DAR question: foreign N-reg Experimental?

[thomasjorgensen]

I am an american citizen living abroad (Europe-Portugal).
Will the FAA allow me to build an N-reg Experimental on foreign soil?

Thanks

[RV6_flyer]

It has been done in Canada. The builder had to get a DAR to travel to Canada for the inspection but Transport Canada had to approve operation in their country and a Test Flight area.

[Mel]

Like Gary says, it can be done, but it involves cooperation from the local CAA and considerable travel expenses for the DAR.

[thomasjorgensen]

Thanks guys, exactly what i thought.

On a side note, you know of anyone who has converted foreign Experimentals to N-reg, and what would this require (complete inspection from the ground up with flight testing and whatnot redone or merely paperwork?)

[Mel]

I've done several from Canada. The real "kicker" is that the aircraft MUST meet US Amateur-Built regulations. You must be able to show that the aircraft is at least 51% amateur-built. From that point, it is just like any "new" amateur-built aircraft.

It can never be a "paperwork" conversion because no country recognizes any other country's experimental aircraft.

[thomasjorgensen]

Ok thanks Mel