A 1985 Beechcraft F33A Bonanza turned out to be a bigger project than the author was ready to tackle. [Credit: Jonathan Welsh]
Key Takeaways:
Always keep an open mind, take time for careful consideration ("sleep on it"), and consult a mechanic for an early assessment (pre-pre-buy) when shopping for an aircraft.
An early mechanic's review can uncover critical, costly issues, such as an engine's age-related problems despite low hours, quickly disqualifying unsuitable candidates.
It's important to allow for second thoughts and remain flexible in your aircraft search to avoid taking on a "project plane" and ultimately find a better fit.
When shopping for your ideal aircraft, you should keep an open mind to avoid missing out on potential candidates. And even when you are sure you have found the best one—the airplane that “checks all of the boxes”—you should sleep on it before moving ahead with the purchase.
It is also a good idea to run the details past your mechanic. Call it a pre-pre-buy inspection.
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Jonathan Welsh is Lead Editor of Aviation Consumer and a private pilot who worked as a reporter, editor and columnist with the Wall Street Journal for 21 years, mostly covering the auto industry. His passion for aviation began in childhood with balsa-wood gliders his aunt would buy for him at the corner store. Follow Jonathan on Twitter @JonathanWelsh4
