Flying Over Borders

When an airplane is sold to a purchaser in another country, there are two basic procedures that must be completed: an export and an import. Prior to being decommissioned or exported, the aircraft must have an Export Certificate of Airworthiness (C of A).

«Marco Aurelio Zamora Navarro, the Project Coordinator for Major Repair and Alteration (MRA) at SKYHAWK Aviation, is dedicated to researching and implementing procedures to ensure his clients receive everything they need during a transaction.

Acting as a consultant for clients in the purchase and sale of aircraft, as well an expert in repair and alteration, I facilitate the process in every aspect, according to each individual need.

Dedicated to the Import and Export of aircraft.

The process of selling an aircraft to a buyer in a different country involves two main procedures: export and import. Firstly, the aircraft must be deregistered or exported from the country of registration with an Export Airworthiness Certificate (EAC). The plane is then transported and goes through customs. An Import EAC will be required for the new country of registration, which is only released if the aircraft has met the regulations and requirements of the local aviation authority.

I serve as a consultant for clients purchasing aircraft and as an expert in repair and alteration. The installation of certain equipment may not be recognized as an upgrade or modification made in another country. I also specialize in the sale, import and export of aircraft and helicopters.

Obtaining field approval for the installation can be a frustrating and uncertain process, as buyers may have to pay to have the installed modification removed and the original configuration reinstalled. Due to the fact that each country has different tax laws, a variety of civil aviation authorities with different regulatory requirements, conflicting legal requirements, varying customs qualifications, and a variety of business practices, a already complex process can become even more complicated.

WHAT AM I GOING TO BUY?

When a potential buyer wishes to import an aircraft, Aviacion.VIP prefers to be involved from the beginning. Acting as consultants, we walk the customer through the pre-purchase evaluation to ensure that realistic expectations are set for the state of the aircraft. A detailed evaluation and thorough review of the records determine if everything aligns, and is vital for a competitive offer.

“WE SET OUR EXPECTATIONS UPFRONT AND OVERSEE THE PROJECT. IF THE CUSTOMER HAS ANY QUESTIONS, WE CAN ANSWER AND RESOLVE THEM ON SITE.«

When a customer purchases an aircraft internationally, we have to take into account the different processes and products used in that country, and being aware of these differences when evaluating an aircraft can prevent many problems later on. Taking into account these various items, a purchase price is negotiated, a scope of work is defined in preparation for the necessary modifications and engineering required to issue an EAC for the new country of registration, the pre-purchase evaluation is completed, the aircraft is exported and the transaction is closed.

Modification and Approval

As an authorized organization for repair and maintenance review (MRO), Aviacion.VIP is heavily involved when aircraft modifications are required for importation. Over the past decades, we have strived to make this part of the process, which is often the most complicated, as transparent and smooth as possible.

Our position is that all systems must be operable and in safe operating conditions to complete the import/export process. That is simply a standard of Aviacion.vip

Deregistration

The process of deregistering an aircraft and registering it is similar to buying a house or a car, but on an international level. When a customer wants to buy or sell an aircraft, it must be deregistered and Aviacion.VIP often advises that the purchase price be placed in an escrow account. Once the sale is completed, the new owner, with the assistance of the title company, submits the required documentation to the regulatory authority of the new country of registration. The escrow arrangement helps smooth out some of the struggles between buyers and sellers that would otherwise be difficult, as the buyer typically wants the aircraft deregistered and the deregistration notice delivered to the regulatory authority of the new country prior to closing. That would allow the aircraft to be registered immediately in its new country. On the other hand, sellers may be worried that the buyer will default or withdraw from the agreement after the aircraft has been deregistered. If that happens, the seller may not be able to move the aircraft until it is registered again in its home country. Cross-border sales also involve different currencies, but the price is generally determined in USD. The buyer or seller may want to speed up or slow down the process depending on the strength of the US dollar, and these fluctuations are something that our sales team monitors during the transfer of funds. Sales, import and export of aircraft and helicopters, aircraft sales, and helicopter sales.

Completing a Successful Transaction

The buyer or seller may want to speed up or slow down the process depending on the strength of the US dollar, and these fluctuations are something our sales team monitors during the transfer of funds.

Once the aircraft is evaluated and the scope of modification is defined to meet FAA requirements, a Letter of Compliance is issued to the potential buyer indicating exactly what remains before receiving their Standard Airworthiness Certificate. This letter informs them of the application process and outstanding issues once their aircraft is placed on the FAA Registry. At that point, the aircraft can be modified to meet FAA standards, with the seller’s permission, or simply sold and deregistered from the foreign CAA and registered with the FAA. Shortly after registration, provided all maintenance and modifications have been completed, the aircraft receives its Standard Airworthiness Certificate. Due to the additional processes, international aircraft sales can be more expensive than domestic, but the option to buy or sell an aircraft globally offers the buyer more options and the seller more potential customers. Sales, import and export of aircraft and helicopters, aircraft sales, and helicopter sales.

Tips before buying a used plane.
An opinion from a mechanic and an expert will help you in the process.