Is the Pre-purchase Inspection for you?

I have the unique opportunity to see a lot of people buy and import aircraft being a Minister's Delegate.

Some people opt for pre-purchase inspections, while others decide it's not worth it.  Some people decide to look at the aircraft themselves, some people hire American A & P mechanics and still others hire friends who are more senior pilots to look at the aircraft for them.  One thing is certain; everybody does it differently.

Before you chose a method of looking at an aircraft and deciding if it's right for you, deciding if it's within your budget, ask yourself the following questions:

  1. Is the person looking at the aircraft for you familiar with the Canadian requirements of import?
  2. Where did this person gain this experience?
What are you risking by looking at the aircraft yourself, or having someone not qualified look at it for you?  You could conceivably purchase an aircraft that is not eligible for import into Canada.  I once witnessed a guy purchase a small Cessna.  He got a great deal and had a pilot look at it for him.  After the deal was done, he found out that the new interior was not certified.  The interior had to be completely replaced and the great deal went out the window.  I saw an aircraft that had had some major repairs performed on it. The repairs did not meet the requirements and the new owner had to hire an AME to redo the repair at an expense in the thousands.  I've seen aircraft with wrong engines, wrong props, illegal modifications, missing records and modifications not accepted in Canada.  So to answer the question of what you are risking; you are risking your hard earned savings for an aircraft you may never fly.

Once you've found an aircraft you are interested in, the first step in looking at the aircraft would be to contact the current owner and gather all the details you can about the history and condition of the aircraft.  Ask the owner specifically about any modifications embodied on the aircraft or any interior work completed.  Ask the owner to send you copies of all US form 337's.  Once you're serious about the aircraft, order the CD from the FAA with all of the historical records on file.  The CD is only $10.00 and has copies of all modifications and a history of owners and Certificates of Airworthiness. It's a great way to replace missing records or confirm what mods have been done on the aircraft. The CD comes fairly quickly.  Another option that is virtually immediate is Plane Fax.  At Plane Fax, you can order the historical files for $19.00 and have them emailed within two hours.  I've seen many a new owner have to hire AME's to inspect aircraft and create new paperwork that could have been obtained from the CD or Plane Fax.

Ultimately, an MD-M will need to review the modifications to ensure they are acceptable in Canada.  If they are not acceptable, the MD-M can tell you what it will take to get them acceptable in Canada.  This process will also aid you in forming your estimate for import.  A link to the FAA site where you can order the CD, or Plane Fax can be found in the links section below.


Arrangements can now be made to view the aircraft.

I would strongly caution people not to fly the aircraft until it has been inspected.  You do not likely know the seller or owner.  Too many times people have flown aircraft to me prior to it being looked at only to find potentially dangerous things wrong with it.

The aircraft should be looked at by a qualified AME.  Have a general look over the aircraft.  Confirm the aircraft is as it was presented.  Look through the records and ensure they are complete.  Aircraft can be imported with missing records, but it depends on what is missing.  The value of the aircraft also drops should any records be missing.  Do a thorough check on all Airworthiness Directives to ensure they have all been completed.  Look through past entries for consistent problems.  Check to see if the aircraft has had scheduled maintenance within the required times.   Aircraft that have had maintenance done past due times can be an indication of poor maintenance. Review the engine overhaul entry.  Was it done by a reputable shop or just an A & P?    Look for any past engine compression numbers to compare against current numbers.

Perform a ground run on the aircraft and check for proper power.  Function check everything in the aircraft and check for proper operation.

Remove the engine cowlings and check the engine model and serial number against the aircraft Type Certificate.  Check the propeller model and serial number against the Type Certificate.  Check the aircraft data plate and review the aircraft serial number against the Type Certificate.

Perform an engine compression check.

The above is the start of a pre-purchase inspection and is in no way complete.  Some future owners like to perform an annual inspection and call that the pre-purchase.  Some people perform the above and let the aircraft guide you in what you look at.  For an aircraft imported into Canada without a C of A for export, an annual inspection is not required.  A qualified AME can determine the state of the aircraft without performing a complete inspection

The pre-purchase inspection will get you a list of everything wrong with the aircraft and allow you to negotiate the final purchase price.

I've seen a lot of people look at and buy aircraft without a qualified AME looking at it.  Some have been successful, or lucky, while others have ended up paying more.

So is the pre-purchase inspection for you?  You decide.

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