USAF AMC to remove tail numbers.

[747woody]

The F-117s that are flying don't carry external serial numbers, and the Australian AP-3Cs didn't either, so it's not entirely new.

As has been pointed out though, it's going to cause a headache for maintainers, and aircrew, trying to work out which aircraft they're supposed to be on. It also seems a bit pointless when they can be tracked on ADSB! - you'd think they'd disable that first.

[Finty]

I think they might change their minds after a few incidents of maintainers taking the wrong aircraft apart

Those who need to know will know. Or just use the Ukrainian system of the serial being written on a piece of paper placed in the cockpit.

[raptor9]

I'm pretty certain that if the people in charge of the base said that a particular aircraft was on Stand 7, then I wouldn't think that it would be too difficult a job for maintainers and aircrew to find it....

[flasheart]

It's a sad state of affairs when the USAF doesn't take the feelings of the spotter community into account when making operational decisions.

Well thank you Mr. "Sarcastic"! Prey tell us what do you get out of the Hobby then?

[POL]

I'm pretty certain that if the people in charge of the base said that a particular aircraft was on Stand 7, then I wouldn't think that it would be too difficult a job for maintainers and aircrew to find it....

You'd be surprised, especially at places that don't have unique stand numbers and it's just as massive ramp with lines of aircraft on it.

However, as has already been mentioned, crews will just go and look at the TDB.

[Dc3]

Is there not a requirement when operating in international airspace to display an identity number/registration?

[Supra]

Gonna take the number-plates off my car. It's "Op-sec Officer....honest!" The RAM didn't work as well as expected on the A43?

[POL]

Gonna take the number-plates off my car. It's "Op-sec Officer....honest!"

Don't forget to "decline to comment further" if the officer starts suggesting they might arrest you.

[POL]

Is there not a requirement when operating in international airspace to display an identity number/registration?

No. ICAO Annex 7 applies to civilian aircraft only, when it comes to military it's usually through state-to-state agreements and they're generally along the lines of "if we ask for the aircraft's registration you must be able to provide it to us".

All of that is moot though, because the two aircraft in the pictures previously posted do still wear their registrations.

[steamy]

Hobby is over...close the forum

[Supra]

Is there not a requirement when operating in international airspace to display an identity number/registration?

No. ICAO Annex 7 applies to civilian aircraft only, when it comes to military it's usually through state-to-state agreements and they're generally along the lines of "if we ask for the aircraft's registration you must be able to provide it to us".

All of that is moot though, because the two aircraft in the pictures previously posted do still wear their registrations.

Would that be in the data-block thingy under the port-side cockpit window? Genuine question, as I've noticed substantial chunks of the serial on the inside of nose-wheel doors, crew-doors, etc

[Nighthawke]

Hobby is over...close the forum

Only for those who just spot AMC airframes. Plenty of other aircraft still flying around the world.

[Parfitt]

Daft idea

[Northsky]

https://aviationweek.com/defense-space/ ... kings-tail

[Snoop 95]

https://aviationweek.com/defense-space/ ... kings-tail

Not a very suitable photo to illustrate the point. Although it is true that you can't see any markings!

[TAFFEVANS]

The F-117s that are flying don't carry external serial numbers, and the Australian AP-3Cs didn't either, so it's not entirely new.

As has been pointed out though, it's going to cause a headache for maintainers, and aircrew, trying to work out which aircraft they're supposed to be on. It also seems a bit pointless when they can be tracked on ADSB! - you'd think they'd disable that first.

Not strictly true, the AP-3’s carried the serial externally on the crew door towards the rear of the fuselage.

[Starfighter2044]

The aircraft type and serial number is printed on the aircraft under the cockpit window in very small writing

[Pesmog]

I presume that the aircrafts reg will still appear on ADSB, FR24 etc when its airborne, so all won't be entirely lost. If the 100th ARW were to go the same way, there may be a minor difficulty with HMG as all of their KC135's have the UK Crown on the tail and removing that might lead to awkward questions from MP's media etc.

[Agent K]

I presume that the aircrafts reg will still appear on ADSB, FR24 etc when its airborne, so all won't be entirely lost. If the 100th ARW were to go the same way, there may be a minor difficulty with HMG as all of their KC135's have the UK Crown on the tail and removing that might lead to awkward questions from MP's media etc.

Why? TDY tankers operate from there all the time with no issue or even comment? Most if not all MP’s and general public wouldn’t even recognise a 100 ARW tanker if they saw it!

[POL]

I presume that the aircrafts reg will still appear on ADSB, FR24 etc when its airborne, so all won't be entirely lost.

There is no requirement for military aircraft to operate with Mode-S or ADS-B enabled, anywhere in the world.

If the 100th ARW were to go the same way, there may be a minor difficulty with HMG as all of their KC135's have the UK Crown on the tail and removing that might lead to awkward questions from MP's media etc.

Nor is there a requirement for them to have distinguishing markings such as "the UK crown", whatever that is, on them.