A pre-purchase inspection (PPI) is where a buyer finds out whether an aircraft matches what the seller describes. It is also where most deals are renegotiated or walked away from. Here is a practical checklist.
1. Agree the scope before the aircraft arrives
The PPI should be defined in writing, usually in the letter of intent (LOI) and then in the aircraft purchase agreement (APA). Agree:
- The facility. Choose an independent maintenance facility experienced with the make and model, not one chosen or controlled by the seller. Location should not be the main reason for the choice.
- The inspection package. Often the manufacturer's recommended pre-purchase inspection or an equivalent calendar inspection for the aircraft's age.
- Who pays for what. The inspection itself, any airworthiness findings and any cosmetic findings are usually treated differently.
- Limits and rejection rights. The rectification limits, and when the buyer can reject the aircraft.
- Who sees the results. Buyer, seller, broker, technical representative, lender.
2. Records review
- Continuous airframe, engine and APU logbooks, ideally back to new
- The maintenance tracking report, reconciled with the logbooks
- Airworthiness directive and service bulletin compliance
- Damage history and approved repair data
- Major alterations and supplemental type certificates (in the US, look for FAA Form 337 records)
- Current weight and balance, and the equipment list
- Engine and APU maintenance program statements, and whether they transfer to you
- Export and import records if the aircraft has changed registry
3. Physical inspection
- The agreed inspection package, done by technicians who know the type
- Borescope inspections of engines and APU, unless the engine program restricts them
- Corrosion checks in the areas known for the type and age
- Functional checks of avionics, pressurisation, landing gear and cabin systems
- A condition report on paint and interior, even though they are not airworthiness items
- For piston aircraft, at least a differential compression check on each cylinder
4. Test flight
Fly the aircraft with your representative on board and record any discrepancies.
5. Findings and acceptance
Sort findings into airworthiness items and everything else, then apply the cost split and limits agreed in the APA. Accept the aircraft in writing only when the agreed items are resolved.
Protect your deposit. Keep deposits with an independent escrow agent, with written terms on when they are refundable. Do not pay deposits to a broker or other intermediary.
Who does what
Your technical representative and the maintenance facility run the inspection. An aviation attorney drafts and reviews the LOI and APA. AeroSterling can provide a records-review checklist and introduce independent inspection facilities through the Partner Network.
