Importing an aircraft from SA or USA into UK. Advice?
 

Hi all!

I'm looking to buy an aircraft (C182/C206/C210, probably), and the most attractive ones at this point in time appear to be in either the USA or South Africa. However, i suspect that nothing is ever easy when it comes to importing the aircraft into the UK...

Are there any folk out there who would be able to share their experience on what to do and (possibly more importantly) what not to do? In particular:

(i) aircraft maintenance programs abroad compared to UK
(ii) import documentation/taxes/fees
(iii) How to obtain a reliable pre-purchase inspection abroad
(iv) process and costs for registering in UK (CoA, registration, etc.)

Any top tips would be gratefully received!

Thanks

rmdr2

Hi,
Can you tell us what sites you are using for aircraft in SA out of interest?

Regards,

Hopefully not ones with Nigerian IP addresses or deals that are to good to be true.

One word of caution, aircraft in SA are generally in good shape and maintained to a very high standard. There is, however a big difference beween the highveld and the coast in terms of corrosion and humidity so take a good look at where it has spent its life and instruct your pre-purchase inspector accordingly.
FWIW nobody in Johannsburg would ever consider buying a secondhand car that has spent its life in Durban.

I was looking at a glider that was imported to Canada from SA.

There seemed to be some expensive paperwork to deregister from SA. From the US it's free.

You may want the FAA to fax you (at a US fax number) a copy of the confirmation they send to the CAA.

At least in Canada it can take some weeks for the deregistration to make its way from the bowels of TC HQ to where the regional offices can access it.

Just my feeling, it does no longer make sense to import aircraft into the EU. Exchange rates, protectionism and tax systems were successful in killing any advantages of importing. So, unless you hang your heart onto an aircraft which in not available in the EU and you can live with life long being hunted by authorities, just short - forget it!

Re-registration, taxation, mandatory avionics upgrading and the nerves you loose talking to XAAs are not worth it. If you really have an interesting bird and want that one, think of alternatives, keep it outside the EU and fly the bird there on your holidays ...

Fly4. Very well said, nowadays far too much red tape causing endless greif.

The delays are often exagerated but every CAA should check for outstanding finance before allowing a change of ownership. This can take a while if a finance company has to issue a clearance. Many countries have exchange control legislation and will want to ensure that the seller is not taking money out of the country illegally. Avionics are not usually a major issue, an aircraft from South Africa (for instance) will come with an ADF which is a bit useless in the UK but you will have to budget for an 8.33 radio.
VAT is an issue - budget for 20% of the UK landed cost.

There are specialists who will advise you and do the job and it is worth using them because they know all of the little twists. For example it is often cheaper to take the wings off and pop it into a container than to pay for a ferry flight.

Thank you all...

Ancient Geek - any recommendations on specialists?

No personal recommendations.
The many aircraft brokers who advertise in magazines and on the internet will know who to use depending on location. If you are buying from a broker rather than a private individual they may be able to offer a package deal.