Final answer:
The application of registration numbers to U.S. aircraft is regulated by Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR), managed by the Department of Transportation and the Federal Aviation Administration, and published in the Federal Register.
Step-by-step explanation:
The regulation that governs the application of the registration numbers to aircraft registered in the United States is located in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). Specifically, these rules are detailed in Title 14, Aeronautics and Space (often cited as 14 CFR), which is part of the larger body of federal regulations overseen by various agencies, including the Department of Transportation and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The CFR is an annual collection of executive-agency regulations published in the daily Federal Register, both of which are managed by the National Archives and Records Administration.
Registration numbers are crucial for maintaining the legality and validity of aircraft operation within the U.S., and also ensure compliance with international aviation standards. This regulatory framework provides a systematic and traceable way of identifying aircraft, which is essential for safety, security, and regulatory purposes. The information about aircraft registration can be crucial in many situations, ranging from air traffic control to accident investigations.