Aircraft Pre-Purchase Inspection: What It Is and Why You Need One

You found a used aircraft you like. The price is fair and the photos look good. Before you sign, you need to know what is really inside it. That is the job of a pre-purchase inspection, often called a "pre-buy."

The short answer

A pre-purchase inspection is a detailed check of an aircraft, done by an independent maintenance shop, before you complete the sale. The buyer pays for it. The goal is to find problems while you can still walk away or lower the price.

Is it required?

No. Aviation regulators such as the FAA and EASA do not make a pre-buy a legal step in a sale. It is a buyer's choice. Most aircraft brokers and lawyers still tell buyers to do one, because a hidden fault can cost far more than the inspection.

What does a pre-buy cover?

The exact scope is agreed in writing before work starts. A typical check includes:

• Records: logbooks, past repairs, and any damage history.
• Airworthiness directives: mandatory fixes from the regulator, and proof they were done.
• Airframe: corrosion, cracks, and signs of past repairs.
• Engines: a borescope look inside, and a review of hours and overhaul status.
• Avionics and systems: do they work and are they up to date.
• Test flight: to see how the aircraft behaves in the air.

Who does the inspection?

Use a shop that has nothing to gain from the sale. Do not use the seller's own maintenance team. Many buyers pick a service center approved by the maker of that aircraft type, or an approved repair station with deep experience on it. Ask how many of your type the shop has inspected.

How the process works

1. You and the seller sign a purchase agreement with a clause that lets you inspect.
2. You agree the shop, the scope, and who pays for the aircraft to fly there.
3. The shop opens panels and checks records.
4. You get a written list of findings.
5. You and the seller agree who fixes what, or how the price changes.
6. If you cannot agree, the deal can end, depending on the contract.

What if it finds problems?

Most inspections find something. The key is to sort items into groups. Safety and airworthiness items must be fixed. Wear items can be priced in. Cosmetic items are often just a talking point. Ask the shop to give a rough cost for each item, so you can talk numbers with the seller.

Check the paperwork and the cover too

A clean aircraft with bad records is a problem. Missing logbook pages can lower the value and cause trouble when you sell later. Also talk to an insurer early. Read our guide to private jet insurance and the list of aircraft insurance companies.

Know the model before you look

Each type has its own common issues. Read up before you go. Our pages on the Cessna Citation CJ4 and the Embraer Phenom 300 show what these jets offer, and our guide on buying a Cessna Citation covers what to ask before you buy.

Quick checklist

• Choose an independent shop with experience on your type.
• Write the scope down before work begins.
• Ask for all findings in writing.
• Get cost estimates for each item.
• Keep the right to walk away in the contract.

Find the right help

Browse inspection shops and aircraft dealers in our directory: Maintenance and Aircraft Sales.

Sources: FAA (14 CFR Part 91 and airworthiness directives pages); EASA (continuing airworthiness pages); Textron Aviation and Embraer product pages.