The Complete Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist for Buying an Aircraft

Buying an aircraft is one of the biggest investments a pilot will ever make. A proper pre-purchase inspection can save you thousands of euros and prevent expensive surprises after closing the deal.

1. Review the Aircraft Logbooks

Check for: complete maintenance history, airframe total time, engine hours since overhaul, propeller hours, damage history, compliance with ADs, and completed Service Bulletins. Missing logbooks should always raise questions.

2. Verify Maintenance Status

• Is the Annual Inspection still valid?
• When is the next maintenance due?
• Are there recurring inspections coming soon?
• Are there expensive components nearing replacement?

A seemingly cheap aircraft may require €20,000 in maintenance shortly after purchase.

3. Inspect Corrosion Carefully

Pay extra attention to: wing spars, landing gear attachments, battery compartment, cabin floor, tail section, and control surfaces. Aircraft near the coast require extra scrutiny.

4. Engine Health

Request: compression test results, oil analysis reports, borescope inspection, and recent maintenance records. High engine hours are not necessarily a problem if maintenance has been performed correctly.

5. Check the Avionics

Verify: GPS database compatibility, ADS-B compliance, radio functionality, autopilot operation, and glass cockpit software updates. Replacing outdated avionics can easily cost tens of thousands of euros.

6. Verify Aircraft Documentation

Ensure all paperwork matches: registration, Certificate of Airworthiness, Weight & Balance, equipment list, and flight manual supplements.

7. Always Hire an Independent Inspector

Never rely solely on the seller's mechanic. An independent inspector represents your interests and can identify hidden defects before money changes hands.

Final Thoughts

A professional pre-purchase inspection often costs only a fraction of what it can save you later. Browse quality listings on PlaneTrader and connect directly with aircraft owners.