All countries have their own aviation rules. Even if overseas authorities approve an aircraft, Australian authorities may not.
That's why it is important to understand the Australian rules and technical requirements before you import an aircraft.
These rules apply to all aircraft, whether you fly for fun or work. This includes new and emerging aircraft, such as 'flying cars', also known as personal air mobility or personal air vehicles.
Before you buy an aircraft overseas
Before you sign a contract or transfer money to buy an aircraft, make sure it can legally fly in Australia.
Ask yourself:
- Can it meet Australian certification and safety requirements?
- Is the aircraft a type or model already approved in Australia, or will it be a first-time import that needs extra approvals?
- Has anyone registered, modified or used it for military purposes?
- Do you have its complete maintenance and operational history?
Rules may differ between Australia and the country you are buying from. Take the time to understand how they compare before you commit.
You may wish to engage a licenced aircraft maintenance engineer or certificate of airworthiness delegate to assess the aircraft before you commit to buy.
Transporting the aircraft to Australia
You can fly an aircraft into Australia or ship it as disassembled cargo.
Imported aircraft will need to clear customs and quarantine, and may have taxes and fees.
Find out more about customs for imported aircraft from the Australian Border Force.
Find out more about aircraft quarantine and cargo quarantine and from Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.
If you do not import often, you can consider using a licenced customs broker.
Registering an imported aircraft
Registration brings your aircraft into the Australian system.
You can apply to register an imported aircraft on the Australian aircraft register:
You can alternatively register some recreational and light sport aeroplanes with Recreational Aviation Australia.
Registration of a foreign aircraft can be delayed if it:
- has no data plate
- is still on another country's register.
Some aircraft can fly in Australia without an Australian registration, such as:
- certain foreign aircraft by prior agreement
- some very small recreational aircraft.
These situations are limited and have their own rules.
Airworthiness certification of an imported aircraft
Before you fly a registered aircraft, it may need a certificate of airworthiness. Learn more:
- Advisory Circular 21.1 – Aircraft airworthiness certification categories and designations explained
- AC 101-01 – Remotely piloted aircraft systems – licensing and operations.
For conventionally piloted aircraft, it must be:
- a type that we, or an accepted foreign entity, have certified; or
- eligible to operate in a special category, such as experimental or limited; or
- eligible for operation under an ASAO.
Modifications done overseas may not meet Australian standards. Missing documents can also delay or prevent approval.
Importing ex-military aircraft
Ex‑military aircraft often involve extra challenges. Their design, maintenance and modification history may not meet civil aviation standards.
You may also face operating restrictions and need extra evidence to show the aircraft is safe to fly.
Find out more about importing an ex-military aircraft.
- Buying and registering ex-military aircraft in Australia.
Maintenance and ongoing support
Once you have imported an aircraft into Australia, you must be able to maintain it.
Ask yourself:
- Who will maintain the aircraft in Australia and are they approved?
- Are spare parts and technical data easy to access?
- How will you comply with software updates and airworthiness directives?
Future aircraft and new technologies
You currently cannot fly some new aircraft designs in Australia. These include personal air mobility vehicles, drone-like electric aircraft for personal use and 'flying cars'.
Australian pilot licensing rules also do not cover these aircraft types. This differs from some countries, such as the United States.
If you are thinking about buying these types of aircraft, consider the risks before you proceed.
Importing early or prototype aircraft may involve:
- additional restrictions
- limited operational approvals
- longer timeframes for regulatory approval.
We are reviewing planned changes to light sport aircraft rules in the United States and how they could apply in Australia. We expect this work will support personal air mobility aircraft in the future.