ramp checks and proving vat/duty status of G-regsistered GA aircraft
 

Our group have got the wind up a little due to increased ramp checks in europe.

1) has anyone here been ramp checked in a G registered light aircraft? What did it involve?

2) Does anyone have any idea how to find the VAT/duty status of an aircraft that has been in the EU for decades, but doesn't have the original bill of sale? This aircraft was imported to Sweden in the 1980s, then came to the UK about 10 years ago. I've contacted the original swedish owners, and they don't have the original invoice.

3) Do we need to worry about (2)? If a light aircraft on the G register has been in the EU for such an amount of time, is it deemed to be in free ciruclation by the authorities? Who are the damn authorities? Calls to EASA, SAFA, Le Touquet airport, various other numbers given reveal nothing but the fact but that they have even less idea about what the bloody hell is going on than I do....and I don't know anything!

That is what I always refer to as knowing minus bugger all.

I've been ramp checked. Usual aircraft documents glanced at, careful look at the insurance, careful look at pilot licence, glance at logbook. No question about VAT at all. FWIW, I am permanently in France, the A/C was annex II, now we have a thing called a NARC. G reg.

Can certainly happen with boats in Europe

I get ramp checked all the time. For an EU reg they are not allowed to demand proof of the VAT status, its part of the free movement laws.

So it's just pilot an aircraft docs.

That is very good news. Do you have any reference for this- I'd like to nail it and be able to show that i've nailed it!

Free movement laws only apply to movements within the EU. If you arrive from outside the EU then the you could be questioned about the aircraft in the same way as any other object you are carrying.

Not sure I am any nearer knowing what is what here....Bose....do you have any links to point me towards which outline what you are saying?

I can't remember where it is off hand. Its one of the European Journal things that make up EU law.

I fly commercially and we get ramp checked quite a bit because the aircraft are unusual and the only thing they are interested in is pilot and aircraft documents. If you are on a non EU reg then they have every right to ask.

Bose;


How old are your aircraft. I get ramp checked regularly in France and have been asked for the VAT receipt several times (rotary and jet both less than four years old) The rest of Europe seem more interested in the noise certificates.


In my own plane never a question, but she is older than I am and VAT hadn't been invented then.


SND

Bose is correct in that there is something in EU law which states that another member state cannot examine the VAT status of an aircraft registered in another EU member state. I suggest Google.

Of course if you are N reg etc..., then they can check.

Have fun. :)

EUR-Lex - 31992L0111 - EN - EUR-Lex