Buying an airplane is an exciting experience, but it can be fraught with (expensive) pitfalls if you are not careful. Over the years, FLYING has heard many tales of woe. So here’s a list of the top five mistakes people make when buying their first airplane. Consider this our attempt to help you see and avoid these traps.
1. No Pre-buy Inspection
Never, ever, ever do this. Not even if it is a “friend’s” airplane. Similar to buying a used car, purchasing a second-hand airplane can mean buying someone else’s problems. A snazzy paint job does not mean it’s a healthy airplane. Having a qualified mechanic get under the cowl of the airplane, in the cockpit, and in the maintenance logbooks is how you tell if an airplane is healthy and worth the money.
