Many buyers are so excited to start flying their new dream machine that they’ll often fly right past some key aspects of the critical aircraft inspection process.
Two key requirements exist during a pre-buy process.
The first key is determining who will perform the pre-buy inspection. Sellers typically prefer their local shop, often the same team who maintained the plane during their ownership.
The challenge? What are the chances that the inspection facility will genuinely critique its own work? The more squawks they find, the more the seller might blame them for past oversights.
Instead, it’s wise to have a fresh set of eyes inspect the aircraft. Ideally, this would be the facility the buyer plans to use for future maintenance.
This gives the new facility an opportunity to familiarize itself with the plane, review logs and honestly assess the aircraft’s condition. They’ll also be motivated to perform a thorough inspection, avoiding blame down the road if something fails soon after. They’ll also have an incentive to find issues they can fix – and charge for.
Secondly, often overlooked, the purchase agreement should specify the “delivery condition,” outlining the standard for repairs. To avoid disputes and keep things positive, it’s best to agree on “delivery conditions” in advance, even if it requires extra negotiation. Consider these scenarios:
- Should all systems be functional, or just the flight-related systems?
- What if the air conditioning or lavatory isn’t working?
- Should the aircraft be current with a Part 91 annual inspection or follow all manufacturer-recommended hourly and calendar inspections?
- What if the buyer and seller disagree on necessary repairs?
Why shouldn’t a buyer let the fox guard the hen house? Because they need certainty about the plane’s true condition and agreed-upon results. Hiring an independent aircraft inspection facility provides this assurance, so they can confidently fly their dream machine upon closing.