The "Pre-Buy" Inspection: What it is, what it entails & cost
Pre-Purchase Inspection
A Pre-Buy Inspection, or Prebuy Inspection, or Pre Purchase inspection is a common and recommended practice for anyone buying an airplane. This evaluation brings in an independent third party to evaluate the airplane on any number of levels in an attempt to establish a value of the airplane or aircraft, and to pick up on discrepancies and items that have been neglected or missed in prior inspections. This is best performed by an experienced mechanic, pilot and airplane owner. You don't just want a part time guy to go through your investment and just check boxes on a check list. You want someone with experience maintaining that type of airframe who can focus their attention right away on the critical and problematic areas. We are the guys to do this type of work. As professional mechanics, professional pilots and aircraft owners ourselves, we have experience with SO MANY types and know so many people with these airplanes that we have many additional resources that we can use to offer additional insight.
I should say that "inspection" is not the right word. The FAA defines what inspection is and a pre-purchase inspection does not meet that criteria. An evaluation is more encompassing of what should be done prior to buying or even selling an airplane. I like to say the best money spent, is on money that saved you from NOT buying a particular airplane. Since a pre-purchase evaluation is not spelled out in any official manner, it is up the the seller, buyer and evaluator to determine what will and won't be done. Anything short of a full annual or conditional inspection does leave the possibility to miss issues with the aircraft. It is strongly recommended and advised to perform an evaluation by a party no associated with the aircraft in the past. Such as the maintenance shop that previously maintained the aircraft, or anyone affiliated with the seller.
Sometimes that just isn't possible for a number of reasons. A lot can be learned about the aircraft by a review of it's complete records alone. Not just "log books".
Most evaluations we perform take place in a single day and with the potential buyers direct involvement. Having the aircraft brought to our facilities or traveling to visit the aircraft and evaluating its condition can help a potential buyer opt out of a purchase due to any issues the seller did not disclose or not know about. Jake's Air Repair travels to any number of airports in order to perform a pre-buy / pre purchase evaluation. Some nearby Northern California & Northern Nevada locations can be reached quickly by air or driving. We also travel further and frequently travel great distances. We're willing to go the extra miles for our customers! Literally! However the best bang for your buck is if you can bring the aircraft to our facility in Columbia, CA (O22). Here we can put a team on it and get more done in less time. That saves you money and gets more done.
Call and lets discuss the airplane you are considering buying. There is a lot to know, and we love to share what info we can to help you make an informed decision. We are glad to give you a half hour of time over the phone loaded with tips, tidbits and tings to know or consider. We are sure after a half hour phone call, you'll feel that Jake and his team are the right guys for the job.
Its also important to find a pre buy evaluator / mechanic well before entering into a contract to buy an airplane. Most sales contracts give you 10 days to close. Most shops and especially Jake's Air Repair are often booked up more than 2 weeks at a time. Call BEFORE you sign to buy. there is a lot to know before entering into a contract to buy an airplane. That's another thing you get with Jake's Air R[pair. You get more than just a mechanic looking for oil leaks. You get someone who knows the ins and outs of aircraft acquisitions.
Quick Opinion. $250 This is hardly a hands on inspection or evaluation, but for $250 you send us as many pictures and log book scans or pictures you have and based on what is provided, we will write up a list of any discrepancies noted that could potently be an issue or a concern. We can talk on the phone about it or we can write you a report. This is often the first step in seeing if proceeding with travel to a destination for further "in person" evaluation. (1.5 HR)
Lunch Time Special $600 - This inspection has you bring us the airplane to our hangar where we will send you off to lunch with a car to enjoy the immediate area, or you're encouraged to stay and look at the airplane with us! We will remove cowlings and various panels, and look over the aircraft for general condition. Compression checks, oil sample, and a brief audit of log books will provide a generalized sense of what the aircraft issues may be, and what the aircraft may need. (Approx. 4 hours)
Hourly Inspection. $150/HR Most of our evaluations are done this way. We spend a few hours to a few days looking the airplane over and making a general determination about the airplane, what it may need, and how much those repairs might cost. We will write up a report outlining all the discrepancies noted, including minor ones and an estimate for repairing each item. This will aid you in your negotiations with a seller. Our objective is to keep the costs down as much as possible, and we stop looking once we find a deal breaker or prohibitively expensive items.
