Bring aircraft from USA to UK

Graham Wass · Post by **Graham Wass** » Sat Jul 11, 2009 11:05 am

I have the chance of buying in USA a american registerd Cessna. If I bring it to the UK what is involved in using it here. IE do I have to re-register it as UK airplane etc

jamie_duff · Post by **jamie_duff** » Mon Jul 13, 2009 6:59 am

What model of Cessna? It makes a difference...

Graham Wass · Post by **Graham Wass** » Mon Jul 13, 2009 7:00 am

J.C. · Post by **J.C.** » Mon Jul 13, 2009 8:29 am

Why does it make a difference? If you are refering to 120/140 you can no longer put them on a permit so it makes no difference.
All cessnas are now " C of A ", so the options are to carry on using it on the N reg or go onto a G reg with an easa c of a .
Both routes are riddled with pit falls, and bearing in mind that people are breaking up cessna 150s because the cost of running them exceeds their value, I would say that there is no point in importing a 152 unless someone is giving it to you for free!
The cost of importing etc is not justifyable given the slump in prices over here.I was recently offered a good 150 with c of a expired for £5k. I know 152's fetch more but I suspect not for much longer.
The average cost per annual on an aircraft of this type is currently running at 75% of its value. Cheaper by far on the N reg agreed, but then you are into trust agreements to be legal and the CAA have been trying to close this loophole for years.

You will end up with an aircraft of modest performance( all beit a good aircraft in my opinion) and costs out of all proportion.

My advice would be to purchase a permit aircraft, and if flying IMC is that important then spot hire on those occasions that it is needed.

Graham Wass · Post by **Graham Wass** » Mon Jul 13, 2009 10:39 am

Well . You have put into plane English what I suspected. Import Tax 7% then 15% VAT on top . Change to G reg £60 plus cost of letters then CofA Cert makes it expensive. Can take out CofA cert in real terms cause all have to have one . This was a costing exersise, Was offered the chance but think Permit are better option.
Thanks for replies
Graham

jamie_duff · Post by **jamie_duff** » Wed Jul 15, 2009 6:30 pm

My mistake JC - I didn't realise the 120/140 were CofA only now.

Graham Wass · Post by **Graham Wass** » Fri Jul 17, 2009 4:54 pm

J.C. wrote:Why does it make a difference? If you are refering to 120/140 you can no longer put them on a permit so it makes no difference.
All cessnas are now " C of A ", so the options are to carry on using it on the N reg or go onto a G reg with an easa c of a .
Both routes are riddled with pit falls, and bearing in mind that people are breaking up cessna 150s because the cost of running them exceeds their value, I would say that there is no point in importing a 152 unless someone is giving it to you for free!
The cost of importing etc is not justifyable given the slump in prices over here.I was recently offered a good 150 with c of a expired for £5k. I know 152's fetch more but I suspect not for much longer.
The average cost per annual on an aircraft of this type is currently running at 75% of its value. Cheaper by far on the N reg agreed, but then you are into trust agreements to be legal and the CAA have been trying to close this loophole for years.

You will end up with an aircraft of modest performance( all beit a good aircraft in my opinion) and costs out of all proportion.

My advice would be to purchase a permit aircraft, and if flying IMC is that important then spot hire on those occasions that it is needed.

I am interested in the 150 at 5K. is it still for sale?

Cookie · Post by **Cookie** » Wed Jul 22, 2009 11:51 am

Beware when purchasing an aircraft in the US. It's a bit like buying a car, in that you need to know exactly what to look for - a good paint job isn't a good indicator of the mechanical condition.

Make sure you know exactly what you are looking at. If it's a Permit type, ensure you get advice from the Engineering department on what to look for.

As a general rule, if it can hold a C of A it must hold a C of A when transferring the aircraft. Also, an aircraft on an Experimental in the USA may not be eligible for a Permit to Fly in the UK. Seek advice prior to purchase.

ATB, Cookie.

Graham Wass · Post by **Graham Wass** » Wed Jul 22, 2009 1:16 pm

Thanks Jon for good advice.
On reflection we are going to look for a local UK permit aircraft. Far less trouble with maintenance bills etc.
Graham

Nigel Bailey · Post by **Nigel Bailey** » Mon Jul 27, 2009 11:27 am

Graham

Have you looked at the Starduster Too?
It's an LAA friendly aeroplane (with a mod here and there) and should be OK on a PTF. They're going for about £17K to £22K on Barnstormers.com at the present $/£ rate. About £3K to ship it back to the UK plus the government's VAT grab of course. Still seems to me to be a lot of aeroplane for that money and it's got to be more fun than an old 150 surely!!