Pre Purchase Inspection

Tillman brought up a good thought in the Warbird section regarding a pre-purchase inspection and how a new prospective owner can guard against purchasing an aircraft which may require a lot of subsequent expense.

This is indeed a good idea for a thread so I thought I'd start it off, for now, with a few things I've learned over the course of 30+ years of aircraft ownership and assisting others in their purchases.

First and foremost when evaluating an aircraft is to keep an open mind and not let your emotions get in the way of good decision making. It is hard to do, believe me. Home study is a must. Try and get familiar with the type of aircraft you're considering and read, read, read! Corrolary to read, read, read is to ask, ask, ask! Questions , that is. Ask other owners of the type you're considering what their maintenance experience has been. Ask mechanics what their maintenance experience has been for any particular aircraft and what to look out for when inspecting a prospective acquisition.

While on the subject of mechanics, these are the folks you need to become V-E-R-Y friendly with. A good mechanic is as important to your aircraft and your wallet's health as a good doctor is to your personal helath. I can't emphasize this more strongly. Select your mechanic BEFORE you select your first or next airplane. Preferabily one who specializes in the type you're considering.

There a lot of myths regarding any particular airplane type. It is often difficult to separate the myth from the reality. This is where your research comes into play and must be thorough enough to identify where myths are being propagated - sometimes for years! This can be tough. Really!

So you've done your research and you consider yourself well armed. You have now selected a particular type and are on your way to visit a prospective purchase or have that purchase flown in for your inspection. What do you do first?

Get the paperwork. ALL the paperwork! Good records are indicative of a well maintained aircraft. Before you even consider looking the airplane over or test flying it, go over the logbooks, 337's AD logs, etc. with more scrutiny than you have ever done before. Spend a day. OR TWO! There are a lot of things which may either not be written into a logbook or written to conciel the truth. An example - I was reviewing logbooks for a retractable and saw a 337 which detailed some skin repair. There was also an entry subsequent to that where the aircraft was repainted. In the engine log there was data regarding an overhaul some months later along with new prop blades with the propeller overhaul. A work order detailing the prop overhaul, NOT PART OF THE LOGS, specified the reason for blade replacement. BENT! It all added up. This aircraft suffered a wheels up landing. NOWHERE IN THE AIRCRAFT LOGBOOK WAS THERE A STATEMENT OF REPAIRS FOR A WHEELS UP LANDING! The owner was queried about the event and owned up to the occurrence. The repairs were done correctly and "by the book". Negotiations allowed for a reduction of the asking price. I bought the plane!

Consider this a first installment. If there is interest in my continuing with some other experience and suggestions, I will be happy to continue. You guys will need to let me know.

Planeflyr