Aircraft Purchase Timeline: Shopping to First Flight

Understanding the aircraft buying timeline helps buyers plan realistically and avoid rushed decisions. Most airplane purchases take 8-12 weeks from initial search to first flight, though this varies based on financing complexity, inspection findings, and seasonal factors.

Pre-Shopping Preparation (1-2 Weeks)

Before actively shopping, complete essential groundwork to streamline the purchase process.

Financial Preparation:

• Obtain financing pre-qualification
• Verify down payment funds availability
• Review credit report and address issues
• Calculate realistic budget including reserves

Research Phase:

• Define mission requirements and aircraft criteria
• Research target aircraft types and values
• Identify qualified pre-buy inspectors
• Connect with aviation attorney if needed

Review our Complete Buying Guide for detailed preparation steps.

Weeks 1-2: Initial Search and Contact

Active shopping begins with identifying candidates and making initial contact with sellers.

Aircraft Search:

• Monitor listings on Controller, Trade-A-Plane, Barnstormers
• Contact brokers specializing in target aircraft type
• Network through type clubs and owner groups
• Identify 3-5 promising candidates

Initial Screening:

• Request photos and basic specifications
• Verify price aligns with market and budget
• Confirm general condition meets requirements
• Schedule phone calls with top 2-3 sellers

Weeks 3-4: Detailed Review and Offer

Deep dive into aircraft history and make formal offer on best candidate.

Logbook Review:

• Request complete scanned logbooks
• Verify times: total time, engine time, prop time
• Check AD compliance and annual status
• Review damage history and major repairs
• Confirm ownership chain and lien status

Making the Offer:

• Prepare written purchase offer with contingencies
• Include pre-buy inspection contingency
• Specify deposit amount ($5,000-$10,000 typical)
• Define closing timeline (30-45 days standard)
• Negotiate terms and finalize purchase agreement

See our Purchase Agreement Guide for contract details.

Week 5: Pre-Buy Inspection

Comprehensive inspection reveals aircraft true condition before final commitment.

Inspection Coordination:

• Schedule with qualified A&P or shop
• Coordinate aircraft ferry to inspection location
• Attend inspection in person if possible
• Budget 2-5 days for thorough inspection

Inspection Components:

• Airframe examination: corrosion, damage, wear
• Engine inspection: compression, oil analysis, borescope
• Avionics testing and functionality verification
• Systems checks: electrical, fuel, hydraulics
• Test flight for performance and handling

Review our Pre-Buy Inspection Checklist for comprehensive coverage.

Week 6: Negotiation and Re-Agreement

Inspection findings typically require price or repair negotiations.

Post-Inspection Options:

• Accept as-is: Purchase at agreed price with known issues
• Request repairs: Seller fixes identified issues before closing
• Negotiate price reduction: Reduce price by repair cost estimate
• Walk away: Exercise inspection contingency if major issues found

Typical Negotiation Timeline:

• Day 1-2: Review inspection report with advisor
• Day 3: Present findings and proposals to seller
• Day 4-5: Negotiate resolution
• Day 6-7: Execute amended agreement or terminate

Weeks 7-8: Closing Preparation

Final steps before ownership transfer require coordination of multiple parties.

Financing Finalization:

• Submit final loan application with inspection report
• Provide lender with purchase agreement
• Complete underwriting process (7-14 days)
• Receive loan commitment and closing instructions

Title and Escrow:

• Open escrow with aircraft title company
• Order title search and lien verification
• Deposit earnest money into escrow
• Coordinate with seller on closing date

Insurance Procurement:

• Obtain insurance quotes (2-3 brokers recommended)
• Select policy and bind coverage
• Provide proof of insurance to lender
• Schedule any required checkout training

Reference our Closing Costs Guide for expense planning.

Week 9: Closing and Delivery

Final week brings ownership transfer and aircraft possession.

Closing Day Tasks:

• Review and sign loan documents
• Execute FAA Bill of Sale (AC Form 8050-2)
• Complete Aircraft Registration Application (AC Form 8050-1)
• Transfer funds through escrow
• Receive aircraft logbooks and keys
• Obtain temporary registration (pink slip)

Post-Closing Immediate:

• Submit registration to FAA (or have escrow submit)
• Update insurance with final registration details
• Arrange ferry flight or pick up aircraft
• Complete insurance checkout if required

Post-Purchase Tasks (Ongoing)

First weeks of ownership involve administrative tasks and aircraft familiarization.

First 30 Days:

• Receive permanent FAA registration (4-8 weeks)
• Complete insurance checkout requirements
• Join aircraft type club
• Establish maintenance relationship with local A&P
• Set up hangar or tie-down
• Update avionics databases
• Familiarize with all systems and documentation

Common Timeline Delays

Understanding potential delays helps set realistic expectations.

Typical Delay Causes:

• Logbook issues: Missing entries, AD compliance gaps (+1-2 weeks)
• Lien complications: Outstanding liens, payoff coordination (+1-3 weeks)
• Inspection findings: Major issues requiring re-negotiation (+1-2 weeks)
• Financing delays: Underwriting complications, documentation issues (+1-2 weeks)
• Seasonal factors: Weather-related inspection/delivery delays (variable)
• Title issues: Ownership chain gaps, previous lien releases (+2-4 weeks)

Fast-Track vs Standard Timeline

Fast-Track Purchase (4-6 Weeks):

• Cash purchase (no financing delays)
• Aircraft in excellent condition
• Clear title and logbooks
• Motivated seller cooperation
• Buyer pre-qualified and ready

Extended Timeline (12-16 Weeks):

• Complex financing arrangements
• Significant inspection issues requiring repairs
• Title complications or lien payoffs
• Seasonal weather delays
• Multiple negotiation rounds

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to buy an aircraft?

Typical timeline is 8-12 weeks from initial search to first flight. Cash purchases or aircraft in exceptional condition can close in 4-6 weeks, while complex transactions may extend to 12-16 weeks.

What's the longest part of the aircraft buying process?

Financing approval and closing preparation typically take longest (2-3 weeks combined). Pre-buy inspection and post-inspection negotiation add another 2-3 weeks. Search time varies widely based on market and buyer criteria.

Can I speed up the aircraft purchase process?

Yes. Get financing pre-qualification, have down payment readily available, hire experienced broker, schedule pre-buy inspector early, and maintain clear communication with all parties. Cash purchases eliminate 2-3 weeks of financing time.

Should I buy the first aircraft I inspect?

Not recommended. Inspect 2-3 candidates to understand market, compare values, and avoid settling. However, excellent aircraft sell quickly—be prepared to move fast on truly good deals after thorough due diligence.

What happens if the pre-buy inspection reveals problems?

Most purchase agreements include inspection contingency allowing: (1) Accept as-is, (2) Request seller repairs before closing, (3) Negotiate price reduction equal to repair costs, or (4) Walk away and recover deposit if issues are substantial.