Canadian Mechanic in Texas (or Florida or anywhere in between)

[Chrisgoesflying]

I may move to Texas very soon. Visa is processing right now, fingers crossed. I would bring my Comanche with me, which is registered in Canada. It seems like FAA licensed mechanics are not allowed to sign off an annual on a Canadian registered aircraft (dumb rule, the plane is an American plane after all). I would hate having to fly to Canada for the annual inspection. Eventually, I would import the plane to the U.S. but that won't happen until I have a permanent status (green card) in the U.S. In the meantime, it would be great to find a mechanic that has a Transport Canada license but lives in Texas, Florida or any other southern state to do my annuals. Do you have any leads for me?

 

[mondtster]

One option might be to find a Canadian mechanic that winters in one of the southern states. Other than that, I don’t have any leads for you.

 

[Bell206]

It seems like FAA licensed mechanics are not allowed to sign off an annual on a Canadian registered aircraft

That is correct. As whether its a "dumb" rule... I believe it more a turf war between TCCA/FAA at the private aircraft A&P level as at the Repair Station level there are TCCA Supplements/FAA Exemptions that allow certain TCCA/FAA repair facilities to perform work on each others commercial aircraft which I believe can include the ability to sign annuals on private aircraft provided it is listed in the respective "capabilities" list. Perhaps call the TCCA and request a list of any FAA CRS's that are approved to sign C-reg annual in TX?

 

[Chrisgoesflying]

Perhaps call the TCCA

Government up here doesn't work. If I call them, I'll be on hold for an hour and then disconnected. If I email them, I'll get a response in about a year (if ever). We don't pay enough taxes for them to be able to hire enough staff for basic services.

 

[Dan Thomas]

Well, now. My wife and I needed an all-expenses-paid trip to Texas this winter....

 

[Bell206]

Then try calling a FSDO in TX for a list?

 

[Klaus M]

Just a suggestion, Contact a DAR in Texas now. Annual the Comanche right before you leave Canada then get the plane U.S. Airworthiness Certificate over the next year. Many DARs understand your problem and will help as much as possible. You may have to return the aircraft to Canada for one more Annual before the DAR can sign you off. It's worth calling the DAR anyway.
Good Luck