Buying a Used Aircraft: How to Conduct a Thorough Pre-Purchase Inspection

Before you buy a plane, you should have an independent and unbiased inspection done by an A&P mechanic. This process, known as a pre-purchase inspection (PPI), is carried out to ensure that the aircraft is in good working condition and worth buying.

The Scope of Aircraft Inspections
The inspection process will provide you with valuable information about the aircraft’s overall health. During the inspection, the A&P mechanic will be able to identify areas of concern that may not be visible. Regardless of whether or not you are buying the plane from someone you trust, you should still perform a pre-purchase inspection (PPI) before making any financial commitments.

It’s easy to get swept up in the love of a particular aircraft, especially if you’re passionate about flying. However, before you commit to buying a plane, make sure that you’re getting the best value for your money.

If you plan to charter a private jet, however, you won’t have to worry about inspections. Companies like Stratos Jet Charters take care of it all. All you have to do is book your flight and enjoy it.

Why It’s Important to Obtain a Pre-Purchase Inspection
A pre-purchase inspection is meant to look for any faults or damages that may not be apparent to an untrained eye. It’s a one-time exercise that allows the buyer to make an educated guess as to the future maintenance issues of the aircraft. The results of the inspection can influence the price of the plane.

If a potential issue is identified during the inspection, the buyer may want to reduce the price of the aircraft to pay for the necessary repairs. This is why it’s important to have a comprehensive pre-purchase inspection completed.

Getting the Inspection Completed
The PPI is an important aspect of any used aircraft transaction, and both the seller and buyer must understand each other’s perspective. The procedure should begin at the start of the purchase agreement, usually at the aircraft purchase agreement (APA) stage. The details of the purchase agreement, including the scope of the inspection, are usually included in the PPI.

The success of the pre-purchase inspection depends on the cooperation between both parties. For instance, the buyer and seller must agree on the location of the inspection. Before you buy a plane, make sure that the facility that performs the inspection has not previously done regular maintenance on the aircraft. This will prevent there being a conflict of interest.

Experience Matters With Pre-Purchase Inspections
When choosing a facility that will perform the PPI, you should look for one that has experience with the specific type of aircraft that you’re planning on buying. Ask for references to confirm their quality of work. Although you should try to get the best possible price for the inspection, make sure that the facility you choose has the necessary experience to carry out the job.

What the Pre-Purchase Inspection Entails
Another area that needs to be resolved during the APA stage is the scope of the investigation. The seller and the buyer have to agree on this subject to ensure that the procedure is successful. The buyer may also want a more thorough inspection than the seller would agree to. This is because, as an owner, you don’t want to spend money on an aircraft that has an unseen problem.

The seller might be worried that a more thorough inspection would reveal issues that could affect the value of the aircraft. This is why it’s important to have a comprehensive pre-purchase inspection. Before buying a used aircraft, make sure that the process is thorough. Also, avoid buying an older aircraft that has been exposed to harsh environmental conditions such as dust.

If the aircraft has a history of damage, be sure it’s thoroughly checked out before it’s returned to service. This will prevent the same issues from happening in the future.

Final Thoughts
The purpose of the inspection is to find signs of wear and damage that might not be apparent to an untrained eye. This will help the buyer identify potential problems that could happen in the future. The results of the pre-purchase inspection can have a significant impact on the price of a used aircraft. If a mechanic discovers a major issue, the buyer might not want to close the deal without a significant price reduction.