Importing an aircraft on a EU permit

[geoger]

Hi Guys
Please bear with me on this one and point me in the right direction if you will, I am looking to purchase a "permit" aircraft which is on an Eire permit question 1 is
Should i leave it on the Eire permit and import it then transfer it to a GB permit when the EIRE one expires, if thats allowed
2. should i ask for a repositioning permit and re register here with the LAA from day one
3. should i just ditch the idea.
what do you consider the cost implications and which would be the most advantageous,
i know that this is probably fraught with danger for the un initiated, i want to do this right from the off
your advice will be very much appreciated, as it is now 3:30 in the morning having posed the question maybe i can now get my brain to go to sleep

yours in anticipation
George

[Brian Hope]

Hi George, I hope you managed to get some sleep last night.
First question is is the aeroplane a type that is approved by the LAA? If it isn't then you are in for a lot of extra work.
Assuming it is, Talk to LAA Engineering and ask them what they advise as a sensible course of action. My guess is that they will advise you take an LAA inspector who knows the type and will be prepared to be your UK inspector, across to give the aircraft a thorough inspection to ensure the build quality and mod status are acceptable to the LAA. That may be relatively straightforward, but if it is something where internal access is an issue - say a closed up composite type - then it might be much more difficult. Assuming it all looks good you can then decide whether to buy it or not.
A fair number of aircraft have been brought in from Europe and the US and gone onto the LAA permit register, it isn't an impossible dream by any stretch, just talk to LAA and be diligent in ensuring the aircraft is sound and complies to the UK approval for the type.
Good luck.