Airworthiness documents
A serious buyer will systematically check that the aircraft is compliant before even travelling to see it. Prepare these documents in advance to speed up the transaction.
- Certificate of airworthiness — currently valid, with an up-to-date airworthiness review certificate (ARC) and its expiry date clearly stated.
- Certificate of registration — copy of the current certificate, in the seller's name.
- List of applicable airworthiness directives (AD) — with proof of compliance for each one.
- Weight and balance sheet — up to date after any equipment modification.
Logbooks and maintenance history
A complete and consistent logbook history is often what separates a quick sale from months of fruitless negotiation.
- Flight logbook — no unexplained gaps, up to date through the last flight.
- Engine logbook — total time and time since overhaul (TTAF / SMOH) consistent with the flight logbook.
- Propeller logbook — complete history, noting any shock loading incidents.
- Maintenance invoices and work reports — ideally filed chronologically, with invoices from approved workshops.
- Report from the last annual inspection — dated less than 12 months ago to reassure the buyer about the aircraft's current condition.
Ownership documents
Beyond airworthiness, the buyer and the future registration authority will require proof that you are the legal owner, free of any encumbrance on the aircraft.
- Title deed or last bill of sale — establishing the chain of ownership.
- Certificate of no lien or mortgage — essential if the aircraft was financed by a loan, to prove it has been fully repaid.
- Current insurance certificate — to be handed over to the buyer for the transition period.
The bill of sale
The bill of sale legally formalises the transfer of ownership. At minimum it must state the full identity of both parties, a precise description of the aircraft (manufacturer, model, serial number, registration), the agreed price, the transfer date and the flight hours at the time of sale.
After signing
Once the sale is signed, promptly notify your insurer to cancel or transfer your policy, hand over the entire physical and digital file to the buyer, and check with the airworthiness authority that the change-of-owner request has been properly registered within the required timeframe, so you are no longer held responsible for the aircraft.