What Should You Look For When Buying an Older Aircraft?

Buying an older aircraft can be a cost-effective way to enter the world of aviation, but it also comes with its own set of considerations and potential risks.

Comprehensive and well-documented maintenance records are crucial when buying an older aircraft. Review these records to ensure that the aircraft has received regular maintenance and that any required repairs or modifications have been properly documented and completed. Examine the total airframe hours (TTAF) and engine hours (TTE) to assess the aircraft’s overall wear and tear. High hours may indicate a need for more frequent maintenance, potential engine overhauls, or structural inspections. Pay close attention to the aircraft’s maintenance history. Look for any recurring issues or areas that have required extensive repairs or replacements. Frequent maintenance issues may be a sign of underlying problems. Older aircraft may have corrosion or structural issues. Thoroughly inspect the airframe for signs of corrosion, fatigue, or damage. Consider having a specialized inspection, such as a borescope inspection, to assess the condition of critical components. Older aircraft may have outdated avionics and equipment. Evaluate the avionics suite and ensure it meets your needs and is compliant with current regulations. Upgrading avionics can be a significant expense. Ensure that the aircraft is compliant with current aviation regulations, including airworthiness directives (ADs) and service bulletins. Non-compliance issues can be costly to rectify. Investigate the aircraft’s ownership history to check for any incidents or accidents. Obtain a complete accident and incident history, and assess whether any damage or repairs have been properly documented and repaired. Consider any modifications or upgrades that have been made to the aircraft over the years. Some upgrades can improve performance, safety, and resale value. Research the aircraft’s resale value. Older aircraft may depreciate more rapidly, so understand the potential future market for the aircraft. Have a professional aircraft inspector or mechanic conduct a thorough pre-purchase inspection. This inspection should encompass all aspects of the aircraft’s condition and systems. Be present during the inspection to ask questions and receive feedback from the inspector. Be aware of any legal or regulatory restrictions related to the aircraft’s age, including noise restrictions or equipment mandates. Non-compliance could lead to costly modifications or operational limitations. Older aircraft may have higher operational costs due to more frequent maintenance and potential upgrades. Budget accordingly and factor these costs into your decision. Obtain insurance quotes for the aircraft before finalizing the purchase. Older aircraft may have higher insurance premiums due to increased risk factors. Research the availability of replacement parts for the aircraft model. Some older aircraft may have limited parts availability, which can lead to delays and increased maintenance costs. Consider your long-term ownership goals. Determine whether the aircraft meets your mission requirements and whether the investment aligns with your aviation goals.

Buying an older aircraft can be a rewarding experience if you are well-informed, conduct thorough due diligence, and are prepared for the potential maintenance and upgrade requirements that come with older aircraft. Involving experienced aviation professionals in the buying process is highly recommended to make an informed and safe purchase.