IMPORTING WARBIRD JETS
Sat Sep 27, 2008 3:39 pm
Does anyone know the steps you have to go through to import a jet these days with US homeland security? What are the challenges new owners face??? Is there some kind of guide book that makes sure you dont buy an aircraft that cannot be imported? I am assuming that one would have to have:
customs
ATF
Homeland Security
FAA
Department of State
has anyone gone through this pain recently?
How long does it take?
Is there a difference between jets and say a P-51?
[/b]
customs
ATF
Homeland Security
FAA
Department of State
has anyone gone through this pain recently?
How long does it take?
Is there a difference between jets and say a P-51?
[/b]
Sat Sep 27, 2008 3:49 pm
If the jet was originally US built, make sure that it was not sold as FMS, or foreign military sales, or technically it still belongs to the US Government, and they will thank you for returning their property as they confiscate it at the dock.
There are several A-37's that were sold to the Republic of Viet Nam, and were imported to Australia that are subject to these restrictions.
Also the Department of Agriculture may get involved it the aircraft is crafted in a wooden crate.
There are several A-37's that were sold to the Republic of Viet Nam, and were imported to Australia that are subject to these restrictions.
Also the Department of Agriculture may get involved it the aircraft is crafted in a wooden crate.
Sat Sep 27, 2008 4:04 pm
AND STAY AWAY FROM THE SEATTLE FSDO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 
never thought of that
Sat Sep 27, 2008 4:23 pm
Wow never thought of the shipping angle!!! Thanks for the tip. I guess wood cradle could carry bugs or something....
is there some site that lists everything you need to import in terms of paper work?
is there some site that lists everything you need to import in terms of paper work?
there are 2 complete mig 29's available for sale in the US
Sat Sep 27, 2008 5:08 pm
right now. IOW you can bring in foreign aircraft more easily than you can re-import American aircraft. Anything can be done but it helps if you have a picture of a government official smiling seductively at a sheep dressed in high heels and nylons.
Sat Sep 27, 2008 10:22 pm
It would also help if the sheep was really ugly. No one wants to be seen with a real bow wow.
...or male!
Sat Sep 27, 2008 10:25 pm
Obergrafeter wrote:It would also help if the sheep was really ugly. No one wants to be seen with a real bow wow.
"honest officer...I was just trying to help the sheep get over the fence.."
Sat Sep 27, 2008 10:56 pm
Talk to t33driver. He has had lots of recent experience. 
Sat Sep 27, 2008 11:46 pm
Maybe, but I've known guys where the entire flight crew was money in on who could be seen coming out their room in the morning with the absolute clock stopper! 
"she was so ugly ,her folks tied a pork chop around her neck so the dog would play with her as a kid.....'
"she was so ugly ,her folks tied a pork chop around her neck so the dog would play with her as a kid.....'
Sun Sep 28, 2008 12:17 am
sdennison wrote:Talk to t33driver. He has had lots of recent experience.
You mean with jets, I hope...
skymstr02 wrote:If the jet was originally US built, make sure that it was not sold as FMS, or foreign military sales, or technically it still belongs to the US Government, and they will thank you for returning their property as they confiscate it at the dock.
There are several A-37's that were sold to the Republic of Viet Nam, and were imported to Australia that are subject to these restrictions.
I may be wrong, but I was under the impression that an ex-Vietnam A-37 was operational in the US which came via the Australian reclamation effort. No names no pack drill, happy to be corrected!
Vulture wrote:Is there a difference between jets and say a P-51?
Sure, lots... Um, the jet entry price is lower, and they're both painful to run? Men will think you are cool if you operate a Mustang, while the girls go for the jets?
Sorry - slow afternoon...
Sun Sep 28, 2008 1:51 pm
Vulture;
Have a search around under "WPM regulations", that should tell you all you need to know about shipping crates and stands. Basically any piece of wood used that is larger than 1/4 inch (so plywood and fibreboard are exempt) needs to be either already treated to kill bugs, or you can have your old crate sprayed. Expensive though. Compliant material has a logo painted on it.
It means that all of those lovely old antique USAAF and other ex-military boxes are just so much firewood now. We don't apply it into the UK as yet, but it will come.
As to the aircraft, it's just as difficult to get an Export License out of the USA. One vendor in Texas wouldn't even sell sixty year old brake parts to me...
Have a search around under "WPM regulations", that should tell you all you need to know about shipping crates and stands. Basically any piece of wood used that is larger than 1/4 inch (so plywood and fibreboard are exempt) needs to be either already treated to kill bugs, or you can have your old crate sprayed. Expensive though. Compliant material has a logo painted on it.
It means that all of those lovely old antique USAAF and other ex-military boxes are just so much firewood now. We don't apply it into the UK as yet, but it will come.
As to the aircraft, it's just as difficult to get an Export License out of the USA. One vendor in Texas wouldn't even sell sixty year old brake parts to me...
Tue Sep 30, 2008 2:10 pm
sdennison wrote:Talk to t33driver. He has had lots of recent experience.
Is there a difference between importing (or re-importing) a US manufactured jet to the States as opposed to importing a US designed jet that was built under licence in another country?
In the case of Paul's (t33driver) T-33, it was manufactured in Canada so are there different rules or does the Gov see the Canadair built T-33 as a foreign aircraft?
Brian.
yes---I believe thats the case.
Tue Sep 30, 2008 2:18 pm
BLR wrote:sdennison wrote:Talk to t33driver. He has had lots of recent experience.
Is there a difference between importing (or re-importing) a US manufactured jet to the States as opposed to importing a US designed jet that was built under licence in another country?
In the case of Paul's (t33driver) T-33, it was manufactured in Canada so are there different rules or does the Gov see the Canadair built T-33 as a foreign aircraft?
Brian.
but I have been wrong before, and there are caveats...like the pacific rim T-34's that were returned but couldn't get certified and were eventually made into coors cans I believe.
Tue Sep 30, 2008 8:07 pm
BLR wrote:sdennison wrote:Talk to t33driver. He has had lots of recent experience.
Is there a difference between importing (or re-importing) a US manufactured jet to the States as opposed to importing a US designed jet that was built under licence in another country?
In the case of Paul's (t33driver) T-33, it was manufactured in Canada so are there different rules or does the Gov see the Canadair built T-33 as a foreign aircraft?
Brian.
Because Canadair T-33s were originally a US based design built with US technical assistance/data, the US government classifies them the same as if they were manufactured in the US, exported and re-imported.