Any number of experts can help you buy a jet. Unfortunately, I am not one of them. But I did buy a jet — my first — recently, and the experience taught me some lessons. It is entirely possible that you and your company will employ an expert or two to help you find a turbofan-powered airplane and that my experience will seem bush league to you. It did not seem bush league to me. Since buying the jet, I’ve spent several hours listening to recorded messages when looking for information from Rockwell Collins (FMS database), CAMP (maintenance tracking) and Williams International (engines).
How to Buy a Used Jet
Key Takeaways:
- Buying a jet, even an entry-level one, is a highly complex process significantly more involved and costly than other high-value purchases, requiring a thorough understanding of ongoing operational expenses and critical components like engine programs.
- It is essential to assemble a specialized team, including an experienced light-jet broker for market assessment, an aviation-specific tax consultant for legal and financial structures, and a mechanical expert for detailed maintenance history review and specialized inspections.
- Prospective buyers must define their mission profile and anticipate usage to select the right aircraft, and conduct exhaustive due diligence on market trends, past damage, and specific maintenance requirements, rather than relying solely on price or aesthetics.
Key takeaways sponsored by Aviator Pro | Start Your Training ->
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