Forest Aviation was set up in 2003 by Sarah Chapman, a qualified solicitor of eight years, having advised the Aviation Division of Allianz Cornhill Insurance. Clive Chapman joined the team in September 2004, having been previously employed by HM Customs and Excise for over 20 years, and the past 13 years specialising in Aviation matters. He was a founding member and driving force of the Customs General Aviation Centre of Operational Expertise (GA COPE). Well known and respected in the Aviation world for friendly, honest, innovative and quality service. He was instrumental in developing and producing the multi-agency General Aviation report (GAR) form, which is now widely in circulation throughout the United Kingdom. Clive was also the creator of the free circulation certificate (FCC) scheme.
After consulting with other European Union (EU) member states, a format was agreed and successfully implemented. This proved to be very popular with French Customs, who now regularly ask for either an IM4 (C88 in English), or a copy of the FCC.
When Clive left Customs at the end of August 2004, Customs almost immediately made the decision to close the GA COPE team in Southampton. This has had a major impact on the GA community, as they were regularly utilised for numerous GA matters. It is now extremely difficult to directly speak with an officer that has experience in GA matters. Customs response to this situation, is to refer you to the Customs National Advice Centre.
In February 2005, Customs International Trade team, under advice from their solicitors, instructed the GA COPE team to withdraw the FCC facility on the basis that there was no legal basis to issue them. Not much help if you haven't got adequate proof of free circulation status, and you have just had your aircraft detained at an airport on the continent!
We have been discussing this issue with some AOPA members, and are considering challenging this decision. We hope to obtain the backing of other GA associations that have Anti Drugs Alliance links with Customs.
We have on a number of occasions successfully effected the release of aircraft detained and/or seized by French Customs. We strongly recommend that you carry adequate documentary evidence to establish free circulation status. We can provide these documents when you import your aircraft into the EU.
Failure to produce these documents on demand by Customs, may result in your aircraft being impounded, a monetary penalty, and un-necessary delays to you and your passengers.
The link below is an article written by us and published on the AOPA web site. http://www.aopa.co.uk/mt/archives/aerodromesairfieldsairports/index.html