The short answer
Focus on engine time since overhaul, damage history, complete and continuous logbooks, avionics condition, corrosion, and Airworthiness Directive compliance. A clean, well-documented airplane is worth more and finances more easily than a cheaper one with question marks — and a pre-buy inspection confirms the true condition.
The Key Things to Check
- Engine time: hours since overhaul relative to TBO — a mid-time engine is ideal.
- Damage history: a clean history is best; prior repairs can reduce value.
- Logbooks: complete, continuous records — gaps are a red flag.
- Avionics: current, capable equipment supports value and remarketability.
- Corrosion: especially on older or coastal-based airframes.
- AD compliance: confirm Airworthiness Directives are addressed.
Let a Pre-Buy Confirm It
You can screen for these in the listing and logbooks, but a pre-buy inspection by a type-experienced, independent mechanic is what confirms the true condition — with compression and borescope checks, corrosion inspection, and a records review. It's your best protection against an expensive surprise and is usually lender-required. Buy the best-documented, cleanest example you can in your budget; it will finance and resell better.
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
Should I buy the cheapest example?
Rarely — a cheap airplane with a run-out engine, damage history, or thin records often costs more in the end. A clean, well-documented example is usually the better value.
How important are complete logbooks?
Very. Continuous, complete records reassure buyers, insurers, and lenders; gaps suggest deferred maintenance and can slow financing.
What's the biggest red flag?
A combination of a near-TBO engine, incomplete logs, and unaddressed ADs. Any one is manageable; together they signal a risky purchase.
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