More than 90% of civil aircrafts registered in the United States are general aviation. However, a lot of people want an aircraft on their own. If you are thinking about owning your own plane or helicopter, there are a few things you need to consider first.
Read on to learn about five things to consider before buying an aircraft.
1. The Cost
Before buying an aircraft, you need to consider the cost. This can vary depending on several factors including whether you are looking at new aircraft or used aircraft.
First, you will need to ask yourself a few questions like how will you use the plane and what your maximum budget is? One of the most important expenses to calculate are pilot expenses. If you aren’t flying the plane yourself, you need to hire a pilot with enough flight experience.
Planes with toilets are more expensive. If all of the flights you are taking will be short, you can consider cutting this extra cost out.
2. New or Used?
When buying an airplane, you need to consider whether or not you want it new or used. Used aircrafts may not be cheaper than new aircrafts as one may think.
If you are buying an aircraft for the long-term advantage, think about how much fuel you will use. A newer aircraft will be more fuel-efficient because they are faster than older/used planes.
In some cases, a used aircraft can be more efficient, this is dependent on the size and weight of course, newer aircraft are typically heavier though, as they have increasingly powerful engines to lift the aircraft off the ground. Consider that when buying an aircraft, new or old, you’ll need a maintenance team to ensure things run smoothly. Using a reputable vendor for parts and repair equipment such as PJi can keep your costs low whilst ensuring your aircraft is safe to fly whenever you are. Older aircraft will typically need more upkeep, but most of your maintenance cost will depend on how frequently you fly.
3. Model of Plane
Another step for how to buy an aircraft includes finding one that fits your personality. It may sound silly, but different plane models benefit different people. You may just want something different than everyone else has, and that’s fine too.
An unusual or exotic plane may be in the back of your mind when you are trying to make a decision. However, it is important to note that it can be harder to get parts for these models. This means you may have problems selling the plane when you are ready.
4. Aircraft Records
Before signing any deal, you need to check the paperwork. The following records should be noted:
- Certificate of airworthiness
- Airframe and engines logbooks
- Equipment list
- Weight and balance data
- Flight manual or owner’s handbook
A flight manual should be approved by the FAA. These documents are important to keep to reduce problems later on. You can get a VREF residual value report for your aircraft here.
5. Test Flight
Lastly, before buying an aircraft, take a test flight with a trusted technician or experienced pilot. You may also want to book a flight in it where you don’t actually fly it yourself, as this will give you a feel for what it’s like to be a passenger on the aircraft. For instance, if you are interested in buying a private jet, you might want to find a private jet charter from somewhere like Jettly and experience a flight in it first. This is part of the testing process before you purchase a plane. A test flight allows you to ensure you won’t have issues after purchasing.
Buying an Aircraft Explained
Buying an aircraft is not an easy process. It takes a lot of research and reassurance to make a huge decision like this. By using this guide, you can understand what you should consider before making a big purchase.
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