The short answer
A pre-buy inspection is an independent assessment of an aircraft's condition before you buy it — covering the airframe, engine (with compression and borescope checks), avionics, and a logbook and Airworthiness Directive review. Lenders generally require one on a used aircraft, and it's your best protection against an expensive surprise.
What It Covers
A pre-buy inspection, performed by a mechanic independent of the seller, typically includes an airframe inspection (structure, corrosion, damage history), an engine assessment (compression and borescope checks, oil analysis), an avionics and systems check, and a thorough logbook and AD review to confirm the records are complete and the aircraft is airworthy. The depth scales with the aircraft — a turbine or jet pre-buy is far more involved than a piston single's. See our pre-buy inspection guide.
Why It Matters
The pre-buy is the single best protection against buying an airplane with expensive hidden problems — and because the aircraft is a lender's collateral, most lenders require one before funding a used-aircraft loan. Use a shop experienced in the type, independent of the seller, and never waive the inspection to win a deal. Its findings can clear the way to close, justify a price adjustment, or let you walk away under your inspection contingency.
Figures in this article are illustrative for the 2026 market and are not offers of credit. Jaken Aviation is a licensed aircraft financing brokerage — a division of Jaken Finance Group — and does not make loan decisions. All financing is subject to lender approval. Tax and legal information is general; consult a qualified professional.
Related Questions
Who pays for the pre-buy?
The buyer typically pays, as a transaction cost separate from the loan. It's usually the largest single cost outside the aircraft and taxes.
Is it the same as an annual inspection?
No. A pre-buy is a buyer's condition assessment; an annual is a required yearly airworthiness inspection. Some buyers arrange a pre-buy that also brings the aircraft to annual.
Can I skip it to save money?
Never advisable, and lenders usually require it on used aircraft. It's cheap insurance against a five-figure surprise.
Financing Your Purchase?
Get pre-qualified and we'll compare offers across our lender network.
Get Pre-Qualified