The Annual Inspection. $150/HR This is often referred to as the best pre-buy, and while most people will absolutely agree that the most through inspection that can be performed is an annual inspection, it is often difficult to incorporate the two into one event. An annual inspection as a pre buy assure the most thorough inspection / evaluation is completed. The issue lies in the fact that at EVERY annual, there are items that need repair. If discrepancies are found that kills the interest of the buyer, the seller is now left with the burden of spending money out of his pocket to correct those issues. Sellers don't often want to spend that money as finances may be the reason for selling the aircraft. This puts the maintenance shop or mechanic in a precarious position. It is not impossible and can be done, but with through planning and thorough understanding and agreements between the seller, buyer and mechanic inspector/evaluator. If this is what you would like done, we can still make it happen call us and we will be glad to talk through any concerns you might have.
Travel to our Location. (Columbia, CA O22)
We love it when you can bring the airplane to us! You get a lot more "bang for your buck" if you bring it to us. We are able to put more mechanics on opening the airplane apart and can dig in a lot deeper and quicker, as well as having all the right tools at our disposal.
Travel to your Location.
We do offer mobile to your location service. We typically charge shop rate for travel time, (what it takes to drive from Columbia, CA) however it is best to contact us by phone and we can some times make exceptions or reductions to this fee.
Pick the best evaluator for you!
Why pick Jake's Air Repair over the the other guy you are considering?
Many mechanics that will perform a pre buy are just repair mechanics. There is a lifetimes worth of knowledge and experience that goes into evaluating an airplane. Some run of the mill shop or new A&P's don't always have the experience to see beyond the topical condition. You may chose a low time pilot to help you along in your training, but why let a low experience mechanic make the call on weather or not you should spend your life's savings on such an investment? The team at Jake's Air Repair utilizes years of experience, knowledge and even call in outside help to answer questions to make sure we provide the buyer with the most through evaluation possible.
It is important to know that an evaluation is just an evaluation. You are paying for an opinion of condition and value. It is NOT a fully encompassing inspection and a buyer is very likely to discover items down the road. It is foolish to think one guy can evaluate an airplane in its entirety in one or two days. The only way any mechanic / evaluator could catch all discrepancies and issues would be to restore the airplane! There are no warranties or guarantees issued or implied by hiring us or any other individual that performs an aircraft evaluation. But we try out best to make sure nothing critical goes unnoticed. Jake and his team are not just mechanics, we are owners, pilots, professional pilots, engineers, restorers, machinists and DER's.
"The best money spent is on a plane that you DON'T buy!" -Confucius; probably, & Jake
These Discrepancies were found on Pre-Purchase Inspections
Cracked Engine Case
This case was cracked. It was likely caused by over torquing of the alternator bracket. It was impossible to see because of the oil leak surrounding it!
Cracked Fuel Tank
This fuel leak had existed on this airplane for years because the owner and mechanic thought it was a non issue. Turns out the fuel tank was cracked and the leak had caused corrosion on the spar!
Cracked Fuselage
Worn Out Fastener
This crack should have been seen in most inspections. We don't want to find the cracks after you buy the airplane! Its not a guarantee that issues wont be found on any inspection or evaluation, however we hope to find them and that's why you have a pre-buy completed!
Worn Out Fastener
Worn Out Fastener
This bolt was not of the correct type or part and was moments from failing.
Improper Repair
Was this repair done correctly? Turns out It wasn't, but we were able to get engineering data to determine this repair although incorrect, was sufficient enough and did not need to be re-done.
Imminent failure!
This cowling latch had been digging into the rocker box cover! It has been covered over with tape by the owner to "Prevent chafing" and hide it from the buyer and mechanic.
