The pre-buy (pre-purchase) inspection is the buyer's best protection when acquiring a pre-owned aircraft. It confirms that the aircraft matches the listing, that the records support its value, and it gives you a documented list of discrepancies to negotiate. This checklist covers what to agree on before the inspection and what the inspection itself should include.
Before the inspection: agree on the ground rules
- Choose an independent shop that knows the make and model and has no relationship with the seller or the seller's usual maintenance provider.
- Put the scope in writing — physical inspection, engine checks, records review — and attach it to the purchase agreement.
- Agree on who pays for the inspection, for repositioning the aircraft, and for opening and closing panels.
- Define how discrepancies are handled. A common structure: the seller corrects airworthiness items before closing; other findings are negotiated.
- Be present or send a representative, and ask for photos of every finding.
Records and logbooks
- Complete airframe, engine and propeller logbooks since new, with no unexplained gaps in time or dates.
- Airworthiness Directive (AD) compliance list, cross-checked against the logbook entries.
- Service Bulletin status, especially for items that affect value or inspections.
- FAA Form 337 records for major repairs and alterations, and supplemental type certificates (STCs) for installed modifications.
- Damage history: any accident or incident, what was repaired, by whom and with what documentation.
- Current weight and balance and equipment list that match the aircraft as it sits.
- Registration and airworthiness certificate matching the aircraft's data plate.
Engines
- Time since new and since overhaul, compared with the manufacturer's recommended time between overhauls (TBO).
- Piston engines: compression test, borescope of the cylinders, oil analysis history and oil filter inspection.
- Turbine engines: borescope of the hot section, engine trend monitoring data, hot section inspection history and any exceedances.
- Engine maintenance program enrollment and transferability, if applicable.
- Propeller time since overhaul and any prop strike history.
Airframe
- Corrosion, especially in wheel wells, under floorboards, around the tail and on aircraft based near the coast.
- Landing gear, brakes and tires; gear swing for retractable aircraft.
- Flight controls, cables and rigging.
- Windows and windshields, door seals and, for pressurized aircraft, a pressurization check.
- Paint and interior condition compared with what the listing describes.
Avionics and systems
- Functional check of every installed avionics unit, autopilot modes and ADS-B Out compliance.
- Database and software subscriptions and whether they transfer to the new owner.
- Pitot-static and transponder checks current, where required.
- De-ice/anti-ice, oxygen, air conditioning and other installed systems working as described.
Test flight
A test flight confirms performance against the type's numbers, engine indications, autopilot behavior and that nothing fails under load. Agree in advance who flies, who is on board and who covers the insurance.
After the inspection
Review the written report with the shop, separate airworthiness items from cosmetic ones, and get quotes before you negotiate. When you are ready to compare candidates, browse aircraft for sale — or see our step-by-step guide on how to buy a used aircraft in the USA.
This checklist is general guidance. The right scope depends on the aircraft type, its age and how it has been operated; your inspection shop will recommend type-specific items.