Buying a used aircraft is not a hard process.  This guide will educate you in the process of buying a used general aviation or experimental aircraft.  It is important to consider many factors when buying an aircraft and while reading this guide you will also learn how to protect yourself and your investment.  Although this may not be your first time buying an aircraft continue reading and you may discover something new.  I would suggest you do as much research, with friends or on the internet, as you can before making a final decision.  I will now go into further detail about what you should do before you buy a used aircraft.

What is your goal?
If you have already picked out the aircraft you would like to buy then skip this section.  For those of you who have not yet decided what you plan on using the aircraft for, here are a few things to think about.

• Private Pilot: hobby flying, cross country flying, VFR, IFR, night flying, sport flying, aerobatics, etc.
• Commercial Pilot: flying for hire, air taxi, towing banners, gliders, crop dusting, cargo, flight instructing.
• Aircraft types such as single engine, multi engine, rotary wing, IFR certification, icing certification, aerobatic certified

Keep in mind, a single aircraft can have many of these characteristics mentioned above, but the more it has, the more it is worth.  You may not need an aircraft with an IFR certification if you plan on flying VFR only.  If you plan on becoming an IFR pilot you may want to invest in an IFR certified aircraft.

Buying a used aircraft Step 1 Verbal and Visual Inspections
You have picked out the aircraft you want to buy and now you need to find out all the information you can about it.  Do as much free research as you can to save you time and money.  There is no need for a pre-buy inspection if you see pictures of the aircraft and it is not to your liking.  Here's a list of important items you need to ask about.

• Aircraft ID, N number in the US.  You can visit the NTSB's website to find out information on aircraft registration information, including accidents.
• Aircraft Total Time.  Aircraft maintenance log books are kept by the aircraft's owner that includes all records of maintenance, servicing, and inspections on that aircraft. Note, it is imperative that the aircraft has all logs, the value of the aircraft significantly decreases if the log books are lost or damaged.
• Engine Total Time.  Separate log books are kept on the engine again showing all maintainance, servicing, and inspections.  Again it is very important these records are not lost or damaged.
• Clear Title.  Find out if the aircraft has any damage history.  Although you have no bad feelings about damage that was repaired, you may have a hard time selling the aircraft to someone that does.
• Annual or 100 hour inspections.  These inspections indicate the aircraft was in airworthy condition at the time of the inspection, but do not guarantee airworthiness at the time of sale.
• Airworthiness.  Find out if the aircraft can conduct safe operations in relation to wear and deterioration.  Also, the aircraft needs to conform to type designation.

Note.  If you are not sure about any of these topics, it is strongly recommened that you find a certified AP (airframe and power plant) mechanic to assist you.
Buying a used aircraft Step 2 Hands on Inspection
It is strongly advisable that you have an AP mechanic perform a pre-buy inspection on the aircraft.  The mechanic inspects the entire aircraft including the hull, wings, control surfaces, exterior wear or corrosion weather fabric or metal, landing gear, electrical system, engine, windows, instruments, fuel system, interior, and so on.  They may not find any problems with the aircraft but this gives you peace of mind especially if they do find an anomaly.  The AP can also tell you their thoughts on the aircraft to aid in your educated decision.  The pre-buy inspection is worth every penny.

Buying used amateur built aircraft
These aircraft have different restrictions on them from factory built aircraft.  Here is a list of items you need to take into consideration before buying one.

• Examine the Special Airworthiness Certificate.  This is special due to the experimental status.
• Examine the Operating Limitations.  Specific operating limitations are placed upon certain aircraft either by the manufacturer or the FAA.
• Examine the Phase information.  Phase I and II inspections are initial flight inspections phases performed first by the owner and second by the FAA for certification.
• Make sure the aircraft has all documentation including log books, airworthiness certificate, operating limitations, aircraft data plate, weight and balance papers, and all maintainance records.
• It is strongly suggested that you have an AP mechanic or someone familiar with the aircraft type to inspect the aircraft.  You can find out the standards for experimental aircraft by contacting your local Flight Standards District Office.

With all the research and inspections done, you are now ready to make an educated decision whether or not to buy the aircraft in question. 


Resources

• Federal Aviation Regulations Title 14
• Information from manufacturers and the FAA.  These reports include Service Difficulty Reports, Airworthiness Directives, General Aviation Airworthiness Alerts
• NTSB website.  US aircraft registration information including accident reports
• Aircraft title and records search companies.  Use AC form 8050.55 or contact the FAA Civil Aviation Registry at 405 954 3116
• Phase information for Experimental Aircraft FAR sections 91.319b and 91.305
• FSDO contact your local office for standards and regulations
• Experimental Aircraft Association, EAA 414 426 4800
• FAA/DOT address, although you are better off emailing them due to mail inspections and long delays:

         US Department of Transportation
         Property Use and Storage Section, M 483.7
         Washington, DC 20590