Importing an Eagle
MAB,
In theory, importing an Eagle should be a pretty painless exercise. There are several Christen Eagle's on the UK CAA register. The majority are on a PFA permit but there may still be the odd one or two on a CAA permit!
The problem that may encounter is that when the aircraft arrives, it really is not what it purports to be and it will NOT be allowed onto the UK register as it is.
A stock Eagle built exactly to Frank Christen's plans and comprehensive manual will be absoultely fine and should pass muster. Any mods or design changes will need to be evaluated by PFA Engineering and you may then be required to provide stress analysis or return the aircraft to standard configuration. Both of these options are potentially expensive and time consuming.
There have been many imported aircraft over the years that now decorate hangar walls or are consigned to the scrap heap. It does really happen. It happened to the Suffolk businessman importing a Pitts Special in the July Pilot article that Big Mr refers to!
Having said that, that was no way the responsibility of Big Mr shipping and I can recommend them. They may even have brought in an Eagle very recently for a Ppruner who often visits this forum.
Caveat emptor. Best to have the aircraft checked out in the States by someone who really knows Eagles and will be able to immediately determine any deviation from the kit/drgs and excellent builders manual.
Stik