Here's one more idea on the California tax that a friend told me about:

There's an outfit that claims they can help you legally avoid aircraft sales
or use taxes in California.  Check this link for more info:
http://www.astc.com/aircraft.cfm .  I haven't used these people , but they
claim there are exemptions you can use if you apply between 3 and 12 months
after purchase.  Might be worth a look.
   Skip Slater