Why a pre-purchase inspection is essential
Unlike a car, a used aircraft may have undergone major repairs that are not visible to the naked eye. A pre-purchase inspection carried out by an independent, approved mechanic is the best protection against unpleasant surprises, whether you are buying for personal use or to add to a professional fleet.
A structural defect, hidden corrosion or an unapplied airworthiness directive can represent tens of thousands of euros in repair costs. The cost of an inspection is negligible by comparison.
Documents you must check
Before you even travel to see the aircraft, ask the seller for a copy of the following documents. An incomplete or inconsistent file is an early warning sign.
- Certificate of airworthiness — must be currently valid, with an up-to-date airworthiness review certificate (ARC).
- Flight logbook — complete flight history, with no unexplained gaps.
- Engine logbook — total time and time since overhaul (TTAF / SMOH), consistent with the flight logbook.
- Propeller logbook — check for the absence of shock loading and that overhauls are up to date.
- Weight and balance sheet — must be current after any equipment modification.
- Repair history — recorded in the maintenance logbook, with the corresponding work reports.
- Applicability of airworthiness directives (AD) — full list and compliance status of each one.
The technical inspection
A pre-purchase inspection generally includes a full walk-around of the aircraft (airframe, flight controls, electrical systems, instruments), a ground engine run and a test flight. Expect to pay between €500 and €2,000 depending on the aircraft's complexity.
What the mechanic examines
- Airframe: corrosion, cracks, play in the joints, condition of rivets and skin.
- Engine: cylinder compression, leaks, condition of hoses, oil analysis if available.
- Landing gear: shock absorbers, brakes, tires, absence of deformation.
- Avionics: operation of each instrument, radios, transponder, GPS.
- Test flight: flight behaviour, engine temperatures and pressures, trim, symmetry.
How an inspection unfolds
First agree in writing with the seller on the scope of the inspection, the location (ideally your mechanic's workshop) and who covers the ferry-flight costs. The inspection generally takes one day for a single-engine aircraft, and two to three days for a twin or a turboprop.
At the end, you receive a written report listing the defects found, ranked by severity, with an estimated repair cost. This document is your basis for negotiation.
After the inspection: negotiate or walk away
Three outcomes are possible: the aircraft is compliant and you proceed with the sale; minor defects are noted and you negotiate a price reduction or their repair before the sale; or major defects appear and you walk away. In the latter case, the cost of the inspection is money well spent, not a loss.