Just wondering if anyone has experience with importing a plane into the States. A guy is interested in my Citabria from Ohio, and the FAA is telling him that the plane will have to sit for 2 months while they go through the books. Seems like an awful long time to me I imported it to Canada 2 years ago and have all the original logs, and 2 years worth of log entries isn't that much to go through...
Just looking for advice from guys that have experience importing and if was really that difficult.
Thanks
David

David, I imported a Baron many years ago, at the time, it was really easy. Questions:
1) is it a US made aircraft?
2) if it is, did it ever have a US registration?

If the answer to both are yes, (back then anyway) any A&P in the US could request a US registration after:

1) obtaining a letter from the foreign government (CAA) of the cancelation of the foreign registration,
2) a complete inspection (annual)
3)proof of ownership
4) certificate of export (COE)

Things might have changed, but for me it was not difficult

Thanks Patin. I figured it shouldnt be too hard. Both answers are yes to your question. It really shouldnt be rocket science I dont think.

A1Skinner wrote: It really shouldnt be rocket science I dont think.

David,

Don't underestimate our government.......

David, the trick is to do it with someone who has done it before. If you do, it shouldn't be a big problem.

what Ivan said is not crazy even if it is in his handle

I imported a new glider from Germany. The FAA side went well, but I had lots of guidance. It could have gone south big time and almost did. I was lucky to waltz through.

The customs piece is a mine field, too. I don't remember the whole process. But my conclusion at the time was to find a customs broker who knows aircraft and have them do the paper work. The broker needs to be available to speak to the customs people in real time on the phone when you are going through the paper work process to respond to any exceptions. I got lucky again. Aircraft importation is government squared. Mike

Thabks guys. So is it easier if the plane flies to a strip near then new owners home with canadian registration before a bill of sale is mentioned? Or easier with customs if the plane is sold when it crosses?