Why Pre-Purchase Inspections Matter
An aircraft may look pristine in photographs and fly beautifully during a demonstration flight, but its true condition is revealed only through a thorough inspection. Hidden corrosion, deferred maintenance, incomplete records, non-compliant modifications, and approaching life-limited component replacements can add hundreds of thousands — even millions — to the true cost of ownership.
A pre-purchase inspection (PPI) is the buyer's primary defence against these risks. Conducted at a manufacturer-authorised or independent MRO facility, the PPI provides an objective assessment of the aircraft's airworthiness, maintenance status, records completeness, and overall condition. The findings directly inform the purchase negotiation and can be the basis for price adjustments, seller rectification requirements, or — in serious cases — walking away from the deal entirely.
Plane Selection has overseen hundreds of pre-purchase inspections across every category of business jet. We know what to look for, which inspection facilities produce the most thorough reports, and how to interpret findings in the context of the transaction. Our role is to ensure the inspection protects your investment and gives you a complete picture before you commit.
What Gets Inspected
A comprehensive pre-purchase inspection covers every major system and component of the aircraft. Here is what to expect:
Airframe
- External skin condition — corrosion, dents, repairs, paint condition
- Internal structure — frames, stringers, longerons (accessible areas)
- Flight control surfaces — ailerons, elevators, rudder, flaps, spoilers
- Pressurisation system integrity
- Fuel system — tanks, lines, valves, leak checks
- Hydraulic system — pumps, actuators, lines, fluid condition
- Environmental control system — air conditioning, pressurisation, bleed air
- Wing and empennage attachments — bolt checks, sealant condition
Engines
- Borescope inspection — compressor, combustion chamber, turbine stages
- Oil analysis (spectrometric and filter debris)
- Engine trend monitoring data review
- Total time and cycles since new (TSN) and since overhaul (TSO)
- Life-limited parts status and remaining life
- Maintenance programme enrolment and account balance
- Engine mounts and cowling condition
- Thrust reverser operation and condition
Landing Gear
- Main and nose gear structural inspection
- Shock strut condition and servicing
- Brake condition — pads, discs, anti-skid system
- Tyre condition and remaining life
- Wheel bearings — inspection and repacking
- Retraction/extension system test
- Steering system functionality
- Landing gear overhaul status and remaining life
Avionics and Electrical
- Flight management system (FMS) functionality and database currency
- Autopilot and autothrottle system tests
- Communication systems — VHF, HF, SATCOM
- Navigation systems — GPS, IRS/IRU, VOR/ILS
- Radar and weather systems
- Transponder and ADS-B Out compliance
- Electrical generation and distribution
- Cockpit displays and annunciator panel checks
Interior
- Seat condition — upholstery, mechanisms, seatbelts
- Carpet, headliner, and sidewall panel condition
- Galley — equipment function, plumbing, certification
- Lavatory — plumbing, fixtures, waste system
- Entertainment system — screens, audio, connectivity
- Cabin lighting and window condition
- Cabin pressure test for leaks
- Emergency equipment — fire extinguishers, oxygen, first aid, life rafts
Records and Compliance
- Complete logbook review from manufacture to present
- Airworthiness Directive (AD) compliance status
- Service Bulletin compliance review
- STC (Supplemental Type Certificate) documentation for modifications
- Weight and balance records
- 8130/EASA Form 1 tags for components
- Damage history and repair documentation
- Operating limitations and flight manual status
Inspection Facilities
The quality of the inspection depends heavily on the facility. We recommend manufacturer-authorised service centres whenever possible — they have the deepest type-specific knowledge, proprietary diagnostic tools, and direct access to manufacturer engineering support. For the most commonly traded aircraft types, our preferred facilities include:
- Gulfstream: Gulfstream service centres (Savannah, Long Beach, Dallas, Luton, Farnborough)
- Bombardier: Bombardier service centres (Montreal, Wichita, London Biggin Hill, Berlin)
- Dassault: Dassault Falcon Service (Le Bourget, Bordeaux, Teterboro, Little Rock)
- Textron/Cessna: Textron Aviation service centres (Wichita, Newburgh, Dusseldorf)
- Embraer: Embraer service centres (Melbourne FL, Sorocaba, Le Bourget)
- Independent MROs: TAG Farnborough, Jet Aviation Basel, ExcelAire, West Star Aviation
We select the inspection facility based on the aircraft type, its current location, and the most efficient logistics for the transaction.
Timeline
A standard pre-purchase inspection takes 2–4 weeks, depending on the aircraft size, the scope of work, and the facility's schedule. The typical breakdown:
- Week 1: Aircraft delivery to facility, initial documentation review, physical inspection begins
- Week 2: Engine borescope, systems testing, records audit continues
- Week 3: Discrepancy resolution, supplemental inspections if needed, preliminary report
- Week 4: Final report delivery, discussion of findings, negotiation support
Complex aircraft (VIP airliners, aircraft with extensive modification histories) may require additional time. We establish the timeline at the outset and keep all parties informed of progress.
Cost Factors
Pre-purchase inspection costs vary by aircraft type and scope. Typical ranges:
- Light jets: $15,000 – $30,000
- Midsize jets: $25,000 – $50,000
- Heavy/long-range jets: $50,000 – $100,000
- VIP airliners: $100,000 – $200,000+
These costs are borne by the buyer and are typically non-recoverable if the transaction does not proceed. However, compared to the risk of acquiring an aircraft with hidden problems, the inspection cost is a small and essential insurance premium.
Common Findings
No aircraft comes through a pre-purchase inspection without discrepancies. This is normal. The key is understanding which findings are routine and which are deal-critical:
- Routine: Minor corrosion treatment, cosmetic wear items, expired consumables, pending minor SBs
- Negotiation items: Approaching major inspections, avionics upgrades needed for mandate compliance, interior refurbishment needs
- Deal-breakers: Structural damage history, undisclosed prior incidents, incomplete or fraudulent records, major AD non-compliance, engine life-limited parts approaching replacement
Plane Selection reviews every finding with you, explains the significance, estimates the cost to rectify, and advises on how to incorporate findings into the purchase negotiation.
Protect Your Investment
A pre-purchase inspection is not an optional step — it is an essential safeguard that can save you from a costly mistake or confirm that you are making a sound investment. Whether you are buying through Plane Selection or managing your own acquisition, we can coordinate the inspection process, represent your interests at the facility, and provide expert interpretation of the findings.
Contact us to schedule a pre-purchase inspection or discuss the scope for your specific aircraft.
