Cost of importing aircraft?

[alphawhiskeytango]

With the exchange rate once again heading north and what appears to be an abundance of aircraft of the market in the US it would appear from the outside looking in that now could be an opportune time to be a buyer. What are the costs assciated with importing say a C182? And what are the porcesses that one should go through?

[M14_P]

Go to the CAA website it will tell you everything you need to know about importing/certifying.
The biggest cost I'd say is freight, you could spend as much as US$5K on freight or more, which pretty much neutralises the advantage of the good US dollar.
We looked at several options in the US but ended up getting a fantastic deal for what we wanted within NZ. I'd check out Southern Aircraft or DTI Sales they will put you onto something from within the country, much cheaper.

[Torres]

And don't forget 10% GST on the aircraft purchase price. If you are a business you can claim the GST back in your BAS. If a private buyer, the GST is your loss.

[OZBUSDRIVER]

Do not forget to add in the ferry/freight costs to the purchase price...GST is added on that as well.:ugh:

[Rich-Fine-Green]

AWT:

Don't forget the export Certificate of Airworthiness (otherwise the import C of A could be quite a shock!).
Make sure your new buy is struck off the FAA register and FAA knows to inform CASA. CASA will not look at it otherwise.
Disassembly - US$3,000
Freight - 40' container these days is about US$8000
Assembly and Aust. C of A checks. A$10,000

Even with the above costs, there are quite a few bargains in the USA right now with the A$ north of US$0.80

Not many good, low time aircraft left in Aust. or NZ.....(assuming that's what you are after).

Stick to the reputable dealers in the USA. Many an Aussie buyer has been fleeced in the buy or got quite a shock during the import certification process (outstanding maintenance or out of date components).

Good Luck and enjoy.

[Arnold E]

There is ofcourse, the option of importing an RV as a kit, MUCH cheaper!

[djpil]

When I imported mine I didn't get an Export CofA - it is not required for private aircraft especially (but check with the person who will do your CofA). The Export CofA must be done with so many days (90 from memory) from a 100 hrly so consider whether you want that extra work done. It was very convenient that the maintenance organisation was approved by AQIS so the container went directly there.
If I had my time over again I would've paid for my LAME to go to the USA and do the pre-purchase inspection.

[djpil]

Another bit of advice - get one of these reports before you buy.
Aircraft Damage History and Ownership Reports - Plane Fax - Home (http://www.planefaxreports.com/)

[PA39]

The GST is based on the exchange rate the bird leaves the mainland or in the case of the US, Hawaii. All the fuel AND accommodation you purchase on your merry way (Christmas Is, W/Samoa/Fiji etc will also incur the wrath of the GST. it would be strongly advisable to register as a business with GST reporting B4 you buy. You could always cancel at a later date.

Yes, i would definitely take my engineer next time as the Yanks are extremely slack with aircraft maintenance, especially AD compliance. The "mechanics' over there always seem to be sitting on their acres while the meter ticks over at $US 70/80 per hour. What is written in the logs is fairytale stuff ie AD's signed off but not done.:uhoh: and unreported damage, often major.:(

There are a few traps for the uninitiated but its all possible.

[2b2]

US aircraft do not comply with Australian standards because the FAA allow a sensible maintenance system and we dont. Your LAME might quote you for reassembly and recertification but will find numerous reasons why he could not keep to that quote, mostly of course because our US friends did something wrong... Numerous components wil require replacement because your LAME and his CASA delegate interpret CASA regulation to say they are 'overdue' althougth they were of course perfectly serviceable in the US (they even got through an US export CoA)


Yes, i would definitely take my engineer next time as the Yanks are extremely slack with aircraft maintenance, especially AD compliance. The "mechanics' over there always seem to be sitting on their acres while the meter ticks over at $US 70/80 per hour. What is written in the logs is fairytale stuff ie AD's signed off but not done. and unreported damage, often major

I'm confused!! :confused:

[The Green Goblin]

Is it possible to side-step certain of the bureaucracy by having the aircraft foreign registered

Provided you have the required licence and an approved maintenance organization to comply with that governing bodies regs and issue the applicable MR then you should be fine.

Vincent operate their fleet of 1900's on the Kiwi register while operating in Australia.