Aircraft Pre-Buy Inspection, Aircraft Pre-Buy Inspections
Airplane Pre-Buy Inspection, Airplane Pre-Buy Inspection
Aircraft Pre Buy Inspection, Aircraft Pre Buy Inspections
Airplane Pre Buy Inspection, Airplane Pre Buy Inspection
Aircraft PreBuy Inspection, Aircraft PreBuy Inspections
Airplane PreBuy Inspection, Airplane PreBuy Inspection
Aircraft Pre-Purchase Inspection, Aircraft Pre-Purchase Inspections
Airplane Pre-Purchase Inspection, Airplane Pre-Purchase Inspection
Aircraft Pre Purchase Inspection, Aircraft Pre Purchase Inspections
Airplane Pre Purchase Inspection, Airplane Pre Purchase Inspection
Serving the following areas and airports:
Northern California
California
Southern California
Sacramento
Sacramento Valley
Bay Area
Central Valley
Sacramento Valley
California Coast
California Central Coast
Amador County Airport Jackson, CA KJAQ JAQ
Auburn Municipal Airport Auburn, CA KAUN AUN
Byron Airport Byron, CA C83
Calaveras County Airport San Andreas, CA KCPU CPU
Castle Airport Castle AFB Atwater, CA KMER MER
Columbia Airport Columbia , CA / Sonora, CA O22
Concord Buchannan Field Concord, CA KCCR CCR
Gnoss Field Airport Novato, CA KDVO DVO
Half Moon Bay Airport Half Moon Bay, CA KHAF HAF
Hayward Air Terminal Hayward Executive Airport Hayward, CA KHWD HWD
Lincoln Regional Karl Harder Field Lincoln, CA KLHM LHM
Livermore Municipal Airport Livermore, CA KVLK LVK
Lodi Airport Lodi, CA 1O3
Mariposa-Yosemite Airport KMPI Mariposa, CA
McClellan Airfield Airport KMCC Sacramento, CA
Metropolitan Oakland International Airport Oakland, CA KOAK OAK
Modesto City County Airport Harry Sham Field Airport Modesto, CA KMOD MOD
Napa County Airport Napa, CA KAPC APC
Nut Tree Airport Vacaville CA KVB VCB
Oakdale Airport Oakdale, CA O27
Palo Alto Airport Palo Alto, CA KPAO PAO
Pine Mountain Lake Airport Groveland, CA E45
Placerville Airport Placerville, CA KPVF PVF
Reid-Hillview Airport of Santa Clara County San Jose, CA KRHV RHV
Rancho Murietta Airport Rancho Murieta KRIU
Rio Vista Airport Rio Vista, CA O88
Sacramento Executive Airport KSAC SAC Sacramento, CA
Sacramento Mather Airport Rancho Cordova, CA KMHR MHR
San Carlos Airport San Carlos, CA KSQL SQL
Stockton Metropolitan Airport Stockton, CA KSCK SCK
Tracy Municipal Airport Tracy, CA KTCY TCY
University Airport Davis, CA KEDU EDU
Visalia Municipal Airport Visalia, CA KVIS VIS
Watts-Woodland Airport Watts-Woodland Airport Woodland, CA O41
Watsonville Municipal Airport Watsonville, CA KWVI
Westover Field Amador County Airport Jackson, CA KAJQ JAQ
Yolo County Airport Woodland, CA KDWA DWA
Yuba County Airport Marysville, CA KMYV MYV
and Beyond!
Aircraft Types
We specialize in many types. Having maintained many and even owning many types ourselves.
Acro Sport I Acro Sport II Aeronca: 7AC Champ, 11AC Chief American Champion Aircraft Scout (8GCBC) American Champion Aircraft Champ 7AC / 7BCM / 7DC American Champion Aircraft Citabria (7ECA / 7GCAA / 7GCBC) American Champion Aircraft Decathlon (8KCAB) / Super Decathlon Aura Aero Integral R Aviat Christen Eagle II Aviat Husky A1 Aviat Husky A1A Aviat Husky A1B Aviat Husky A2 Aviat Pitts S1S Aviat Pitts S2B Aviat Pitts S2C Beechcraft 19 / 23 / 24 Musketeer / Sport / Sierra / Sundowner Beechcraft 33 Debonair / Bonanza Beechcraft 35 "V-Tail" Bonanza Beechcraft 76 Duchess Beechcraft 77 Skipper Beechcraft Model 35 Bonanza Bellanca Citabria (7ECA / 7GCAA / 