bpilatus
It would be a shame if your version of humour led anybody to feel that overflying France in any kind of aircraft, let alone an N-reg posed any kind of problem. It doesn't.
If you've paid the VAT on your N-reg, landing in France and exploring that country deeply is no problem either. The Douaniers are only out to make a fast buck if you can't either:
a) Prove that VAT has been paid (either import docs or original VAT Invoice); or
b) Prove that the aircraft has been in the EU since 1/Jan/93 - which gives it immunity under directive EC 92/111.
Foreign Douaniers can only ask questions about the VAT status of non-EU registered aircraft. They may not ask such questions of G-reg aircraft. That privilege rests with our own dear Customs and Revenue Service.
Don't you think that the phoney accent is wearing a bit thin now...
2D