Can pilots fly their own plane internationally?

Question

Also what type of planes could fly to europe from the us

Answer 1

Sure. I even fly other people's airplanes internationally. And just about any plane can fly to Europe over the blue spruce routes from Newfoundland to Greenland to Iceland and on to Ireland. In fact, even helicopters have flown completely around the world. If you don't mind how long it takes and how many stops you make.

Answer 2

Yes, as long as they carry a current passport of Visa from your local consulate (as I had to do for Yugoslavia).

Some of the smaller Lear's don't have the transAtlantic range required but do have pressurization for jet-stream cruising.

Range is always listed when shopping for jets. =)

Answer 3

Yes, as long as you have a valid passport and follow the rules.  You have to make your first landing in the destination country at what is called an "airport of entry," which means an airport where the destination country has a customs station that can check you in and stamp your passport.

If you want to fly around inside the destination country, you must negotiate with the air ministry or aviation agency of that country, to have your pilot's certification recognized there.  US Airman Certifications are still accepted in most countries, though not as many as there were eight years ago.  Everybody knows why.  But you can still go most places on most countries' pilot certifications.

Also remember that when you return to your home country, you must make your first landing at an official Airport of Entry.  When crossing international borders, expect some invasive questions, and don't be surprised if the drug enforcement people take your airplane apart looking for contraband.  They are supposed to put it back together for you when they are through.

Cross the Atlantic Ocean?  Golly.  Many, though not all, business jets will do it.  So will most piston engine twins and some single engine airplanes.  If you want to do it in a piston twin, a Piper Aztec is probably the best.  You don't have to have the range to cross the Atlantic all in one hop; you can go from Ireland to Iceland to Greenland to Nova Scotia to New York if you have a range of around 900 miles.

The AOPA International has tons of information about overseas ferrying and international aviation law.  http://www.aopa.org is the place to start.

The main thing, if you are a reasonably good pilot is to be sure you are really up on your navigation and your orientation, and you keep really up to date on the weather.  And don't try to do it in a hurry.  An overnight in Iceland can be fun!