Logbook and history review
A preliminary review of the listing and available logbooks, by phone. It is free, and it often tells you whether the aircraft deserves a closer look.
How Much Does an Aircraft Pre-Purchase Inspection Cost?
There is no one-size price for a pre-buy. The cost depends on the scope you choose, the aircraft, and what it takes to get to it. Here is how each factor works, so you can choose the right inspection for your purchase.
- A&P / IAInspection Authorization
- ATP pilotFormer airline pilot · CFI, CFII, MEI
- 31 yearsin aviation
- NationwideHundreds of pre-buy inspections
1. Scope: how deep the inspection goes
Some buyers want a brief review to decide whether an aircraft is worth pursuing. Others want a full annual-level inspection with a landing gear swing before they sign. Scope is the biggest factor in cost, and we agree on it before the visit.
Brief condition review
A focused look at the aircraft and its records to spot obvious red flags and help you decide whether to move forward.
Standard pre-purchase inspection
Engine compression and borescope, airframe, landing gear and systems, logbook and AD research, and a written report with photos.
Comprehensive inspection
An annual-level inspection, including a landing gear swing, an in-flight evaluation when arranged, and repair cost estimates on request. It can be converted into an annual if you buy.
2. Aircraft size and complexity
A larger, more complex aircraft takes more hours to inspect properly. A fixed-gear single is quicker than a retractable, and a twin means two engines, two sets of records to research and more systems to check. Pressurization, turbocharging, complex avionics and modifications add time. Experimental aircraft vary widely depending on how they were built and documented.
3. Travel to the aircraft
I travel to the aircraft, so it does not need to be flown anywhere before you own it. In Houston and Southeast Texas, that usually means a drive. Farther away, travel depends on airfare, hotel and rental car. Some trips are simple; one inspection took an airline flight, a turboprop connection and then a five-hour drive to reach the airplane.
Travel is quoted up front, so you know the full cost before you commit. Inspecting the aircraft where it sits also avoids a ferry flight, along with the cost and risk of flying an aircraft you do not own yet.
What you get for the cost
- An independent A&P/IA working for you, not the seller
- A detailed written report with photos next to each finding
- Repair cost estimates on request, to support a price adjustment
- You are welcome to attend and see the findings in person
- An option to convert the pre-buy into an annual if you buy
Buyers have used my findings to take tens of thousands of dollars off the purchase price, often many times what the inspection cost. See a sample inspection report.
How to get a quote
Send the listing link, the aircraft's location and your purchase timeline. Tell me how deep you want the inspection to go, or we can decide together after the free logbook review. I will quote the inspection and travel before you commit.
Pre-purchase inspection cost FAQ
How much does an aircraft pre-purchase inspection cost?
It depends on three things: the scope you choose, the size and complexity of the aircraft, and travel to reach it. A records review with a brief look at the aircraft costs far less than an annual-level inspection with a landing gear swing on a twin. Send the listing and location and I will quote the inspection and travel before you commit.
Is the preliminary logbook review free?
Yes. Send me the listing link and we can go over it on the phone while I look at it, or I will call you back within a few minutes if I am on a job.
How are travel costs figured?
Travel depends on how hard the aircraft is to reach: airfare, hotel and rental car, or driving time for aircraft in Houston and Southeast Texas. Travel is quoted up front, before you commit.
Is it cheaper to fly the aircraft to you?
Usually not. A ferry flight adds cost, scheduling and risk to an aircraft you do not own yet, and if something breaks on the way, it can become your problem. Inspecting the aircraft where it sits avoids that.
Can the pre-buy be converted into an annual?
Yes. As an A&P mechanic with Inspection Authorization, I can convert the pre-purchase inspection into an annual, so if you buy the aircraft you can start ownership with a fresh annual.
Is a pre-purchase inspection worth the cost?
Findings documented with photos, and repair cost estimates when requested, give you leverage to negotiate repairs or price with the seller. Buyers have used my findings to take tens of thousands of dollars off the purchase price, often many times what the inspection cost.
Get a quote for your pre-buy
Send the listing for a free preliminary logbook review, or call to talk through scope and travel.