Many used aircraft buyers will run into problems when when buying their first airplane. It is not enough to know which aircraft they want, they also need to fully understand the used aircraft purchasing process in great detail. Buying a used airplane is a big step, and putting some time aside to understand what you need to look out for will be worth it in the long haul. Often aircraft buyers still student pilots who are not aware which type of airplanes and helicopters will suit their personal or business needs.

Different second hand airplane models will provide a varied set of features that must be understood. We would advise that student pilots would be wise to delay any decision to purchase an airplane until they have the knowledge to determine which airplane will suit their needs best. Different types of aircraft are good for different types of flying, and new pilots would be better to gain experience before making an expensive mistake.

There are a lot of hidden costs involved – insurance, hangarage, maintenance etc. Unless you fly very regularly, it if often the more expensive option. And, like buying a second-hand car, a used plane needs to first be looked at carefully by an expert.

You should think about the following points carefully before you go any further in your quest to own your own airplane.

Buy versus Renting

Many people make their decision based on how much time they actually spend in their aircrafts flying year after year. For example, if you spend less than 50 hours per year flying it might be better for you if you simply rent an airplane as opposed to purchasing one. If; however, you spend more than that, it could be that you will find numerous advantages in purchasing an airplane, depending on the type that you purchase.

A lot of people will only account for the bulk sum of money required to buy a used aircraft. Don’t forget that you will need to spend money on upkeep and maintenance regularly.

To its advantage, rented airplanes have no commitments in terms of maintenance. You’re free to enjoy flying without any burden upon you.  Of course, that’s not to say that you need to actually perform the maintenance yourself if you don’t have time or you do not have the skills, but you do have the responsibility of paying for it as well as making sure that the work is performed properly. People with very busy schedules may find that this factor alone makes renting more advantageous.

Other feeds outside of maintenane are insurance as well as airplane storage and any airport fees that apply. You will also need to pay for fuel. The amount of money you plane costs in terms of these expenses will vary according to the type of plane you own but it is common to spend upwards of $3000 per year on these costs alone. This figure rises rapidly with your flying patterns and airplane.

Owning your own airplane isn’t just about saving money though. Don’t forget about having the freedom to leave any time, stay as long as you want, always find the plane in the condition you left it, know the plane and its maintenance history and to have the opportunity to fly aircraft types that are difficult to rent.

One of the biggest concerns with owning a used airplane is that if it breaks down, the costs will be massive. Fixing a plane is not like fixing a laptop. You will likely need a big sum of money to repair and often buying a new plane could be the more financially viable option.

Other Advantages of Owning

You are never truley free to fee whenever and wherever you want with rented aircrafts. The issue that tips most pilots over the edge is the availability of rented aircrafts. It is look booking a table at the city’s most popular restaurants – your not always going to get it!

Maybe pilots will be concerned with the level of maintenance provided to rented aircrafts. In terms of mechanical reliability, the unknown worries many people. If you owned your own plane, then you know they will be more reliable due to the level of personal attention they get.

Objective – Which Airplane Will Suit Me Most?

What is it about aviation that you are interested in. Are you keen on acrobatics, sightseeing, fun flying, short trips, or cross-country trips?

The best type and model depends on how you think you will be using your plane. Before you start shopping, defining exactly what you need can help narrow down the field.

Some of the questions that you should be asking yourself are:

  • How many passengers will you typically carry?
  • What type of airstrips will you land on?
  • How far will you fly?
  • re there certain styles such as antiques and classics that you find more appealing?
  • How fast do you need to get there?
  • Will you be flying in congested airspace?
  • A How will your needs change over time?

What About Group Owned Planes

Group-Owned Aircraft – the Ideal Solution?

Many aircraft are owned by a group of pilots, and this may be the ideal solution. There is usually an initial outlay to buy into the group, then a monthly charge to cover maintenance and other ongoing costs, then an hourly rate for flying.

Part ownership means costs are lower, and the admin work is shared. It gives a new pilot a chance to gain experience, and there is also a good social side in many groups . It may be a solution even if only for the short term – and selling a share at a later date is always an option.

You should look into any group purchase carefully, since some are organised better than others. Find out how the particular group does things, and make sure the type of plane is one that he likes and will enjoy flying.

Buyer Inspection & Log Books

The choice is yours but whatever you decide, be sure to give the airplane a thorough inspection. Walk around the plane, look to see if the plane sit level. Look at paint for consistency, it may be a indicator of replacement parts. Make sure the paint’s not cracking or flaking.

The wear on the paint is a good indicator of how the plane has been treated. Has it been left outside baking in the sun and buried under snow, or has it been stored in a covered hangar? Also look for dents, rust and missing pieces.  A plane that has not been maintained well will tend to run into problems very quickly.

Go inside the cabin. How well do the doors close? What is the general feel of the interior? Is it well worn? Does it have an odor? Look at the avionics.

Does the plane have a Mode C transponder? Does the plane have an emergency locator transmitter? If it is missing either, find out why.

As a final step of the buyer’s inspection, examine the log books. Look for the frequency of flights, repairs and inspections.

LogBook Checklist

  • Research all AD notes
  • Check service bulletin compliance. Make recommendation for complying with significant ones that have not been done
  • Check logbooks for damage history
  • Check annual inspection entry for proper signoff
  • Check for IFR recertification
  • Compare engine, airframe, and propeller serial numbers with those in logbooks
  • Verify engine and propeller times since major overhaul

Once you’ve decided that the airplane looks like a keeper then you will want to get an official prepurchase inspection conducted. Some mechanics refuse to do “prepurchase” inspections.

You should be prepared to provide your mechanic with a detailed list of things you want done during the inspection. At the end of this article is a checklist of items that I recommend including as part of every prepurchase inspection.

By asking your mechanic do a detailed job on the prepurchase, you’ll know that the airplane is safe to fly, and be reasonably confident that nothing major is going to cause you any grief in the foreseeable future. A cursory inspection, or none at all, can leave you open to all sorts of problems that are preventable.