Operating VH reg in USA

[Squawk7700]

We often talk about operating N reg in Aus but what about VH reg in USA?

Would I be correct in assuming that it would be similar to the reciprocal and a CASA LAME would be required in the US? Could the aircraft be shipped there from here and operated or could a US rego be transferred to Aus or would it have to be in Aus to be registered in the first place?

If you haven't joined the dots yet I'm thinking of the potential of an aircraft "on-line" or a syndicate to use the aircraft with an Aus CPL to avoid requiring an FAA licence. The market for this could be fairly large.

Where would you base such an aircraft, California perhaps? Fly over on QF or whatever and fly away in this GA aircraft, or base on the east coast and fly it to the Bahamas etc.

[KRIU Aviator]

I brought a Duchess from Australia and operated it here in California with its Australian registration for some time before putting it on the US register. I'm not sure why you'd prefer to do that rather than get an FAA validation of your Australian License. Validations are very easy and there is also no equivalent of the ASIC here. An FAA A&P mechanic can do most maintenance on an Australian registered aircraft while it is in the USA. I did that on my Duchess. An IA would be the only additional requirement for major repairs or modifications and annual inspections.

While you can't get a validation of your Australian license beyond an FAA private certificate, you can get an instrument rating and anything else you would need. In any case, you would not be able to use a CPL without the right to work here in the USA.

PM me if you'd like to know more. I'm an Australian who moved here about 8 years ago. I operate a flight school and aircraft maintenance business in Northern California. I have a US ATP, CFI, CFII, MEI, A&P certificate and an IA.

[havick]

We often talk about operating N reg in Aus but what about VH reg in USA?

Would I be correct in assuming that it would be similar to the reciprocal and a CASA LAME would be required in the US? Could the aircraft be shipped there from here and operated or could a US rego be transferred to Aus or would it have to be in Aus to be registered in the first place?

If you haven't joined the dots yet I'm thinking of the potential of an aircraft "on-line" or a syndicate to use the aircraft with an Aus CPL to avoid requiring an FAA licence. The market for this could be fairly large.

Where would you base such an aircraft, California perhaps? Fly over on QF or whatever and fly away in this GA aircraft, or base on the east coast and fly it to the Bahamas etc.

question is why would you bother? If it’s just for private flying you can have your Aussie license validated to an FAA private based on your foreign license simply by a short paperwork exercise.

looks like you’re making a solution to a problem that doesn’t exist.

i couldn’t think of a worse idea than what you propose.

[LeadSled]

7700,
Why on earth would you bother, when it is so easy to get a license validation as a visitor, and checkouts to hire an aircraft are straightforward.
If you want an FAA CPL that is useable in US, that is also straightforward.
You do need to study the Homeland Security rules carefully, and make certain you have the correct visas, regardless.
I don't have current details, but there have long been several groups that organise tours for Australian pilot visitors, starting in California and flying to Oshkosh and back was (is??) popular.
Talk to Mike Smith.
Tootle pip!!

[Mach E Avelli]

CASA would need to send an AWI and FOI over to the USA to inspect the maintenance and operational facilities. Can’t trust those cowboy Yanks to look after a VH rego- what would they know about aviation?
Travel business class both ways, minimum five star hotel, $180 per hour per person.

Easier to suck it up, spend two days obtaining a FAA CPL which may be restricted to prevent you being employed within the USA but able to fly N reg anywhere in the world.

[havick]

CASA would need to send an AWI and FOI over to the USA to inspect the maintenance and operational facilities. Can’t trust those cowboy Yanks to look after a VH rego- what would they know about aviation?
Travel business class both ways, minimum five star hotel, $180 per hour per person.

Easier to suck it up, spend two days obtaining a FAA CPL which may be restricted to prevent you being employed within the USA but able to fly N reg anywhere in the world.

What restrictions are you talking about? The FAA will not restrict your license in any way shape or form if you take the written and flight test (non validation method). Working in the US is an immigration issue and nothing to do with the FAA.

[Squawk7700]

"Short paperwork exercise" if in Australia I'm guessing would mean something far more complicated!

I will search here for more info in this exercise thanks. I thought it was a little more onerous than that.

Has anyone here done so or know of anyone who has sought permission to operate an Australian registered experimental in the USA?

[Mach E Avelli]

Havick I can assure you that there is (or was) such a thing as a FAA CPL with a clear statement on it 'NOT VALID FOR EMPLOYMENT blah blah" Many a ferry pilot who did not have the right to work in the USA would have been issued with one of these. I got mine by sitting a simple exam. No flight test. Better than a Validation as it was permanent. Provided we only flew in or out of the USA on a ferry trip and got paid offshore no rules were broken. Mine has never been revoked by the FAA, so I must assume that it is still a legal document.
Perhaps there was a date where they stopped issuing these?

[theozguru]

I know someone who has an aircraft in the states for this purpose. Gets it maintained by local engineers.

[MakeItHappenCaptain]

Be aware that while you can fly an N registered aircraft in another country (as long as you are locally qualified to fly the type), VH registered aircraft require an Australian license regardless of where they are.

[Alpha Whiskey Bravo]

I brought a Duchess from Australia and operated it here in California with its Australian registration

The only trouble we had was the Controllers getting a bit confused about our registration. Was that Victor Hotel Foxtrot Delta Delta? No that's Victor Hotel Foxtrot Echo Delta. Foxtrot India Delta?. No Foxtrot Echo Delta. Foxtrot Foxtrot Delta? Noooo Foxtrot Echo Echo Echo Echo...Delta.

Oh Where you from? Stralia. How did you get that here? Flew it! Long Pause...……

Good times KRIU Aviator.:ok:

[B772]

KRIU. Next time I am in the area I will visit you at Rancho Murieta Airport.