Buying an aircraft is a huge investment and you should consider many aspects of the aircraft before buying it. Make sure that a stringent inspection of the aircrafts mechanical parts is carried out and the plane’s condition is checked before purchasing a used aircraft. It is also important that you give extra attention to the paperwork, especially the title, certification, and logbook.
Often amateur buyers of used aircrafts tend to ignore the supplemental type certificate or STC while buying an aircraft. An STC is a document that shows that the aircraft owner has the FAA Approval to modify an aeronautical vehicle from its original design. Another important document that you have to keenly look at is the aircrafts title. Because if you fail to practice due diligence then you will end up buying a used aircraft with an undisclosed lien.
Buying a used aircraft is not easy. You have to pay attention to all the small details. In this blog post, we will discuss the things you need to know while buying a used aircraft.
Resale Value
There are a number of factors that will determine the resale value of a used aircraft. You have to keep in mind that any underlying flaws will mean you will have to spend thousands of dollars on its repair work.
Here are some of the things that determine the resale value of a used aircraft.
Engine Hours
It is important that you check the engine hours of the used aircraft. The TBO (Time between the overhaul) or the engine hours have the most significant influence on the resale value of an aircraft. So, in general, an aircraft that is closer to its recommended TBO will have a lower price. Hence, make sure that you buy an aircraft that has a record of consistent use and a good maintenance program. The longer the plane has been stored or parked the more repair will have to be done in order to make it airworthy.
History Of Damage
It is of utmost importance that you check the damage history of the aircraft before buying it. The resale value of a used aircraft is significantly impacted by major repairs. You should also make sure that the repairs have been done in accordance with FAA regulations. If the repairs have not been done in compliance with the FAA regulations then the aircraft is not safe to fly.
Airworthiness Directives
You have to pay close attention to the aircraft's airworthiness directive (AD) before buying it. You should pay close attention to the logbook which will show whether the aircraft has complied with the FAA’s safety requirements. You can visit the FAA’s website and search for the aircraft’s AD’s.
Aesthetic Condition
Before buying a used aircraft make sure that you inspect the interior and exterior of the aircraft carefully. Make sure that there are no signs of corrosion as a paint job can not always conceal major corrosion issues. Apart from the exterior, make sure that the interior is in good condition. The condition of the aircraft’s aesthetics has a great impact on its resale value.
Onboard Equipment
The equipment of the aircraft such as its interior fixtures, AC, avionics, and deicing gear will determine the aircraft’s resale value. So in general the better the condition of the avionics the better the aircraft’s resale value will be.
Tips For Inspection
Here are some tips for inspecting a used aircraft before buying it.
Before making your final decision make sure that you test the aircraft. During the flight test pay close attention to the avionics and other systems, make sure that there are no glitches in the aircrafts system.
- Pro Tip: If the seller refuses a test flight then consider it as a red flag.
- It's a good idea to take a professional aviation technician with you. A professional technician will be able to check the aircrafts condition in more detail, especially its mechanical parts. Also, make sure that you ask for a written report of the findings.
- A professional mechanical technician will also be able to help you closely inspect the logbooks and other important documents, and make sure that you pay close attention to the plane's components, title, AD, and the status of the service letter.
About Acorn Welding
Acorn Welding is a trusted and highly qualified aviation welding company in Edmonton. We have the latest product designs and manufacturing capabilities required for safe aircraft welding. We at Acorn Welding manufacture top-quality aircraft parts and provide you with the best professional services. For more information visit our website or contact us today.
