Federal Aviation Administration

Import Airworthiness Approval

Updated: 6:37 pm ET May 3, 2007

Documentation needed to import an aircraft, aircraft engine, or propeller from a foreign country into the United States
You should receive an export airworthiness approval (or equivalent certifying statement) from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) of the country of manufacture. The US and the country of manufacture must have a bilateral agreement. This export airworthiness approval from the country of manufacture certifies that
  • the product conforms to its U.S. type certificate;
  • is in a condition for safe operation; and
  • has been subjected to a final operational check by the manufacturer.

Documentation that should accompany materials, parts and appliances imported from a foreign country into the United States
You should receive an export airworthiness approval from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) of the country of manufacture for materials, parts and appliances. The US and the country of manufacture must have a bilateral agreement that specifically covers their acceptance. The export airworthiness approval certifies that the applicable requirements have been met and the materials, parts and appliances are eligible for installation on a product for which the U.S. has issued a design approval.

6:37 pm ET May 3, 2007