What To Look For When Buying An Older Aircraft

Purchasing an older aircraft can be a very cost-effective way of getting onto the aircraft ownership ladder, however it also comes with its own set of challenges. Well-documented maintenance records are of vital importance when buying an older aircraft and they need to be reviewed in order to verify the aircraft has been correctly maintained throughout its operational life. Any repairs or modifications must be documented, to ensure compliance. Consider the aircraft’s total time and engine hours when assessing the condition of the aircraft and note how long is remaining until the next engine overhaul is due. Higher hours may indicate the need for more maintenance, overhauls or inspections. See if you can identify any recurring events in the aircraft’s logbooks, to identify any underlying problems that may cause issues during your future ownership. Older aircraft may suffer from corrosion, so it’s worth getting a quality Pre-Purchase Inspection carried-out by an Approved Maintenance Organisation. This may involve borescope inspections, to inspect areas not accessible to the naked eye. Check the aircraft has had any Airworthiness Directives (ADs) complied with, as these issues can be costly to rectify in hindsight. Check the aircraft’s ownership history and look for any incidents or accidents by checking the CAA database of the country in which it was based. While older aircraft are less likely to lose a lot of value, check the depreciation and resale value and note any upcoming legislative changes that may hinder your future resale.

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