Plan for 2 weeks as the inspection and then crating is straight forward, but organising the shipping can take serious time.
Negotiation - This needs to be done first, sight unseen, on the basis of confirmation once visually inspected. You lose all bargaining power once you go to all the trouble and expense of getting there. The seller very kindly put me up in his house during the time, but of course this killed off any chance to get tough on the price. Make sure you negotiate on the kit, all the extras that might be included (e.g. landing lights), crating assistance, packaging materials (also padding), tools required, a forklift (how else you going to get those crates onto a truck?) and trucking to the designated depot.
Payment - I had real problems sending money from Europe to the USA. Probably not such a problem from Australia however the Americans operate on SWIFT codes and Europe operates on IBAN & BIC codes. Every cent you can carry in cash means you lose less on transaction costs and foreign exchange costs. The banks will transfer at the rate they deem appropriate! However there are cash limits into and out of countries.
Inspection - Regardless if it’s a kit or a completed aircraft, you can ask the local EAA president for assistance in inspecting the aircraft. This is useful if, like me, you have little idea what the difference is between a well-built kit or otherwise. The kits have hundreds of parts and while I laid out everything on the hanger floor, it is virtually impossible to do a complete inventory. At some point you have to trust the seller that all the parts are there. The down side is that it costs a lot to replace these parts if they are not there. Ensure you get all the manuals and log books (engine), the original Bill of Sale and the original packing list.
Crating - This has to be thought out well ahead and assure that your seller has the space and tools to assist. I was lucky because my seller had a full workshop with table saws and all the tools I needed. He very kindly assisted in all the work needed to put 2 large crates together. He even had a mobile engine trolley to move the O-320 around. If you get an engine, bolt it onto a large sheet of ply and bolt this into the base otherwise the engine can “walk” and destroy what is left over in the crate or drop through the floor – if using OSB.
Whatever you do, do not use timber in the crate!! OSB or Plywood sheeting is OK, but not solid timbers, which I made the frame out of. Australian quarantine restrictions means the crate then has to be fumigated. It can be done on the Australian side, but in my case I sent the 2 crates LCL (less than container load) – means a shared container. The shipper refused to accept them as the crates may have infected other client’s goods and who was going to pay to fumigate all these. I had already sealed the crates and so I had to either pull them apart and replace the timber frame with steel or pay $500 to have them fumigated. Time was running short so I had to pay the $500.
Ensure a forklift can get under each crate and, if the crates are 4m long, make sure a forklift can access the crate from the ends. It is the easiest way to slide the crates into a 20’ container. If you make it difficult for the drivers you may not like what you see on the receiving end. Crating materials cost $500 and it took 3 days. Shipping a full 20’ container costs at least twice LCL, but has the advantage that the individual crates are not at the mercy of the forklift drivers.
Engines – you don’t have an engine, you have a “block” or “core”! If you call it an engine, IMDG (International Marine Dangerous Goods) will be interested and that will cost you inspection and certification costs. The Code actually is only interested in fuel in engines and fuel lines, tanks, etc. Make sure you take photos of the “core” as evidence.
Shipping - Look for a customs and freight agent in the seaboard city closest to your aircraft, and shop around. All agents are keen to quote, but then you have to pay for the land transport to their depot and this can be expensive. I became an expert on the unseen costs as many quote on just the basics and then you’ll get a rude shock on the “extras” (e.g. the firm will charge to forward the paperwork to your agent on the Australian side!) Trying to compare apples to apples is very difficult. I had no luck in getting a step-by-step guide to what had to be done when and what paperwork was required. Agents seem to let you know at the last minute, just as you are trying to get out of the place. Note that Sheriff of Nottingham (ACS) will charge 10% on the sale price, the shipping costs AND the marine insurance.
Final problem - the USA requires the seller to apply for an EIN (Employer ID No.). Mine refused! He claimed he would end up having to pay tax on the sale. After lots of ringing around, we found out that you can bypass this rule by showing your entry stamp and boarding passes.
As yet, the crates haven’t landed in Oz, so there might be more to this story..
