On Tuesday, November 20, 2012 10:49:54 AM UTC-7, Terry Pitts wrote:
All,



I've been looking at the adds at Wings and Wheels for the last year. I've often looked at ads here in Europe and thought, "Why can't I find this XYZ be in the US?" The sudden "ah ha!" moment came yesterday as I was looking at ads on Tim's website and saw a glider with German registration.



I've looked at the FAA's website. From a registration perspective it doesn't look awful, but what are the issues/implications associated with bringing a glider from Europe to the US? I realize I have to find a way to ship it. Instruments need to be converted to knots, feet, etc.



The basic target would be an older club class glider (LS1, DG100, Cirrus, etc.) in the low to mid teens range. That seems do able in Germany. Then add shipping. Etc.



It's hard to tell without taking some notes and doing some math, but it looks like comparable gliders are cheaper in Europe than in the US. Is that a supply and demand thing - lots more gliders here than in the US? If prices are higher in the US for a comparable aircraft, maybe I could fly one for a few years and break even?



I know Winter and other companies make instruments for the metric and US markets. Is it easy to get the faces changed? Worth doing some sort of maintenance at the same time?



Is it worth the effort?



Lots of questions, I know. If you have experience or advice on this topic, please share.



Thanks.



Terry

I've known it to be done easily and not so easily. At a minimum, the glider should arrive in the US with an export airworthiness certificate and documents showing the previous owner's registration was surrendered for the purpose of export. A bill of sale with both the old owners signature and the new owners signature as well as selling price helps. That's not comprehensive document list so I suggest dealing with a trusted broker in the originating country. Their fee is worth it.

A bad case was a Twin Astir imported in an owner to owner DIY buy-n-ship deal. It arrived with current Dutch airworthiness and registration certificates which didn't get the new owner far with the FAA. IIRC, straightening that mess out took almost a year.