USA Import Export question

[Walker]

So here's the situation:

Someone picked up a N registered Cessna for importation into Canada. Flew it to Canada but they didn't do their homework and there were at least a few field approved repairs done during its life. TC wont approve the import until someone shells out big bucks (would be cheaper to buy one that's already imported.)

The guy who bought it is desperate to get out of it, so Im looking at buying this thing and bringing it back state side for a quick flip. It has been de-registered with the FAA but obviously NOT registered in Canada. It has a current annual and (I am assuming all ADs etc are up to date.)


The plan would be to buy it, RE import it back state side then sell it back to a Yank (for more money then I put in)
What level of shitstorm of paperwork is going to be involved in re importing it to the states (considering it wont have a Canadian registration.)

Is this a good, bad, or VERY bad idea?

[dominusanopheles]

i would say re-register with the FAA, and do the flip. it still has the current annual as per FAA regs, so don't see where the problem would be, if you showed the bill of sale. i would recommend he re-register with the FAA, you buy it, make sure no liens are on the aircraft, then do whatever you want to do.

you can't re-import something when it's not canadian registered right? lol

[Big Pistons Forever]

My 02 cents, probably more trouble than it is worth.

First hurdle: A Canadian cannot own an American registered aircraft. To buy it you would have to set up an American corporation, doable but not cheap.

Second Hurdle: A Canadian cannot fly an American registered aircraft in US airspace without a FAA pilot license. So you would have to first travel to a US city with a FSDO and get at least an American PPL issued on the basis of your Canadian license (aka the tourist PPL).

Third hurdle: When you fly down to the US you will be exposed to all liability as one off trip insurance will probably be either unobtainable or too costly

Fourth Hurdle: What about sales taxes ? Will you wind up paying US, Canadian or both ?

[cgartly]

Fifth Hurdle: There is no such thing as an aircraft quick flip stateside unless you are going to sell it super cheap.

[GreenStar]

So what kind of plane is it? Where is it now?

[Finnegan]

Just wondering: What are the regs if you were to fly a US registered a/c from point A in Canada to point B slightly south of the border? Do the US airspace regs apply if you took off legally?
I think I would be inclined to explore any possible legal option of getting the aircraft on the ground in the US, lowball a sale if necessary, before the investment eats him alive.
Homework is the order of the day. If there's anything questionable, walk away. I once spent a full 12 hour day getting to Flint, MI via airlines, only to walk 1/4 mile through snowbanks to look at a 170 (opened one inspection cover, saw a little corrosion inside), turn around and fly home, via airlines again. I know of guys that have spent more than double the cost of their imported pride and joy just getting it to pass a Canadian import C of A. The pit just keeps getting deeper.
We had a source in Iowa in the 70's that knew the quality we required and never, ever failed to deliver. When he had something good, we'd get a call, then find a sale, then head south, cheque in hand.
I'd be very surprised if this endeavor somehow turns a profit.

[cgartly]

Problem in this case is it is not registered and unless he has an american friend is unable to be registered. There is no such thing as a temp C of R to permit a non US resident/citizen to temp register an aircraft to fly it.

[c170b53]

Take the feathers off, stuff it into a 28ft rental truck and start driving.

[Big Pistons Forever]

Take the feathers off, stuff it into a 28ft rental truck and start driving.

That is the most practical way to get it back to the US.

Unfortunately the scenario that started this thread is quite common. Anybody who is thinking of buying an American registered aircraft should first seek advice from an AME with a proven track record in importing US registered aircraft. My personal opinion is that for the simpler cheaper common light aircraft like the C172 and PA 28 series, it is generally more expensive to import than buy in Canada, when all is said and done. The only reason to buy a small aircraft from the US is if there are no decent examples of the type available in Canada or it is a big enough purchase ( eg high performance single/twin) that the costs of importing are a an acceptably low fraction of the total costs of the purchase.