Definition
A legal document (FAA Form 8050-2) used to transfer ownership of an aircraft from a seller to a buyer. It records the sale, identifies the aircraft by make, model, and serial number, and is submitted to the FAA Aircraft Registration Branch as part of registering the aircraft in the new owner's name.
Plain English
It's the official paperwork that proves you bought the aircraft and that the previous owner sold it to you. The FAA needs to see this before it will register the aircraft in your name.
Context Anchor
Seen when an aircraft is bought or sold, especially during the paperwork for a Certificate of Aircraft Registration.
Derivation
"Bill of sale" is an old commercial term meaning a written record ("bill") that proves a sale took place. Same idea as a bill of sale for a car or a boat — just adapted to aircraft and standardized by the FAA on Form 8050-2.
Why Pilots Care
It establishes clear legal ownership, satisfies FAA registration rules, and helps avoid disputes over liens or title.
Analogy
It is similar to the title-transfer paperwork used when buying a car: it helps prove that ownership moved from one person to another.
Intuition Check
Do not read “bill” here as just an invoice asking for payment. An Aircraft Bill of Sale is evidence that ownership of the aircraft has been transferred.
Example Sentence 1
After buying the Cessna, the new owner mailed the completed Aircraft Bill of Sale to the FAA along with the registration application.
Example Sentence 2
Without an Aircraft Bill of Sale on file, the FAA will not issue a new Certificate of Aircraft Registration to the new owner.