Technical checks, legal documents, negotiation, transfer of ownership, taxation and financing: everything you need to know before signing.
Buying an aircraft is an important decision that requires rigorous preparation. Before looking at listings, clearly define your project: intended use, level of qualification, overall budget including operating costs.
Local leisure flying, long-distance travel, instrument flying, glider towing, training: each use implies a different type of aircraft.
PPL, LAPL, CPL, IR, ME, type rating: make sure your licence matches the aircraft you are targeting.
Purchase price, overhaul, insurance, hangar, fuel, maintenance. Budget generously — surprises do happen.
Proximity to an airfield with an available hangar and an approved maintenance workshop nearby.
The choice depends directly on your use, your qualifications and your flying area. Here is a comparison of the main categories available on Aircraft2Sell.
| Category | Typical use | Minimum qualification | Average budget |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light single-engine aircraft | Local leisure flying, VFR travel, initial training | PPL / LAPL | €30,000 – €250,000 |
| Piston multi-engine | Long-distance travel, IFR training | PPL + ME (MEP) | €80,000 – €400,000 |
| Turboprop | Business travel, light cargo, charter | PPL + IR + ME or type rating | €300,000 – €3M |
| Light / very light jet (VLJ) | Fast business travel, private charter | Type rating (ATPL) | €800,000 – €5M |
| Mid-size / heavy jet | Long haul, VIP passengers, cargo | Type rating + ATPL | €3M – €30M |
| Airliner | Commercial transport, cargo, ACMI | ATPL + type rating | €500,000 – €80M |
| Single-engine helicopter | Leisure, instruction, surveillance, tourism | PPL(H) / LAPL(H) | €80,000 – €500,000 |
| Multi-engine helicopter | Offshore, SAR, VIP transport, EMS | CPL(H) + type rating | €500,000 – €5M |
| Microlight / ultralight | Leisure, discovery, local flying | Microlight licence (3-axis / weight-shift) | €10,000 – €150,000 |
| Amphibious / seaplane | Waterborne tourism, remote areas | PPL + seaplane rating | €100,000 – €1M |
| Glider / motor glider | Performance flying, competition, discovery | Glider pilot licence | €20,000 – €200,000 |
| Warbird / historic aircraft | Collecting, air shows, preservation | PPL + specific type rating | €50,000 – €5M |
Before making any offer, these checks are essential. Do not sign anything and do not pay any deposit before completing them.
The listed price is rarely the final price. Here is how to structure your offer and the elements that influence negotiation.
Consult reference price databases: AVAC (European reference), Vref or Aircraft Bluebook (American references). Compare with similar listings on Aircraft2Sell to know the current market.
High engine hours, outstanding ADs, dated avionics, condition of the paint, upcoming overhauls: each point is an argument.
Make an offer subject to a satisfactory pre-purchase inspection. Pay only a symbolic, refundable deposit in case the inspection reveals major defects.
If the inspection reveals work needed, get a quote and request an equivalent price reduction, or require that the work be completed before the sale.
Once the price is agreed, draft a preliminary sales agreement with conditions precedent before paying the balance.
The sale of an aircraft is governed by strict rules. Here are the essential documents to check and require during the transaction.
Issued by the DGAC (France) or EASA. It must be valid on the transfer date.
Official proof of ownership. Check that the seller's name matches exactly.
Flight logbook, engine logbooks, airframe logbook: continuity is mandatory.
Complete history of work, ADs, SBs and modifications. Request the work orders.
Mandatory onboard document. It must match the registered version.
Draft a contract specifying: parties, subject, price, condition, warranties, conditions precedent.
Once the contract is signed and payment has been made, several administrative steps are needed to finalize the transfer and fly legally.
Both parties sign the contract. Keep an original copy. Payment of the balance can be secured via SWIFT wire transfer or a notarial escrow.
In France: file a transfer application with the DSAC Nord (Aircraft Registration Office, Athis-Mons) or via the demarches-immat.aviation-civile.gouv.fr portal. The original bill of sale is required. In other countries: notification to the competent national authority.
If the aircraft changes registers (for example from D- to F-), file a deregistration application with the previous register and a registration application with the new one.
Contact your insurer before flying. You must be covered from the moment you take possession, not from the registration date.
Carry out an acceptance flight with a qualified pilot to confirm proper operation before your first flight alone.
Buying an aircraft raises important tax questions, particularly in the case of a cross-border purchase within Europe. The rules depend on the status of the buyer and the aircraft.
For a new aircraft bought in another EU country, VAT is due in your country of residence. For a used aircraft between private individuals, VAT generally does not apply.
If the seller is subject to VAT, the purchase may involve intra-community VAT: the VAT of the destination country applies via reverse charge or direct invoicing.
Buying an American aircraft involves an EASA import procedure, possible customs duties and import VAT (20% in France). A conformity inspection by the DGAC may be required.
Rental, charter, paid transport: specific VAT rules apply. Domestic flights are subject to VAT, international flights are exempt.
Buying an aircraft with others (2 to 4 co-owners) is a common practice in light aviation. It allows fixed costs to be split while maintaining regular access to the aircraft, but it requires a solid legal framework.
A shared aircraft legally constitutes a joint ownership (indivision). Each co-owner holds a share (50/50, 33/33/33). A joint ownership agreement drafted by a lawyer is strongly recommended.
It should set out the shares, the rules for use and booking, the allocation of costs, decision-making rules and exit conditions (buyout of a share, pre-emption, forced sale).
The policy must explicitly list all authorized pilots. The premium, calculated on the value of the aircraft, is shared proportionally: budget 2 to 5% of the insured value.
In the event of a dispute, a co-owner can seek a court order for the sale of the aircraft (article 815 of the French Civil Code). Plan for a priority buyout clause and provisions for a co-owner whose medical fitness is suspended.
Cash purchases remain the majority in light aviation, but financing solutions exist for business aircraft and for some light aircraft above €50,000.
For light aircraft (€30,000 to €150,000), a personal loan or an earmarked loan may suffice. Usual down payment: 20 to 30%. The aircraft often serves as collateral through an aircraft mortgage registered with the DGAC.
Lease over 5 to 12 years with a purchase option, suited to businesses (deductible expenses). Offered notably by Global Jet Capital, Crédit Agricole CIB and Société Générale Private Banking for business jets.
Organizations such as General Aviation Partner offer financing tailored to light aviation, helicopters and microlights, where traditional banks tend to hesitate.
The aircraft can be pledged as collateral through a mortgage registered with the DGAC. This mechanism secures the lender and can help obtain better terms.
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