LAA Permit?
 

Hi all,
I was wondering if anyone could clear this up, if i buy a plane from Europe thats flying on a certificate of airworthiness without a G- callsign, can when i get the plane change it to a LAA permit? and how much hassle is it?

thanks.

I think it depends on the aircraft type and various other factors. Suggest you contact Francis Donaldson at LAA.

Ok, thanks. Do you know the best way to contact him?

Cheers

You could start by reading Francis views on the subject.

They're here.

Then contact via the LAA website.

Here..

G

If it is currently flying on a CofA, then it almost certainly won't be eligible to transfer to a permit to fly.

There are a few exceptions for orphaned types, but basically the permit system only applies to aircraft not eligible for a CofA which apparently isn't the case for your example.

Even if it is possible, don't assume it is an easy process.

I wanted to import a Jabiru J400 from France and it became apparent very quickly that this was going to be a real pain.

First of all, the LAA were very apprehensive because it had 4 seats (they would have considered a 2 seater). Then because it was composite and France has different build standards to the UK LAA, it would have been the case that the aircraft would have had to be almost be stripped back to kit form for inspection.

Cost and hassle made it a no goer. It would have been cheaper to pay the extra and either built one or bought one from the UK.

No dealings with the UK LAA (other than permit renewal) are ever easy, straight forward or quick.

In general, without knowing the details of the aircraft you're talking about, if it is on a Certificate of Airworthiness it needs to stay on one. The exceptions are if the type certificate holder relaxes their hold (as in what has happened with SA Bulldogs) or they are orphaned (there is no type certificate holder). Then it might be possible to change.