The "Pre-Buy" Inspection: What it is, what it entails & cost

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I should start by saying 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 (mechanic) 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 a full inspection 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 inspection. Some nearby Northern California locations can be reached quickly by air or driving. We also travel further and frequently travel great distances. Were willing to go the extra miles for our customers! Literally!

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.

Quick Opinion. $100 This is hardly a hands on inspection, but for $100 you send me 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.

Lunch Time Special $450 - 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 imitate 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.  $110/HR Most of our evaluations are done this way. We spend a few hours 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.

The Annual Inspection. $110/HR This is often referred to as the best pre-buy, and while I 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 f 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.

"The best money spent is on a pre-buy that keeps you from buying a lemon!" -Confucius; probably