If you are in the market for an aircraft, a competent buyer's agent will help protect you from purchasing outside of your budget, ending up with a poor investment, or flying an unsafe aircraft.
Many aircraft buyers focus on the initial price of an aircraft, but don't always consider all of the operating expenses. Sometimes buying a more expensive aircraft with lower operating costs, or a newer aircraft with a warranty might end up being less expensive in the long run than one with a lower initial cost. Conversely, it may be considerably cheaper to buy an older aircraft and upgrade with new engines, avionics, etc. than to buy a new aircraft.
Aircraft hide problems very well, and it takes a mechanic or shop with experience on that particular type to properly perform a pre-buy inspection. Once an aircraft is selected, we will either perform a pre-purchase inspection that exceeds the requirements of an annual inspection, or we will locate a facility with expertise in that model and oversee the inspection ourselves. We never use a shop referred by the seller, or that has worked on that specific aircraft in the past. The aircraft will be signed off as having received an annual inspection. In most cases, the seller agrees to cover the costs of all repairs required as part of the purchase agreement. If they do not agree to these terms, it is advisable to seek a different aircraft.
The log books are scrutinized to insure AD compliance and that the aircraft conforms to its Type Certificate Data Sheet, or any Supplemental Type Certificates or 337's. We will also search for any lapses in maintenance, improperly performed repairs or alterations, accident history, and any liens currently in effect on the aircraft.
A proper pre-buy inspection also involves a test flight and system analysis. This will help to find potential discrepancies that the annual inspection might not reveal. These inspections are critical to insure the aircraft is in a safe & airworthy condition.
We will appraise the aircraft and determine the market value. Beware of appraisers who are not mechanics and do not "inspect" the aircraft. Most aircraft appraisers do nothing more then add up numbers for given components and deduct for hours, damage, etc. However, a freshly painted airplane with new avionics might be worth nothing more than the avionics if the wing spar is cracked or it is severely corroded inside. A proper appraisal is done by a certified aircraft mechanic who is capable of spotting damage or other discrepancies and can give you a approximate quote on the cost to fix such discrepancies.
If you are a pilot/owner, we will provide you with a complete checkout, or full flight training, if needed, to insure you are comfortable in your new aircraft. We cover the cost of simulator school and one month mentor pilot services as well. If you require management services, please click on the link above to find out how we can offer you a full turnkey aircraft management program.
Most brokers charge 6% of the sales price and do little more then find you an aircraft, and doing some paperwork. For 4.5% ($18,000 Minimum), our buyer's agent services include the following:
- Consultation on aircraft type
- Pre-buy/Annual inspection
- Test flight
- Determine current aircraft value
- Negotiate purchase
- Provide sales contract
- Escrow services and Title Search
- Relocate aircraft as required
- Deliver aircraft
- File all documents necessary to record transfer of ownership
- Pilot checkout or flight training to include 1 months of mentor pilot services.
