Murphy's (Aircraft) Law
   
 
 
 
"THE PERFECT AIRCRAFT IS ALWAYS LOCATED AT THE
FARTHEST GEOGRAPHICAL POINT FROM YOUR AIRPORT"

If you've been diligently looking, you'll know what we mean. Don't despair. Dealers buy aircraft over the telephone daily as a matter of course, and with a little knowledge and information, you can too.

Begin by getting a full set of specifications. You should have a complete avionics list (by model), along with the N number and serial number. Be sure to ASK the current owner if he has all the original logs. Ask him to describe the interior and exterior in detail or send him our interior/exterior ratings scale.

If the aircraft suits your needs, preferences, and budget, get some documentation before proceeding further. Don't ask for a complete copy of the logs- it's a rare owner who'll take the time and trouble, and you'll see them at the pre-purchase inspection anyway. You can. however, gain greater insight into the aircraft's condition by asking to view a few critical pages.

Request a copy of the last annual inspection: engine and aircraft log entries, as well as the shop invoice if available. If the engine has been overhauled, ask for the same items. If you can get them, the three basic photographs (exterior, interior, instrument panel) will give you a good idea of the paint scheme and colors, interior color and condition, and the panel layout. Don't rely too much on the exterior shot to indicate the condition of the paint. Airplanes seem to be naturally photogenic, and always appear better in pictures than they do on the ramp.

If, after examining all these, you still want to purchase the aircraft, you have only two choices: you can travel to the sellers' home field at your expense and arrange for a pre-purchase with an unknown mechanic. Or, you can get the seller to bring the aircraft to you. Obviously this is better, and here's an agreement that's been used many times to facilitate this arrangement. Agree on a price first, then get the seller to sign and return an agreement similar to the following:

AIRCRAFT: 1978 Cessna 177RG N-Number: N52766 Serial number: 177RG2655
Buyer and seller agree that the total purchase price of this aircraft is $_______. Seller warrants the aircraft title to be free and clear of all liens. Within ___ days of receipt of a purchase deposit in the amount of $______, seller agrees to ferry said aircraft to the airport at _____ for the purpose of a pre-purchase inspection at buyers' expense. It is further agreed that, upon satisfactory completion of this inspection, buyer will immediately pay the balance of $______ and take immediate delivery of the aircraft.
Should the aircraft fail to pass a pre-purchase inspection to the buyer's satisfaction, seller agrees to refund all of buyer's deposit, less actual expenses incurred in delivery and return flight. Said expenses are agreed to be limited to fuel, oil, lodging, and meals. This agreement becomes null and void upon such refund.
Signatures ________________ (Buyer)       _______________(Seller)

 

Notice that both buyer and seller have something at risk in this arrangement. For the buyer, it's obviously his deposit. The seller is going to have to spend a day (or more) delivering the plane, and if it fails the pre-purchase, flying back home.

If you want to buy, he wants to sell,
and the aircraft is as represented,
this arrangement will work nicely.

(This PSA is offered as a suggested example only,
and is not intended to represent a legal document.)