The buyer liked the cosmetics, so a test flight was performed to confirm “hot and high” performance against factory num- bers. Since this proved successful, a final price was agreed upon and the purchase price was sent to escrow. Logbook re- search spanning two weeks was accom- plished and an annual inspection was complied with in preparation for presen- tation of the 222B to a DAR for issuance of an Export Certificate of Airworthiness. The 222B had several STCs and modi-
fications which complicated the export ap- plication. Many discussions ensued with the DAR and with the importing civil avi- ation authority to assure that any special requirements and documentation required
38 August 2012
for the import were met. Finally, all was ready for the closing of the transaction. On the big day, the escrow agent con- firmed receipt of funds, bills of sale, re- quest for de-registration, and closing disbursement instructions from all parties, and then ownership transferred. The buyer’s and seller’s agents had
completed quotations for the delivery along with all required customs documen- tation and insurance. Funds were released to the shipping agent. The buyer wanted the 222B immediately so he elected not to use a roll on, roll off ship with delivery taking 60 days but, rather, had it shipped via air freight for a cost of $70,000. Four days after departing LAX the helicopter
was in Johannesburg ready for reassem- bly. The brokers continued support of the
transaction by sending a USA licensed mechanic to Johannesburg to assist in get- ting the 222B back in the air, including re- assembly, Chadwick blade balancing, and import paperwork. In the words of the buyer’s agent, Vasile Bota of Bionic Avi- ation in Johannesburg, this transaction ended as “a jolly good job with a very happy customer.” This is not always the case, although
steps can be made to ensure a positive out- come. Bota explains, “the problems ex- perienced by customers importing a helicopter are not just the shipment; but
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