Is it possible to buy and legally fly ex-soviet fighter jets and fly them with a civilian licence?

Question

is it possible to purchase a ex-soviet fighter aircraft, such as a mig-21, ship it back to the US, and fly it as a civilian with a certain licence?

Answer 1

The correct answer to your questions is YES, however there is a few conditions that have to be met.. In accordance with FAA Order 8130.2 the aircraft would be certificated as an Experimental Exhibition.

Former military aircraft should be demilitarized prior to application for airworthiness certification. It is not possible to define what the final configuration of these aircraft will be following this demilitarization. Therefore, because the demilitarization process most likely will involve a change to the aircraft configuration, FAA representatives should not consider an application for airworthiness certification unless demilitarization has been completed.

It is the policy of the DOD that surplus U.S. military property designated as arms, ammunition, implements of war, and other military items will be demilitarized to the extent necessary to preclude the unauthorized use of these military items.

Former military aircraft imported from any other country require an import permit issued by the Department of the Treasury, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF). This permit is granted by the ATF using ATF Form 6, Application and Permit for Importation of Firearms, Ammunition, and Implements of War. In addition, these former military aircraft are required to be demilitarized in order to clear U.S. Customs. Compliance with demilitarization is evidenced by a completed ATF Form 6A, Release and Receipt of Imported Firearms, Ammunition, and Implements of War. Proof of demilitarization will be verified if the applicant presents copies of ATF Form 6 and ATF Form 6A that have been completed by appropriate officials of the Department of the Treasury. If the applicant is unable to produce ATF Form 6 or 6A, the FAA certificating office should contact the ATF Firearms and Explosives Import Branch to determine if copies of these forms are available for the particular aircraft. In cases for which ATF Form 6 or 6A are not required or not available, the FAA certificating office manager will determine the extent of demilitarization necessary prior to airworthiness certification.

Answer 2

It has been awhile, but I saw a MIG-21 for sale for $50,000 in the USA. Look in AeroTrader.
That price is just the tip of the iceberg, though.
You must have a Private Pilot certificate, SEL, with a turbo-jet rating.
You must take classes with a certified instructor to obtain a Letter of Authority (LOA) to certify you to fly that plane.
Since the best flying altitudes for jets are above 18,000 feet msl, an instrument rating would be in order.
The fuel usage will probably be phenomenal, so a large pocket book will also be in order.

Answer 3

Yes, if you have several Million dollars to waste, you could possibly buy an ex-Russian military jet and fly it in the USA.

I believe the only way you could register the aircraft is in the Experimental Demonstration category, which means you can only fly it to and from air shows and formal display events, and to maintain proficiency. No passengers or joy rides.

Answer 4

ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE WITH MONEY (except the usually exceptions: love and time)

you would get it at a comparably reasonable price from the russians.

you would need to pay money for it to be shipped here by a cargo ship.

you would need to hire mechanics to fix and maintain the aircraft.

you need lots of money just to keep it flying aka GAS!

you need to get a bunch of permits allowing you to have a military surplus weapon in your backyard.

you need money to rent/buy a parking space and to use airport

you will need money to train yourself in a simulator first. the planes handle very differently from whatevfer you're used to fllying.

you will NOT be able to fly it at any time with anyone aboard so this means more bribes

the US will NOT let you have a soviet fighter armed or not on their soil meaning you will need to bribe them.

and many more.

so i guess my answer would have to be no. YOU canoot legally fly a ex-soviet fighter in US airspace with only a normal civilian's liscence

Answer 5

yes, especially if you launch from Venezuela or Iran. lol!