20 Questions To Ask When Buying A Pre-Owned Aircraft Using Information Online
Where do I start researching aircraft information online…?
You can start by joining VREF Online – a database of thousands of aircraft with historical information, aircraft specifications, and more. You can also:
- Look up the exact aircraft serial number
- Watch YouTube videos
- Listen to popular aviation podcasts
- Research aircraft manufacturers for valuable resources
As you dive deeper into your research, you may want to jot down the following 20 questions to ask when buying a pre-owned aircraft.
1. What Is The Total Time (TT) On The Airframe?
Buying an aircraft with a high total airframe time doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a bad plane. You should, however, look further into total airframe time as it can indicate overall wear and potential maintenance needs. As a general rule, the higher the airframe time, the more you should look into an aircraft’s history.
2. Can You Provide Recent Photos Or A Virtual Tour Of The Aircraft’s Exterior & Interior?
If possible, see the aircraft in person or hire someone to view it for you. Search online videos discussing the aircraft in detail. You might also want to request a virtual tour, photo gallery, or updated photos.
3. Can You Provide The Complete Maintenance History & Logbooks?
Complete aircraft maintenance history and logbooks give you direct insight into how well the aircraft has been cared for, stored, and maintained. Be on high alert toward anyone unwilling to share aircraft maintenance history and logbooks. In case you missed it, read A Guide: Buying An Airplane With Missing Logbooks.
4. When Was The Last Annual Inspection Performed?
Speaking of history, it’s common to want to know more about an aircraft’s last annual inspection. Annual inspections for pre-owned aircraft are critical in maintaining compliance with federal regulations. Annual inspections can also reveal conditions that may require repair or replacement. Specific inspection requirements can vary based on the type of aircraft and its main use. Other helpful sources include information from the FAA and the aircraft maintenance manual.
5. What Is The Engine Time Since Overhaul Or New?
An aircraft’s engine time since overhaul or new is crucial for estimating a plane’s remaining engine life and possible future costs. A few related terms to keep in mind when buying a pre-owned aircraft include:
- Time Between Overhaul (TBO)
- Time Since Overhaul (TSO)
- Time Since Repair (TSR)
- Time Since New (TSN)
6. Are There Any Upcoming Major Maintenance Items Or Inspections Due?
Immediate needs aside, learning more about upcoming aircraft maintenance is a tool you should use to budget for near-future expenses.
7. What Avionics Package Is Installed & When Was It Last Updated?
To be clear, avionics packages can vary widely from one aircraft to another. This means it’s important to know exactly what’s installed and how well it operates before you buy. An avionics package can impact aircraft capability and possible upgrade costs.
Subscribe to VREF Online for in-depth aircraft data.
8. Is There A Damage History & If So, What Repairs Were Made?
Buying an aircraft with a history of damage doesn’t necessarily make it a “bad buy.” However, it is still important to get all of the facts about its damage history, if any, to understand completely how any past incidents could affect its airworthiness or value.
9. How Has The Aircraft Been Stored?
Whether in a hangar or private garage, knowing how and how consistently an aircraft has been stored helps indicate the potential for corrosion or weather-related damage. This is especially important to keep in mind with aircraft sold in tropical or particularly humid climates.
10. What Is The Current Paint Condition?
In addition to getting an accurate description and visuals, ensure to ask when or if the aircraft was last painted. It is possible for aircraft paint to impact aesthetics and protection against corrosion – an aircraft killer.
11. What Is The Condition Of The Interior?
Whether a pre-owned aircraft interior is original, revamped, or refurbished, it’s important to know every detail. Vintage and antique aircraft interiors can still look remarkable after many years. On the other hand, newer interior generally offers more modern comforts while reducing refurbishment costs.
12. Are There Any Modifications Or Supplemental Type Certificates (STCs) Installed?
An STC is a standardized, pre-approved modification that can be applied to multiple aircraft of the same type. This modification might be specific to a specific aircraft and may or may not require formal Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approval, depending on its extent. STCs offer a way to make significant changes to aircraft while ensuring safety and compliance across multiple installations. Without this type of interference, even the smallest “modification” can affect aircraft airworthiness, performance, value, and maintenance requirements.
13. What Is The Aircraft’s Total Fuel Capacity & Typical Range?
Knowing aircraft fuel capacity and range is key to planning operational costs for upcoming trips. Think about the passenger load, amount of luggage, and fuel needed to reach your destination safely.
14. Can You Provide A List Of All Equipment & Accessories Included In The Sale?
Before you sign any type of purchase agreement, lock in an exact list of all expected equipment and accessories. This list should match up completely with the aircraft you receive upon sale if agreed upon and documented by both parties.
15. What Is The Aircraft’s Useful Load & Payload Capacity?
Planning on using your pre-owned aircraft to haul luggage or equipment? The aircraft you want may not end up being the one you need based on how much it can carry with one pilot or with one or several passengers along for the ride.
16. Are There Any Known Issues With The Aircraft?
Don’t be afraid to have this conversation and ask about known issues. Depending on the answer, you may have room to negotiate for repairs or a price reduction.
17. What Is The Status Of The Propeller In Terms Of Time & Overhauls?
Looking at a pre-owned aircraft with a propeller? Similar to checking total engine time, check the total time and time before overhaul. Propellers must be well maintained as their condition can affect aircraft safety and potential overhaul costs.
18. Has The Aircraft Ever Been Used For Flight Training Or Rental?
Buying a pre-owned trainer or rented aircraft is not necessarily a bad idea, however, either situation may indicate the potential for accelerated wear or mistreatment.
19. Are There Any Liens Or Encumbrances On The Aircraft?
Ideally, you want to ensure a clean title transfer while avoiding any potential legal issues.
20. What Is The Aircraft’s Registration History & Number Of Previous Owners?
Depending on how often an aircraft has changed registration, it may reveal potential issues that require frequent or ongoing maintenance.
Comprehensive Aircraft Valuations & Appraisals Fuel Informed Decisions
Online information is valuable, but it’s still crucial to have an expert by your side.
Asking these 20 questions won’t give you an accurate aircraft appraisal. But they may help you better assess aircraft condition, value, and whether or not it meets your needs.
Compare thousands of aircraft online and join VREF Online.
The information provided on this website does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this site are for general informational purposes only.
