Essential Questions to Ask Before Buying an Aircraft

Asking the right aircraft buying questions protects buyers from hidden issues and ensures informed purchasing decisions. This comprehensive airplane purchase checklist covers critical questions every buyer should ask sellers before committing to purchase.

Aircraft History Questions

Understanding complete aircraft history reveals how the airplane was used, maintained, and cared for throughout its life.

Ownership and Usage:

• How long have you owned the aircraft?
• Why are you selling?
• How many owners has the aircraft had?
• What was primary use? (Training, personal, business, rental)
• Average annual flight hours during your ownership?
• Where has aircraft been based throughout its life?
• Has it been hangared or tied down?

Time and Cycles:

• What is total airframe time?
• What is engine time since major overhaul (SMOH)?
• What is propeller time since overhaul?
• How many landings/cycles on airframe?
• When was last annual inspection?
• What is time remaining until next annual?

Review our Complete Buying Guide for detailed evaluation strategies.

Maintenance and Logbook Questions

Maintenance records provide critical insight into aircraft condition and compliance.

Logbook Completeness:

• Are all logbooks present (airframe, engine, propeller)?
• Are logbooks complete from manufacture to present?
• Any missing or destroyed logbooks?
• How are logbooks maintained (paper, digital, both)?
• Can I review scanned copies before visiting?

Maintenance History:

• Who performs annual inspections? (Shop name/location)
• What was cost of last three annuals?
• Were there any major items found at last annual?
• Are all Airworthiness Directives (ADs) complied with?
• Any recurring squawks or chronic issues?
• When were cylinders last replaced/overhauled?
• What is compression on all cylinders?
• When was last oil analysis performed? Results?

Major Work History:

• Has engine been overhauled? When and by whom?
• Top overhaul history?
• Any major repairs or alterations?
• Propeller strike history?
• Landing gear work or replacements?

Damage History Questions

Undisclosed damage significantly affects aircraft value and safety. Ask detailed questions about any incidents.

Incident and Accident History:

• Has aircraft ever been in an accident or incident?
• Any hard landings or gear-up landings?
• Any propeller strikes or sudden stoppages?
• Hangar rash, taxi damage, or ground incidents?
• Any corrosion damage requiring repair?
• Storm or hail damage?
• Has aircraft ever been totaled by insurance?

Damage Disclosure:

• Are all incidents documented in logbooks?
• Were repairs performed by certified shops?
• Can you provide repair invoices and documentation?
• Did insurance cover any repairs?
• Any paint work covering damage?

See our Common Mistakes Guide for red flags to watch for.

Avionics and Equipment Questions

Understanding installed equipment and condition helps assess value and upgrade needs.

Avionics Suite:

• What avionics are installed? (GPS, autopilot, ADS-B, etc.)
• When were avionics last upgraded?
• Are databases current? What's included?
• Is ADS-B Out compliant?
• Does autopilot work properly? Last serviced when?
• Any inoperative equipment or placards?
• Are all radios and navigation equipment functional?

Equipment and Modifications:

• What STCs (Supplemental Type Certificates) are installed?
• Any speed mods or STOL kits?
• Upgraded engine monitor installed?
• What's included in sale? (Headsets, covers, tow bar, etc.)
• Are equipment manuals and documentation included?

Recent Work and Upcoming Items

Understanding recent work and anticipated maintenance helps budget appropriately.

Recent Maintenance:

• What work was performed in last 12 months?
• Any deferred maintenance from last annual?
• When were tires last replaced?
• Battery age and condition?
• When was last pitot-static and transponder check?
• ELT battery expiration date?

Upcoming Maintenance:

• Any ADs coming due in next 12 months?
• When is engine TBO (Time Between Overhaul)?
• Any major work anticipated?
• Known squawks you haven't addressed?
• Paint or interior refurbishment needed?

Reason for Selling

Understanding seller motivation provides negotiation leverage and reveals potential issues.

Motivation Questions:

• Why are you selling this aircraft?
• How long has it been for sale?
• Have you had other offers? Why didn't they close?
• Are you upgrading, downgrading, or exiting aviation?
• Is there a deadline or urgency to sell?
• What would you miss most about this aircraft?
• What would you change if you were keeping it?

Liens and Ownership Questions

Verifying clear title prevents legal complications and delayed closing.

Title Verification:

• Do you have clear title to the aircraft?
• Are there any liens or encumbrances?
• If financed, what's the payoff amount?
• Will you provide title search before closing?
• Any partnerships or co-ownership to dissolve?
• Is aircraft registered properly with FAA?

Documentation:

• Original Bill of Sale available?
• Weight and balance current and accurate?
• POH (Pilot's Operating Handbook) included?
• All AD compliance documentation available?
• STC paperwork for modifications?

Reference our Purchase Agreement Guide for contract essentials.

Training and Checkout Questions

Understanding training requirements helps budget for transition and insurance compliance.

Transition Training:

• Can you provide checkout training?
• Who trained you in this aircraft?
• What's your insurance checkout requirement?
• Any quirks or unique operating characteristics?
• Recommended CFI for type-specific training?
• Type club recommendations for transition?

Financial and Transaction Questions

Understanding payment terms and process ensures smooth transaction.

Price and Terms:

• Is price firm or negotiable?
• What's included at asking price?
• Are you open to pre-buy inspection contingency?
• Preferred closing timeline?
• Will you accept deposit to hold aircraft?
• Preference for escrow company?

Inspection and Demo Flight:

• Can I fly the aircraft before purchase?
• Where can pre-buy inspection be performed?
• Will you ferry aircraft to my inspector?
• Are you open to negotiation based on inspection findings?
• Can my mechanic review logbooks remotely first?

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most important questions to ask an aircraft seller?

Most critical: accident/damage history, maintenance records completeness, reason for selling, lien status, and total time/engine SMOH. These reveal aircraft condition, legal status, and potential hidden issues affecting value and safety.

Should I ask about every logbook entry?

Not necessary in initial conversation. Ask about completeness, major repairs, AD compliance, and recent annuals. Detailed logbook review happens during pre-buy inspection when you have time to examine each entry carefully.

How do I verify seller answers truthfully?

Cross-reference answers with logbooks, maintenance records, and FAA accident database. Hire pre-buy inspector to verify claims. Consider aviation attorney for high-value purchases. Trust but verify all statements.

What if seller refuses to answer certain questions?

Red flag. Legitimate sellers answer questions openly. Evasiveness suggests hidden issues. Common legitimate exceptions: Won't discuss price until serious interest shown, won't allow demo flight before deposit, privacy about personal finances.

Should I ask questions via email or phone?

Initial screening via email for documented responses. Follow with phone call for detailed discussion and read on seller honesty/knowledge. In-person inspection allows deepest questioning and relationship building with seller.