What to Look for When Buying an Used Aircraft

Don’t you just love standing in long queues at airports only to later be stuffed in a commercial airplane? We don’t either, and that’s why we think you should consider buying a used aircraft.

If you have your own aircraft you will love the freedom you’ll have when traveling. But before you start shopping around, you want to know what to look for when buying a used aircraft.

Here’s what you should know.

Consider a Helicopter

You have to first consider how many people will travel in your aircraft. If you are a solo traveler or have a small group, then private-owned helicopters are the best option. Make sure you have a look at this helicopter buyers guide to understand the criteria of what makes a great helicopter.

You want to know about the model. There are many rare models that have premium features not available in other helicopters. But getting maintenance for such helicopters is difficult. You want to ask yourself if you are willing to take such a risk.

You also have to do your research on helicopter insurance and finding a great pilot.

Keep Costs In Mind

When looking at buying an aircraft, one should never try to get the cheapest price. Usually, the older the aircraft the lower the price will be. The level of miles flown also brings down the price.

But you can’t always ensure quality when you choose a cheaper option. Choose your budget beforehand but don’t try to aim for the lower end of your budget. You also want to do your research on operating costs and maintenance fees.

When you speak to your aircraft dealer, you want to ask them to provide an estimation of how much you might have to spend each month.

Make Sure It’s Appraised

Never choose an aircraft that isn’t appraised. An aircraft engineer can appraise the aircraft to check its quality. They will do an inspection to determine if it’s worth your money to buy the aircraft.

If not, they will advise on what needs to be done to improve the aircraft. You have to then decide if you are willing to buy the aircraft to improve upon it. As a general rule, it’s always better to avoid this and buy a well-maintained aircraft.

Where Will You Keep It?

You want to research the storage solutions for your aircraft. There are different storage options for helicopters, private jets, and commercial airplanes.

You want to find a storage solution that you can afford to pay for each month. You want to choose a storage solution that isn’t a long commute. It’s only after you find the right storage solution that you can find the right aircraft.

Buy Your Used Aircraft

Now that you know the guidelines for buying a used aircraft, you can start shopping around. Make sure you do your research and ask as many questions as possible to the aircraft dealers.

You should also seek out testimonials for all the aircraft you are considering. They can give you a firsthand account of their experiences with the aircraft.

If you want more great information on aircraft and travel, check out our website.