Buying a pre-owned aircraft in the United States follows a fairly standard sequence: you define what you need, find candidates, agree on terms, verify the aircraft and its records, and close through escrow with the FAA paperwork filed. This guide walks through each step so you know what to expect before you make an offer.
1. Define the mission and the total budget
Start with how you will actually fly: typical trip length, number of passengers, runways you need to use, and whether you will fly yourself or hire crew. That narrows the field quickly — a 300-nautical-mile trip with two people points to a very different aircraft than 1,500 nm with six.
Budget for more than the purchase price. Plan for the pre-buy inspection, escrow and title fees, insurance, hangar, recurring maintenance, engine reserves and, for turbine aircraft, engine program enrollment or buy-in. Many buyers keep a cash cushion for discrepancies found right after purchase.
2. Search and shortlist
Compare listings on the same basis: year, total time on the airframe, engine time since new or since overhaul, avionics, damage history and where the aircraft is based. Location matters: inspecting and ferrying an aircraft across the country adds time and cost. You can browse aircraft for sale by category — for example private jets, turboprops or single-engine pistons — or see aircraft located in Florida.
Before you get attached to an aircraft, ask the seller for logbook scans and a current equipment list. Gaps in the records are one of the biggest drivers of value.
3. Make an offer with a letter of intent
Offers are usually made through a letter of intent (LOI) followed by an aircraft purchase agreement. These documents typically set the price, the deposit, who performs the pre-buy inspection and where, who pays for it, how discrepancies are handled, the delivery location and the closing date. A refundable deposit is commonly placed with an escrow agent at this stage.
4. Pre-buy inspection and records review
The pre-buy inspection is where most deals are confirmed or renegotiated. Use a shop that knows the type and is independent from the seller. It normally combines a physical inspection, engine checks and a detailed review of the logbooks, Airworthiness Directive compliance and major repair or alteration records. See our pre-buy inspection checklist for what to include.
Discrepancies are usually split into airworthy items, which the seller typically corrects before closing, and non-airworthy items, which are negotiated.
5. Title search and escrow
A title search at the FAA Aircraft Registry confirms who owns the aircraft and whether there are liens recorded against it. Escrow agents — many are located in Oklahoma City, near the FAA Aircraft Registry — hold the funds and documents and release them only when every condition of the contract is met.
Larger aircraft and certain engines may also need registration with the International Registry under the Cape Town Convention. Your escrow agent or aviation attorney will confirm whether it applies.
6. Closing and FAA registration
At closing, the seller signs an Aircraft Bill of Sale (FAA AC Form 8050-2) and the buyer submits an Aircraft Registration Application (AC Form 8050-1) to the FAA Aircraft Registry. The FAA has specific rules about operating while the new registration certificate is being issued; your escrow agent will tell you what must be on board for the delivery flight.
Insurance must be bound before the aircraft moves, and the policy should name any lienholder if the purchase is financed.
7. Taxes and delivery
Sales and use tax depends on the state where the aircraft is delivered and based, and many states have specific exemptions or rules for aircraft. Discuss the delivery location and tax treatment with a tax professional before closing, not after. If you are buying in Florida, our guide to buying an aircraft in Florida covers the practical side.
Buying from outside the United States
If the aircraft will be exported, add time for deregistration from the FAA registry, the export certificate of airworthiness and the import requirements of the destination country. Many aircraft listed on MultiHangar are also located outside the US; each listing shows where the aircraft is.
This guide is general information, not legal or tax advice. Requirements change; confirm the details for your transaction with an aviation attorney, escrow agent and tax professional.