Why import from the USA
The American used light aviation market is significantly larger and often more competitive on price than the European market, for equivalent aircraft and condition. Many European buyers turn to it to find a specific model, particular avionics or simply a better price-to-hours ratio. The process remains, however, more complex than an intra-European purchase and deserves to be planned for with a realistic budget.
EASA certification
An FAA-certified aircraft (American authority) is not automatically airworthy in Europe: it must obtain EASA validation or an EASA certificate of airworthiness, via a bilateral recognition agreement (BASA) between the American and European authorities for the aircraft types covered by that agreement.
- First check the model's eligibility — not all aircraft types benefit from the same level of automatic recognition between the FAA and EASA.
- Conformity inspection — an EASA-approved expert must verify that the aircraft matches its certified type configuration, including modifications and installed avionics.
- Potential compliance work — some American equipment (radios, transponders) sometimes needs to be replaced or supplemented to meet European requirements (8.33 kHz, European ADS-B Out…).
Transporting the aircraft
Two main options are available to you: ferry flying by a qualified pilot for the Atlantic crossing (via Iceland and Greenland), or sea/air transport in a container after partial disassembly of the aircraft (wings, tail).
- Ferry flight — faster, requires a pilot experienced in transatlantic flying, appropriate survival and navigation equipment, and favorable weather. Cost generally between €8,000 and €20,000 depending on the distance and type of aircraft.
- Container transport — safer for a valuable aircraft or one not suited to the crossing, but longer (several weeks) and requires disassembly/reassembly by an approved workshop on both sides.
Customs and import VAT
Upon entry into the European Union, the aircraft is subject to customs duties (generally low or zero for civil aviation depending on the tariff classification) and, above all, to import VAT, calculated on the customs value of the aircraft, at the rate of the country of first release for free circulation.
| Item | Order of magnitude |
|---|---|
| Import VAT | Standard national rate (often 20 to 25% of the customs value) |
| Customs duties | Variable depending on classification, often low for civil aviation |
| Customs clearance / freight forwarder fees | €500 to €2,000 |
The most common pitfalls
Underestimating the total budget is the number one pitfall: between the purchase price listed in the USA, transport, EASA certification, import VAT and possible avionics compliance work, the final budget often exceeds the initial purchase price by 25 to 40%. The second common pitfall is an incomplete maintenance history, or one recorded in American units (hours, gallons) poorly translated into the European file — always have the consistency of the logbook checked by your own EASA-approved mechanic before finalizing the purchase.