Aircraft Pre-Buy Inspection: Complete Cost and Process Guide

Professional aircraft pre-buy inspection protects buyers from costly surprises and undisclosed issues. Understanding pre-purchase inspection costs and scope ensures thorough evaluation before purchasing any airplane.

Pre-Buy Inspection Costs

Single-Engine Piston:

• Basic inspection: $1,000-$2,000
• Detailed inspection: $2,000-$4,000
• Comprehensive with teardown: $4,000-$8,000
• Borescope inspection: +$500-$1,000

Twin-Engine:

• Basic: $2,500-$4,000
• Detailed: $4,000-$7,000
• Comprehensive: $7,000-$12,000+

Additional Costs:

• Mechanic travel: $500-$2,000
• Test flight: $200-$500
• Logbook review: $300-$800
• AD research: $200-$500
• Oil analysis: $50-$150

What's Included in Pre-Buy

Comprehensive Inspection Includes:

• Logbook review: Complete history analysis
• AD compliance verification: All current and documented
• Exterior inspection: Skin, structure, corrosion
• Interior inspection: Condition and safety
• Engine inspection: Compression, leaks, condition
• Avionics check: Functionality testing
• Test flight: Performance and handling
• Written report: Detailed findings

Levels of Inspection

Level 1 (Basic) - $1,000-$2,000:

• Visual inspection only
• No disassembly
• Logbook review
• Test flight
• Good for newer aircraft

Level 2 (Standard) - $2,000-$4,000:

• Detailed visual inspection
• Limited panel removal
• Compression test
• Borescope inspection
• Most common level

Level 3 (Comprehensive) - $4,000-$8,000:

• Annual-level inspection
• Extensive panel removal
• Detailed engine inspection
• All systems tested
• Recommended for older aircraft

Finding Qualified Mechanics

What to Look For:

• A&P with IA (Inspection Authorization)
• Experience with specific aircraft type
• Independent (not seller's mechanic)
• Positive references from buyers
• Detailed written reports
• Located near aircraft (reduces travel cost)

Red Flags:

• Seller insists on specific mechanic
• Mechanic related to seller
• Rushed inspection timeline
• Unwilling to provide written report
• No type-specific experience

Pre-Buy Inspection Process

Timeline (Typical):

• Day 1: Logbook and document review
• Day 2: Physical inspection, compression tests
• Day 3: Test flight, systems checks
• Day 4: Report preparation and review
• Total: 3-5 days typical

Common Findings and Costs

Typical Discoveries:

• Corrosion repair: $2,000-$20,000+
• Low compression cylinder: $3,000-$5,000 repair
• Outstanding ADs: $1,000-$50,000 compliance
• Avionics issues: $2,000-$15,000 repairs
• Exhaust system: $2,000-$8,000 replacement

Deal-Breakers:

• Severe corrosion (may be uneconomical)
• Cracked engine case
• Unreported major damage
• Missing logbooks
• Multiple unapproved modifications

Negotiating After Inspection

Strategies:

• Minor issues ($1,000-$5,000): Ask seller to fix or reduce price
• Major issues ($5,000-$20,000): Renegotiate price significantly
• Severe problems ($20,000+): Walk away or major price reduction
• Safety items: Seller should fix before closing

Who Pays for Pre-Buy

Standard Practice:

• Buyer pays for inspection
• Buyer assumes cost even if deal fails
• Negotiate seller cooperation costs
• Worth investment to avoid costly mistakes

Pre-Buy vs Annual Inspection

Key Differences:

• Pre-buy: Buyer's interests, can be more or less thorough
• Annual: FAA compliance, legally required items
• Some buyers: Time purchase with annual due, combine inspections
• Benefits: Save money, ensure airworthiness, fresh annual at purchase

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does aircraft pre-buy inspection cost?

Single-engine basic: $1,000-$2,000. Detailed: $2,000-$4,000. Comprehensive: $4,000-$8,000. Twin-engine: $2,500-$12,000+. Additional costs: Travel $500-$2,000, borescope $500-$1,000, AD research $200-$500. Worth investment to avoid $10,000-$50,000+ in hidden problems.

What should aircraft pre-buy inspection include?

Complete logbook review, AD compliance verification, exterior/interior inspection, engine compression test, borescope inspection, avionics functionality check, test flight, oil analysis, detailed written report. Level 3 inspection most comprehensive at $4,000-$8,000.

Can I skip pre-buy inspection to save money?

Never skip pre-buy inspection. Cost $1,000-$8,000 minimal compared to discovering $20,000-$100,000 in problems post-purchase. Common findings: Corrosion $2,000-$20,000, outstanding ADs $1,000-$50,000, engine issues $5,000-$40,000. Pre-buy inspection essential risk management.

Who chooses pre-buy inspection mechanic?

Buyer chooses mechanic—must be independent from seller. Never use seller's mechanic for pre-buy (conflict of interest). Find A&P with IA, type-specific experience, positive buyer references. Independent mechanic protects your interests, not seller's.

What if pre-buy inspection finds problems?

Renegotiate price to reflect repair costs. Minor issues ($1,000-$5,000): Seller fixes or reduces price. Major ($5,000-$20,000): Significant price reduction. Severe ($20,000+): Walk away or major discount. Safety items should be seller responsibility before closing.