7GCBC) Bellanca Decathlon (8KCAB) / Super Decathlon Bellanca Scout (8GCBC) Bellanca Viking / Super Viking 300 CAP 10, CAP 20, CAP 21 Cessna 120 / 140 / 140A Cessna 150 / 150B / 150G / 150L / 150M / 150 Commuter Cessna 150 Aerobat (A150K / A150L / A150M) Cessna 152 / 152 II / A152 Aerobat Cessna 170 / 170A / 170B Cessna 172 Skyhawk (172, 172A, 172B. 172C, 172D, 172E, 172F, 172G, 172H 172J Cessna 172RG Cutlass Cessna 175 Skylark Cessna 177 Cardinal / 177RG Cessna 180 Skywagon Cessna 182 Skylane / 182RG / T182T Turbo Skylane Cessna 185 Skywagon / A185F Cessna 188 AgWagon / AgTruck AgWagon Cessna 190 / 195 Businessliner Cessna 205 / 206 Stationair / T206H Turbo Cessna 207 Skywagon / Stationair 7 & 8 Cessna 210 Centurion / T210 / P210 (Pressurized) Cessna 310 310 A- 310R ThreeTen Cessna 320 Skyknight Cessna 350 Corvalis / 400 Corvalis TT (Columbia) Champion 7AC / 7BCM / 7DC Christen Eagle II/Aviat Eagle II CubCrafters Carbon Cub SS, XCub, Sport Cub S2 Diamond: DA20 Katana, DA40 Diamond Star, DA42 Twin Star, DA50 RG, DA62 Ercoupe: 415-C / 415-D / Forney F-1 / Alon A2 Extra Flugzeugbau Extra Aircraft 200 230 260 300 330 SX NG Fairchild 19, 24 26 Game Composites GB-1 Gamebird Giles G-200 Giles G-202 Globe/Temco: Swift GC-1A / GC-1B Great Lakes 2T-1A Great Lakes Sport Trainer Grumman AA-1 Yankee / Trainer / Lynx Grumman AA-5 Traveler / Cheetah / Tiger Hatz Classic Homebuilt Aircraft Icon A5 Laser 200 Luscombe: 8 / 8A / 8C / 8F Silvaire Maule: M-4, M-5, M-7 Super Rocket, M-9 Monocoupe 110 Special[3] Mustang Aeronautics Midget Mustang Mustang Aeronautics Mustang II MX Aircraft MX2MXS Nanchang CJ-6, CJ-6A Navion: North American / Ryan Navion Piper J-3 Cub / L-4 Grasshopper Piper PA-11 Cub Special Piper PA-12 Super Cruiser Piper PA-18 Super Cub Piper PA-20 Pacer / PA-22 Tri-Pacer / PA-22-108 Colt Piper PA-23 Apache / Aztec Piper PA-24 Comanche (180, 250, 260, 400) Piper PA-25 Pawnee Piper PA-28-140 / 150 / 160 / 180 Cherokee Piper PA-28-151 / 161 Warrior / Warrior II & III Piper PA-28-181 Archer II / III / LX Piper PA-28-235 / 236 Dakota / Pathfinder Piper PA-28R-180 / 200 Arrow / Arrow II / III / IV / Turbo Arrow Piper PA-30 / PA-39 Twin Comanche Piper PA-31 Navajo / Chieftain / Mojave / T-1020 Piper PA-32 Cherokee Six (260 / 300) Piper PA-32R Lance / Saratoga / Saratoga II HP & TC Piper PA-34 Seneca (I, II, III, IV, V) Piper PA-38 Tomahawk Piper PA-44 Seminole Piper PA-46 Malibu / Mirage / Matrix Pitts Model 14 Pitts S1 Pitts S1-11 Pitts S1C Pitts S1S Pitts S2A Pitts S2B Pitts S2C Pitts S2S Raven 2XS Rihn DR-107 One Design Rihn DR-109 Rose Parakeet Ryan North American Navion Ryan STA RYAN STM Slick Aircraft 360 Sorrell Hiperbipe Staudacher S-300 Staudacher S-600 Stearman Model 75 Steen Skybolt Stephens Akro Stinson 108, 10-1 108-2 108-3 Stinson SM8, SM8A Stinson: 108 Voyager / 108-3 Station Wagon Stolp Acroduster Stolp Acroduster Too Stolp SA-900 V-Star Stolp Starduster Stolp Starduster Too Sukhoi SU-26, SU-29, SU-31 Super Chipmunk Technoavia SP-91, SP-95 Travel Air 2000 (1925) Travel Air 3000 (1928) Travel Air 4000 (1929) Ultimate Aircraft 10-180, 10-200, 10-300 Vans Aircraft (RV Series): RV-3 RV-4, RV-6A, RV-6, RV-7, RV-8, RV-9, RV-10, RV-14 Velox Revolution 1 Waco 10/GXE/ASO/CSO/DSO/ATO/CTO Waco A Waco F Waco Great Lakes 2T-1A XtremeAir Sbach 300, XtremeAir Sbach 342 Yakovlev Yak 18, Yak 18T Yak-50, Yak 55, YAk 55M, Yak-52, Yak-52 TW Zivko Edge 540