Our Personal Stories | Norm Livingstone Family

Welcome to Hawaii - Not Really

Flying Private Plane into the United States

We had been travelling, flying our own airplane around the world. Had visited some 30+ counties over 8 months. We had found even the most intimidating places (Egypt, India, Indonesia, Pakistan and others) welcomed us, treated us respectfully and accommodated our needs kindly.

Now it was time to reenter the USA. As we prepared to leave Christmas Island (Kiribati) I was aware of published regulations needed for us to enter America. But being cautious I used my satellite phone to call US immigration in Hawaii; our destination.

I went through my list of "do's and don'ts) with the officer in Hawaii. Everything seemed great. We left Christmas Island for the 8 hour flight to Honolulu.

We landed after dark as it was winter and short days - but that was not an issue as we knew immigration was open late at night.

Procedures require that pilots contact Immigration by radio once they have landed. I was told to taxi to a certain position and wait for the offers to arrive. They drove up. My wife opened the door of the aircraft and the officer yelled rudely at her "DO NOT EXIT THE AIRCRAFT" We knew that but OK. We were told to get in their car and driven to an office. The interrogation started. Why, what, were, who; it was expected but the tone and treatment was terrible. The last issues was paperwork. I produced everything that was published by the US government; I had it all. Then the officer in charge asked "where is form XYZ" I told him that I had never heard of this form and that when I spoke to the officer by phone the other day that form was not mentioned. His response shocked me. "Yes you talked to me. But you never asked about form XYZ......." He said he was going to fine us $5000 for not having that form.

He went on to lecture us about pilot in commands responsibilities and my failure to comply. Eventually he relented and did not impose the fine.

We got our entry stamps and left with disappointing awareness of US vs Global treatment.

Little did I know that I was in for much more trouble with US Customs and Border Protection later.

CBP Refuses entry - Go Back to Canada

Returning to Home Base in Oregon...not so Easy

This story will seem so impossible that it must be made up. No it is 100% true.

We finished our RTW flight where we had started in Vancouver, Canada.

We had tickets to fly back to Thailand the following week.

Our airplane was US built (in Texas), US registered and US based - in Portland, Oregon so I had to take it back to Portland.

On a Saturday, 5 days before scheduled departure to Thailand from Los Angeles. I prepared the plane to fly to it's Portland base. Lec flew commercially to San Francisco to visit her son. Friends suggested I clear CBP in Bellingham, Washington as it was a smaller airport and registered point of entry only 15 minutes away.

Great off I went. I was met by two seemingly nice agents at the spot designated for incoming aircraft to check in. We talked, checked the plane, documents, licenses and log books. Everything was fine. Walking to their office to complete paperwork the senior agent Dave asked "what will you do with the airplane now that you trip is over?" Oh I said that I would sell the plane as I had another one in Thailand and would not bring this US plane back home.

Wrong......he said "you cannot enter the US to work as an airplane salesman" What! I explained you asked me what I was going to do with the airplane. I would (eventually) sell it. I am not a salesman, when ready I will offer it for sale on the global internet and through US brokers. In fact I was leaving the US in a few days going back to my home in Thailand. I am not hanging around to sell this airplane. He accepted nothing in the way of explanation.

Long story short, he called Canada immigration and told them he was sending me back. I could come back to Bellingham when I had a sales contract with a bona fide US airplane sales agency.

Canada Immigration could not believe what had happened when I called in. He called the US guys every name in the book and said he would get even on my behalf. Sorry for the next US pilot who landed at Boundary Bay in Vancouver.

I had a friend in Dallas who brokered airplanes. So I called him and we put a contract together which he faxed a copy to me. I called Bellingham. Got cowboy Dave on the line. Told him I had a contract in hand and would fax it to him. His boss came on the line and after calling me a "spoiled rich businessman" told me he would not accept a fax. The Dallas agent and I would have to both come to Bellingham office, sign in front of him and if everything else was OK I and the plane could enter.

I had no choice as I wanted to get to Thailand as planned in a few days. My friend graciously flew up. Stayed overnight, obviously at my expense, and we signed the contract and got entry stamps.

My parting words to Dave were "you know Dave, I have spend hundred's of thousands of dollars in the US over the last year. Bought this brand new US manufactured airplane, fuel, airport fees, insurance, hotels and lots of other things. But it seems illegal workers and others, who kill your people, are more welcome than I in your country." I shook his hand and said I will NEVER set foot in the United States again. He said sorry and we walked away.