regulations prescribed by the Administrator.

U.S. Code

§ 44101. Operation of aircraft