Moving an aircraft from 2- Reg to G- Reg

[Charlesschrager]

A couple of questions to the experts here:

1. how easy is it to move a plane from the Channel Islands Register to the UK ?
2. The plane in question was imported from the US to the Channel Islands and I gather no VAT has been paid in the Channel Islands, so what’s the procedure - keep it on the 2- Reg even if flying to Europe and not pay the VAT ?
3. Are there any disadvantages of leaving the plane as a 2 - Reg plane and keeping it mainly in the UK ? ( I note that Alan Sugar for example does this )

Sorry for the laundry list of questions !

charles

[flyingfemme]

If you don't pay the VAT in the UK the aircraft is not in "free circulation" and liable to be stopped and checked/searched all over the place. How much travelling do you do?

Keeping it on the 2REG does not actually stop you paying the VAT if :
1. You have the right to register the aircraft - if you are not a CI resident, you may need a local corporation.
2. You intend to operate/keep it inside the EU for any length of time.
Much like plenty of N registered aircraft have paid the VAT and entered into free circulation............
The costs for putting an aircraft on the EASA reg (unless it is permit, of course) are many and varied....how long is that piece of string. It depends on the age, type, level of non-original equipment and how up-to-date the maintenance is. You would also need an export CofA - something I am not familiar with from the CI. Although I don't suppose they are difficult to deal with or nobody would use them.
I wouldn't recommend messing with the French authorities; they tend to turn up mob-handed (big boots and guns) and interrogate anyone on the aircraft, as well as demanding all the documentation. Slightly limiting one's travelling if it's not all in order.

[Cloudskimmer01]

1, Its fairly straightforward to convert from G to 2 Reg but I would let ASG at Guersey deal with it as theyre used to doing it. Also the aircraft has to be inspected by 2 Reg surveyors and its easier, quicker and cheaper if the aircraft is in Guernsey. You will have to create an acceptable maintenance programme. This can either broadly follow FAA rules or EASA with 2-Reg nuances (again ASG have done and pleanty of these and acceptable to 2-Reg. I strongly recommend you follow FAA rules and they are generally not gold plated like EASA and therefore cheaper.

2 If you want the aircraft to be in free circulation in Europe and you are not a resident of Guernsey you will have to pay VAT.

3. Disadvantages - You can elect to fly on FAA or EASA licence but your licence has to be validated by the Bailiwick of Guernsey. Costs about £80 and lasts 2 years. Every maintenance organisation/engineer that works on your plane has to be 2-Reg endorsed, this costs about £120.

[flyingfemme]

Other way round CS. The OP wants to go from 2 to G.

[shorehamite]

It will cost about 2k for a survey and CofA to put it on 2 reg, then another 2k for an export C of A, then the uk costs............not known.

[md 600 driver]

It will cost about 2k for a survey and CofA to put it on 2 reg, then another 2k for an export C of A, then the uk costs............not known.
there is no requirement for an export c of A to go on the 2 Reg but to go from 2 Reg to CAA one is needed

[MrAverage]

And if the engine is anywhere near TBO (hours or years) they may not allow it. Unless this has changed during the last year......

[shorehamite]

Ive just paid £2075 to have the aeroplane de-registered and an export CofA issued, required by the UK CAA.