Registry / Northrop/thornton / T-38A / N638TC

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N638TC V

Northrop/thornton T-38A · 1963 · Mojave, CA

FAA Registry ↗ FlightAware ↗ FlightRadar24 ↗ ADS-B Globe ↗

This aircraft — FAA registration facts

N638TC is a 1963 Northrop/thornton T-38A (serial 5518), registered to National Test Pilot School (corporation) in Mojave, CA. Its FAA registration is recorded as v and expires November 2029; the airworthiness certificate dates from February 2024 (2 years ago). It carries 2 Ge J85-5H engines rated at 3,850 lbf each (7,700 lbf total). Its Mode-S transponder broadcasts the ICAO 24-bit address A85D20. It is one of 3 Northrop/thornton T-38A aircraft on the FAA registry. National Test Pilot School holds 35 aircraft on the registry.

Registered owner
National Test Pilot School
Owner type
Corporation
Based in
Mojave, CA
Serial number
5518
Year built
1963 · 63 yrs old
Airworthiness class
41
FAA status
V
Mode-S / ICAO24
A85D20 · 52056440 octal
Certificate issued
Nov 21, 2013
Airworthiness date
Feb 13, 2024
Last FAA activity
Sep 15, 2023
Registration expires
Nov 30, 2029
FAA region
4

Source: FAA aircraft registry (public record). Community reviews and photos below.

Engine on this aircraft

Engine
Ge J85-5H
Engine type
Turbo-jet
Rated thrust
3,850 lbf × 2 (7,700 lbf total)
FAA engine code
30162

Source: FAA engine reference (ENGINE.txt), matched on this registration's engine code.

Community facts about N638TC

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Flight history & live tracking

ICAO24: a85d20
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Aircraft Type — ACFTREF 6458005

Northrop/thornton T-38A
Engines: 2
Type: jet
Seats: 2
Category: Standard

Engine — CODE 30162

Manufacturer: Ge
Model: J85-5H
Type: Turbo-jet
Thrust: 3,850 lbs

FAA Registration Record

N-Number: N638TC
Serial Number: 5518
Year Manufactured: 1963
ACFTREF Code: 6458005
Engine Code: 30162
Status: V (V)
Certification: 41
Type Aircraft: Fixed Wing Multi Engine (5)
Type Engine: Turbo-jet (4)
Source: master

Documents & resources

Commonly available reference sources for the Northrop/thornton T-38A. Always confirm against the manufacturer's current, authoritative publication for your specific aircraft.

View the Northrop/thornton T-38A model overview, reviews & photos →

These are commonly available reference sources. FerryFlight Hub does not provide sample or generated documents on this page.

FerryFlight Hub is independent and not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by any aircraft manufacturer, the FAA, or any document publisher. References are NOT for operational, navigational, or flight-planning use — always rely on the current, FAA-approved documentation for the specific aircraft. We link to official or publicly available sources and do not host or redistribute copyrighted material. Provided "as is," without warranty of any kind as to accuracy, completeness, or currency.

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Transponder / ADS-B

Mode S (octal): 52056440
ICAO 24-bit (hex): A85D20
ADS-B Exchange ↗ | FlightAware ↗

Registrant

National Test Pilot School
Corporation
View all 35 aircraft registered to this owner →
1030 Flight Line Bldg 72
Mojave, CA, 935011679
FAA Region: 4

Key Dates

Certificate Issued Nov 21, 2013
Airworthiness Feb 13, 2024
Expiration Nov 30, 2029
Last Activity Sep 15, 2023
Data as of Oct 5, 2026

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Other Northrop/thornton T-38A registrations

N338TC
Thornton Aircraft Company LLC
N38FT
Boeing Co
1961