How do you export an aircraft when selling?

Exporting an aircraft when selling it to an international buyer involves several steps and requires compliance with various regulatory and customs requirements. Gather and organize all necessary documentation related to the aircraft, including the bill of sale, certificate of airworthiness, maintenance records, and other important paperwork. Verify that all outstanding financial obligations, liens, and encumbrances on the aircraft have been cleared. Check if your country’s export control laws or international agreements require an export license for aircraft sales. Consult with relevant government agencies, such as the Department of Commerce or State (in the United States), to determine if an export license is needed. Ensure that the aircraft is in airworthy condition and compliant with all regulatory requirements for export. Work with a customs broker or export agent to navigate the customs procedures of your country. They can help with the necessary documentation, export declarations, and compliance with customs regulations. Prepare a bill of sale that details the terms of the aircraft sale. Both you and the buyer should sign this document. Request a certificate of de-registration or deregistration from the civil aviation authority of your country. This document signifies that the aircraft is no longer registered there. If required, request a certificate of airworthiness from your civil aviation authority. This may be needed for the buyer’s country to register the aircraft. In some cases, you may need to obtain an export certificate of airworthiness from your civil aviation authority, indicating that the aircraft is fit for export. For airfreight, work with a freight forwarder to prepare the export bill of lading or airway bill, which serves as a receipt and contract for the carriage of goods. It includes essential shipping information. Make arrangements for the physical delivery of the aircraft to the buyer or to a designated location for shipping. Complete the transfer of ownership by submitting the bill of sale and other relevant documents to the relevant civil aviation authority or regulatory body in your country. The buyer will need to complete the importation process in their own country. This may include paying import duties and taxes and registering the aircraft with their civil aviation authority. Ensure that the buyer’s payment is received and confirmed before finalizing the sale and export of the aircraft. Consult with legal and financial advisors who are knowledgeable about international aircraft transactions and export regulations to navigate any complexities. Maintain clear communication with the buyer throughout the process to ensure a smooth export and transfer of ownership. If the aircraft contains controlled or sensitive technology or equipment, verify compliance with international agreements and export control regulations. It’s essential to work with experienced professionals, such as aviation attorneys, customs brokers, and export agents, to ensure that the aircraft export process is conducted correctly and in compliance with all relevant regulations. The specific requirements and procedures may vary depending on your country of origin and the destination country of the buyer.