Buying an aircraft from abroad

Buying across borders takes more preparation than a local purchase, but the global market gives you access to better aircraft at better prices than what may be available at home.

Before contacting a seller, make sure you understand:

• Your home country's import rules — most countries have straightforward processes for re-registering a foreign aircraft, but some require additional inspections or approvals.
• The aircraft's current registration — is it on the N register (FAA), EASA, CAA, or another authority? Each transfer path is different.
• Currency risk — agree on a currency and rate before signing anything.

A pre-purchase inspection is always important — for an international purchase it's essential. You can't easily revisit a seller 1,000 km away after the deal closes.

• Use an independent inspector — not the seller's maintenance facility.
• Review logbooks in person — copies and scans can miss entries or condition. Budget for a trip to see the aircraft yourself.
• Check open ADs and service bulletins — compliance requirements that are current in the seller's country may not match yours.

Our complete pre-purchase inspection checklist covers everything in detail.

To fly or ship an aircraft across borders you typically need an Export Certificate of Airworthiness (Export CofA), issued by the aviation authority of the country where the aircraft is currently registered.

• For EASA-registered aircraft, the seller's national authority issues this.
• For FAA (N-number) aircraft, the FAA issues the Export CofA.
• The buyer's country uses it to issue a new Certificate of Airworthiness under the local register.

Factor in 2–8 weeks for this process — start early.

If the aircraft is airworthy, flying it home yourself is often the most cost-effective option and lets you get to know the aircraft before arrival.

• Transatlantic ferrying is a specialist skill — most owners hire a professional ferry pilot for overwater legs.
• You'll need a ferry permit if the aircraft isn't certificated for the intended flight.
• Fuel planning, weather routing, and life-raft equipment are required for long overwater legs.
• Costs typically range from €1,500–€5,000 for a transatlantic ferry, depending on aircraft type.

For non-airworthy aircraft, or when a ferry flight isn't practical, shipping is the alternative. The aircraft is disassembled, crated, and sent by sea or air cargo.

• Sea freight is significantly cheaper but takes 4–8 weeks.
• Air freight is fast but expensive — typically reserved for high-value aircraft or urgent situations.
• Use a freight forwarder with aviation experience — they'll handle customs paperwork and packing specifications.

Customs duties vary significantly by country:

• Within the EU — no customs duties between member states. VAT rules apply depending on whether the aircraft has been in "free circulation."
• Importing into the EU from outside — customs duty of ~2.7% applies on many aircraft, plus local VAT. Some aircraft may qualify for temporary admission.
• Importing into the US — aircraft generally attract 0% duty under most trade agreements.
• Other countries — rates vary widely. Consult a customs broker before committing to a purchase.

Your regular hull and liability policy almost certainly won't cover a ferry flight or international transit. Before the aircraft moves:

• Arrange transit insurance or a ferry policy covering the route, dates, and any ferry pilots involved.
• Confirm who carries the risk between contract signing and delivery — typically the buyer bears the risk from the moment title transfers.

International aircraft transactions often use an escrow service to protect both parties:

• The buyer places funds in escrow with a neutral third party.
• On confirmation that title documents are clean and the aircraft has passed inspection, funds are released to the seller.
• AOPA, NAFA, and several aviation law firms offer escrow services for aircraft transactions.

Never wire funds directly to a seller you haven't met — aviation fraud does exist, particularly on high-value transactions.