Aircraft Pre Purchase Inspection: What Every Buyer Should Know

What a Pre Purchase Inspection Covers

A pre purchase inspection (PPI) goes well beyond a standard annual check. It is a comprehensive evaluation of the aircraft's physical condition, maintenance history, and regulatory compliance. The inspection is normally conducted by a maintenance facility that is independent of both the buyer and the seller.

A thorough PPI typically includes:

Airframe review. Inspectors examine the fuselage, wings, control surfaces, and landing gear for corrosion, fatigue cracks, skin damage, and evidence of previous repairs. They check for compliance with all applicable airworthiness directives (ADs) and service bulletins (SBs).

Engine evaluation. This includes borescope inspections of turbine blades and combustion sections, oil analysis trending, a review of engine logbooks for overhaul history, and verification of time since new (TSN) and time since overhaul (TSO). For turbine engines, inspectors also review hot section inspection (HSI) intervals and any enrolled engine programme status.

Avionics and systems check. All flight instruments, navigation systems, communication radios, autopilot, weather radar, and cabin management systems are tested for functionality. Inspectors verify software currency and check for any open avionics service bulletins.

Records and documentation. This is often where problems surface. Inspectors review the complete maintenance history, confirming that all inspections were performed on schedule, that AD compliance is documented, and that there are no unexplained gaps in the logbooks. Missing or incomplete records can reduce an aircraft's value by 15 to 25 percent.

How Long Does It Take

A pre purchase inspection for a light jet or turboprop typically takes three to five business days. Larger cabin aircraft, particularly those with complex avionics suites or extensive modification histories, may require seven to ten days. If the aircraft is enrolled in engine and airframe programmes, verifying programme status and transferability can add additional time.

Buyers should allow for potential delays. If the inspection reveals a discrepancy, the maintenance facility may need to investigate further, source parts, or consult with the manufacturer's technical support team before providing a final assessment.

What It Costs

Pre purchase inspection costs vary based on aircraft type and the scope of work agreed upon. As a general guide:

Light jets and turboprops: USD 10,000 to USD 25,000
Midsize jets: USD 20,000 to USD 40,000
Large cabin and long range jets: USD 30,000 to USD 75,000

These figures cover labour, consumables, and facility fees. Borescope inspections, oil analysis, and NDT (non destructive testing) may be quoted separately depending on the facility. The buyer normally pays for the inspection, while the seller is responsible for making the aircraft available and covering the cost of any repositioning flight to the inspection facility.

Where to Have the Inspection Done

Choose a maintenance facility that is authorised to work on the specific aircraft type. Manufacturer authorised service centres offer the deepest expertise, but independent shops with type specific experience can also provide excellent evaluations. The key requirement is independence: the facility should have no existing business relationship with the seller or the seller's broker.

Many buyers prefer to have the inspection performed at a facility located near the aircraft's current base to minimise ferry flight costs. However, selecting a facility solely on convenience rather than expertise is a false economy.

Red Flags to Watch For

Experienced acquisition advisors pay particular attention to these warning signs:

Incomplete logbooks. Gaps in maintenance records raise questions about what work was or was not performed. Aircraft with missing logbooks trade at a significant discount and are harder to resell.

Deferred maintenance items. A long list of deferred discrepancies suggests the aircraft has not been maintained proactively. Each deferred item represents a future cost that should be factored into the purchase price.

Corrosion beyond limits. Some corrosion is expected on older airframes, particularly those operated in coastal or humid environments. However, corrosion that exceeds manufacturer allowable limits requires structural repair and can indicate systemic neglect.

Non standard modifications. Supplemental type certificates (STCs) and field approvals should be properly documented. Unapproved modifications can make an aircraft non airworthy and are expensive to rectify.

Engine programme exclusions. If the aircraft is enrolled in an engine programme such as Rolls Royce CorporateCare or Pratt and Whitney Eagle, verify that all programme conditions have been met. Programme exclusions can leave the buyer facing a full overhaul cost that the programme was meant to cover.

Negotiating After the Inspection

The inspection report becomes the basis for final price negotiations. Buyers typically request that the seller address safety of flight items before closing. For discretionary items such as cosmetic wear or avionics upgrades, the parties may negotiate a price reduction rather than requiring the seller to perform the work.

A well structured purchase agreement should include provisions for what happens if the inspection reveals material discrepancies. Most agreements allow the buyer to walk away with their deposit returned if the inspection uncovers issues beyond an agreed threshold.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I skip the pre purchase inspection on a newer aircraft?

No. Even factory new aircraft can have documentation errors, warranty items, or early life defects that a PPI would identify. The inspection also establishes a maintenance baseline that protects the buyer going forward.

Should I attend the inspection in person?

It is not required, but attending at least the final walkthrough allows you to ask questions directly and understand the aircraft's condition first hand. Many buyers send their own maintenance advisor to observe the process.

How do I find aircraft available for inspection?

Browse the current inventory on AeroClassifieds to find aircraft listed by brokers and dealers worldwide. Each listing includes specifications and contact details to arrange viewings and inspections.