Navigating Global Horizons: A Practical Guide to Importing and Exporting Part 25 Aircraft

May 2026

International aircraft transactions are complex, involving a delicate balance of FAA compliance, customs coordination, and airworthiness certification. As a Part 25 aircraft owner, you understand the strategic value of moving assets across borders, but the technical execution remains a high-stakes endeavor.

At Duncan Aviation, our ODA (Organization Designation Authorization) is authorized by the FAA to simplify these steps. We act as your technical liaison, expediting the path to operation or sale by managing the regulatory burden on your behalf.

Key Takeaways

• Start Early 

Engaging our team before the aircraft moves prevents costly delays and identifies certification gaps early

• Documentation is the Foundation

Complete, transparent maintenance and ownership records are the primary drivers of a successful transfer

• Duncan Aviation ODA Advantage

Our direct authorization from the FAA allows for faster inspections and certification than traditional paths

• Remain Compliant

 Adhering strictly to 14 CFR Part 25 and foreign CAA regulations is the only way to avoid significant fines and grounding.

Importing a Part 25 Aircraft into the U.S.

Bringing a foreign-registered aircraft onto the N-register requires proof that the asset meets strict U.S. Type Certificate standards.

Step 1: Engage Duncan Aviation Early

Our Role: Our ODA team coordinates with our Records and Research experts to review the aircraft’s history before it arrives in the U.S., determine compliance with 14 CFR Part 25, and plan any necessary modifications.

Your Role: Share comprehensive maintenance logs and modification history; work with us to ensure a smooth transition from the previous registry.

Step 2: Customs Clearance

Our Role: Our International Compliance Officers coordinate with U.S. Customs to ensure that paperwork is accurate and to determine whether duty exemptions apply.

Your Role: Work with us and a customs broker to file CBP Form 3461 (Entry/Immediate Delivery) and CBP Form 7501 (Entry Summary).

Step 3: Technical Inspection

Our Role: Our Part 145 Approved Repair Station conducts a pre-purchase inspection to ensure the aircraft meets FAA requirements and identifies any necessary repairs.

Your Role: Confirm if there are open FAA ADs (Airworthiness Directives) and be prepared for potential upgrades to meet compliance.

Step 4: FAA Registration

Our Role: We provide access to reputable Aircraft Title Companies to assist with the FAA Aircraft Registration Branch (AFS-750).

Your Role: Submit the Aircraft Registration Application (Form 8050-1), ensure the aircraft is free of liens, and obtain required subscriptions (flight manuals, nav charts, and ELT registrations).

Step 5: Airworthiness Certification

Our Role: We review compliance with the TCDS (Type Certificate Data Sheet) and verify the FAA-approved configuration. If all requirements are met, issue the FAA Standard Airworthiness Certificate (Form 8100-2).

Your Role: Submit the Airworthiness Certificate Application (Form 8130-6).

Exporting a Part 25 Aircraft from the U.S.

Selling an aircraft to an international buyer requires ensuring that the aircraft meets the destination country's specific import requirements.

Step 1: Destination Requirements

Our Role: We verify the requirements of the destination country (using FAA AC 21-2L) and contact foreign aviation authorities if needed.

Your Role: Work with us to confirm exactly what the importing country requires for a seamless hand-off.

Step 2: Export Certificate of Airworthiness

Our Role: We will conduct conformity inspections and issue the Export Certificate of Airworthiness (FAA Form 8130-4).

Your Role: Provide all logbooks, ensure repairs are documented, and submit the Application for Export Certificate (Form 8130-1).

Step 3: FAA De-Registration

Our Role: If requested, we will recommend a Title Company with legal staff.

Your Role: To permanently export the aircraft, you must submit FAA Form 8050-98 (Aircraft De-Registration) to remove it from the U.S. registry.

Step 4: Export Customs Clearance

Our Role: Assist in coordinating clearance with U.S. CBP (Customs and Border Protection).

Your Role: File export documentation, including CBP Form 7501(Entry Summary) and any specific paperwork required by the foreign authority.

Summary of Responsibilities

 By partnering with Duncan Aviation, you gain a technical advocate who navigates the regulatory hurdles, allowing you to focus on your fleet's strategic goals.