[ResBunny]

All of Vincent's aircraft based in Oz, have been placed on the Oz register for at least the last four years.

Regards

[Ex FSO GRIFFO]

Slight Drift......

Many moons ago I remember a fellow who owned a v e r y n i c e M.20, kept it registered 'N Numbers' for cost and 'operational' reasons of the time, and every 3 months he had to fly 'out of AUS', so he used to fly it to Noumea for a weekend, every three months....
The man was a Hydro engineer specialising in irrigation appliances.

It must have suited his situation at the time.

[frangatang]

I know its the wrong country, but l brought in an rv6 from florida to england last year
before the £ became equivalent to the zim$. It was an anxious time but having seen and flown the plane in florida , it was flown to lakeland and a reputable guy, for Us$ 2200 pulled the wings and back end off and loaded it in a container which l had arranged,then off it went to miami and left on a ship a week later.after ending up in belgium,it was finally delivered to my home airfield in the container on a truck with its own cranes at either end,which lowered the container and it only took 30 mins to unload. Not a thing had moved..but it took 7 months to put together again! but that is an experimental plane and l wouldnt like the hassle of a certified machine! V happy with the rv as well.

[ForkTailedDrKiller]

Alphawhiskeytango, my LAME has brought a dozen or so aircraft in from the US in the last couple of years and put them on the Australian register - C170, C172, C182, C182RG, C206, C210, Mooney, A36. Most came in containers - some were flown out.

I have test flown most of them for him.

Like most things, it seems reasonably straight forward and painless if you know what you are doing. PM me if you would like more details.

Dr :8

[robzag]

is it possible to discuss this further...I am looking to import a Cessna 182Q or 182R from USA to Sydney...considering that this thread is form 2007

thanks,

[fatboyoz]

Hi Dr,
I am thinking of importing an aircraft. Other than approaching a professional firm, can you please give me some more insight as to the requirements. I am a new member, and am unable to PM.
Regards,
Colin.

[Old Akro]

There are some horror stories about guys being stitched up badly by Australian LAME's over the CofA issue. Might be wise to choose who you will use first and work with him.

Any avioincs work you want to do will probably be cheaper in the US before you ship it here.

[truthinbeer]

When I was looking the total cost was around $30,000 to CoA. The dollar then was around 110c to US$.
I would not think it worthwhile at current Forex.

[Ultralights]

might be cheaper to buy a place in the USA, some well under $1000 in the right places even as low as $100
, keep the N rego, and fly over here under N rego, and when a check is due, fly a US LAME out here to do it for you.

[fatboyoz]

Thanks Guys,
I am looking at importing from Europe. Mainly after the procedures for importation into Australia, and/or a contact for someone who can help me out. Perhaps the name of a reasonable LAME.
The A/C is N registered, but is located in Germany.
Cheers,
Colin.

[Band a Lot]

Find a AMO with a German speaking/reading LAME first, give them the short list of things you are interested in.

Get a detailed estimate including you and LAME looking at several aircraft over there, return to Australia and get final estimate.

Seem a expensive way to go about it, but only way it might stay within 130% of estimate and maybe even close to estimate. If not work on 200-250% of purchase price of a near 20 year old Cessna piston single (due sids due at 20 years = do it while in bits).

[Old Akro]

fatboyoz

N reg in Europe is not uncommon. There are some very good, large maintenance organisations that have US qualified AME's. I can give you the name of one in Belgium. Don't be put off at all.

Its done to escape the clusterf*&k EASA regulations that we are following.

Getting an export CofA is key.

If it needs SIDS, that can be done overseas as well. Almost certainly a lot cheaper than Australia.

Flying back from Europe is easier than flying from the US. But, I believe crossing India is the hard part (for fuel and other reasons). There are very good GA maintenance and / or upgrade facilities in KL & Thailand. Remember you need a US licenced pilot to fly an N-registered aircraft home.

A mate as an ex- N registered, now Thai registered C210L for sale if you are interested. PM me with your email and I'll send details.

Getting the Aussie CofA (I am told) varies depending on the interpretation of regulations by the LAME. That's why I'd start by choosing the LAME you are going to use here and see what he wants to see.

[International Trader]

I would ensure that you know the European Tax status before you buy it. Could have many thousands owing( hence still in US reg) . Many cheap boats floating around for sale with bad news coming .