Is That Too Much Airplane For You?

Years ago in a sleepy college aircraft economics class, we learned the pecking order of items to consider when acquiring an aircraft. The short list included the usual items of damage history, engine time, avionics, operating costs and a variety of other factors making obvious sense. But one aspect of aircraft acquisition we werent taught is an issue thats gained prominence in the current sales climate: the consequences of buying too much airplane. With used aircraft pricing at an all-time low, its easy to get sucked into a convincing fantasy that the airplane of your dreams is also one fitting your skills, operating budget and mission.

Key Takeaways:

• Despite historically low acquisition prices, buyers must thoroughly assess total ownership costs for high-end used aircraft, as significant expenses for maintenance, training, and insurance remain.
• A comprehensive pre-purchase inspection by a neutral, experienced party is essential to uncover hidden mechanical and avionics issues that can lead to substantial unplanned repairs.
• It's crucial to match the aircraft's capabilities and complexity to your actual mission, pilot skills, and operating budget, rather than purchasing based solely on perceived appeal or speed.
• Be prepared for potentially high insurance premiums and specialized training requirements, especially for complex or high-performance aircraft, as these costs can make an otherwise affordable purchase unsustainable.

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