SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 FORM 15 Certification and Notice of Termination of Registration Under Section 12(g) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 or Suspension of Duty to File Reports Under Sections 13 and 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Commission File Number 011-871 American Exploration Company (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) 1331 Lamar, Suite 900, Houston, Texas 77010, (713)756-6000 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code of registrant's principal executive offices) Common Stock, par value $.05 per share Depositary Shares, each representing a 1/200 interest in a share of $450 Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock, Series C, par value $1.00 per share - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Title of each class of securities covered by this Form) Please place an X in the box(es) to designate the appropriate rule provision(s) relied upon to terminate or suspend the duty to file reports: Rule 12g-4(a) (1) (i) (x) Rule 12h-3(b) (1) (i) (x) Rule 12g-4(a) (1) (ii) ( ) Rule 12h-3(b) (1) (ii) ( ) Rule 12g-4(a) (2) (i) ( ) Rule 12h-3(b) (2) (i) ( ) Rule 12g-4(a) (2) (ii) ( ) Rule 12h-3(b) (2) (ii) ( ) Rule 15d-6 ( ) Approximate number of holders of record as of the certification or notice date:0 - Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, American Exploration Company has caused this certification/notice to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned duly authorized person. Date: October 27, 1997 By: /s/ John M. Hogan ----------------- John M. Hogan Senior Vice President