On Tuesday, November 19, 2013 11:49:06 AM UTC-5, wrote:
On Tuesday, November 19, 2013 9:57:58 AM UTC-6, wrote: Dear US-gliding community, it seems likely that I am going to spend about 2 year in the US (NJ area) starting next spring and I would like to bring my German registered glider along. Given it is for 2 years only, I would like to keep the ship under its German flag and keep any changes to glider and trailer to a minimum. This raises a couple of questions and I am hoping that some folks out here can provide some guidance 1) Import duties/taxes: Is there a procedure that exempts me from or minimizes US import taxes/duties? (I would bring it into the country as part of my household belongings, I paid full VAT in Germany on the ship and I do intend to bring it back and not to leave it in the US...) Uli Kremer of Schleicher mentioned a "carnet" but that would only cover 1 year after which the glider would have to leave the US again. Any thoughts? 2) Insurance: Does anybody have recent experience with an insurance that covers a D-glider within the US? Mine seems a bit reluctant.... 3) Trailer: Unsurprisingly, the towing hitch and electric connection between the German trailer and US cars are not directly compatible. I am perfectly willing to exchange the hitch at the trailer itself for a US hitch but is there a way or adapter that "bridges" the electrical systems and allows legal traffic operations in the US? 4) Annual inspection: I am tempted to put the glider on a CAMO+ regime which only requires a physical inspection every 3rd year unless someone here is telling me that there is a D-Inspector (Pruefer Klasse 3) living in the East coast area. Any fact based ideas? When I searched this forum, I did find some older bits and pieces, in particular from a "Thorsten" im CA and a "Michael" in PA who might already have mastered this little challenge but I couldn't find their personal contacts. Any help or contacts are much appreciated. Thanks in advance and best regards Marc Marc, For any number of reasons you may want to register your glider here in the US: You might possibly decide to sell the glider after your assignment is over, saving the transportation cost back home. You might find yourself extending your stay because you like it here (I was on a 2 year assignment some 25 years ago, also from Germany). Your visa is probably good for 5 years. Shipping the glider is easy, ask Cobra for help, they also have contacts to a broker at the port of entry (probably Baltimore). Likely no import or customs fees, don't know a a temporary import. Hell, you might even get your Mehrwertsteuer back if you export permanently. No problem getting an "Experimental Exhibition and Racing" airworthiness certificate. With that, you have an easier time doing small repairs and installations on your glider. Annual inspection is just will be as for any US-based glider, your glider club here will have contacts. Trailer: have the conversion to a 2" ball and electrical system done or do it yourself. That way, anyone in your club can tow the trailer, comes in handy. Insurance: Costello is the insurance broker of choice for most of us here, look them up and send an email. They will be glad to insure you. I'm paying $1,400 annually for a $65,000 hull value on a $1,000,000 policy. Email me directly if you have other questions, in German if you prefer. Herb, J7

It would be wise to check carefully about registering. I have 2 friends who are not US citizens that have their gliders registered to wife or kid because wife or hid is a citizen and they are not. Apparently the FAA won't issue a US registration to a non citizen.
Anyone with more knowledge please feel free to correct what I have said here.
UH