I have a plan to visit Oshkosh with my aircraft in 2018 but have hit a snag which I hope can be solved by the members of the various forums which I shall plague with a shotgun approach to posting in my search for advice.
I am a British Citizen with an ICAO compliant private pilot’s licence and medical. My aircraft is registered in the UK and operates under a Light Aircraft Association Permit to fly. For our American friends consider that similar to Experimental Homebuilt with somewhat tighter oversight. The aircraft is a Tipsy Nipper – a single engine (VW derivative) single seat aircraft with a max take off weight of 330Kg (726 lbs).
The snag involves insurance. I’ve been a member of the Experimental Aircraft Association for about 40 years so I approached the insurers that feature on the EAA website for cover whilst in the USA. They will only consider N registered aircraft. My UK policy covers me throughout Europe but cannot be extended to the USA. So how do I get 3rd party and hull cover for the US sector of this trip? I’d self insure for the hull if necessary, a value of ~ £13000 / $17000.
I know that foreign nationals flying foreign registered aircraft have visited Oshkosh, and that gliders are regularly shipped worldwide so it must be possible.
Shipping seems reasonably sensible, though costly (there’s a surprise). The LAA seem quite happy to make arrangements for rigging the aircraft on arrival and subsequent maintenance. So the first problem where I’ve drawn a blank has been this insurance issue. Any advice is welcomed.
Jim
LAA002559
EAA97006