Our
Locations
World HQ
6700 Côte de Liesse, suite 206,
+1 514 636-1099
Montréal, Canada,
H4T 2B5Ireland
Suite 3230, Building 3000, Westpark Business Campus, Shannon, Clare, V14 AN29
+353 61 475 802San Marino
World Trade Center, Via Consiglio dei Sessanta,
+39 0549 942-551
99, 47891 Dogana, San Marino
Aircraft Pre-Buy Inspection: What It Covers and Why It Matters
An aircraft pre-buy inspection is an independent technical evaluation of a business jet before purchase is finalized. ACASS guides buyers through every stage of the process, from workscope definition through discrepancy resolution, protecting against hidden liabilities before any commitment is made.
Connect With a Specialist
What a Pre-Purchase Inspection Covers
A pre-purchase inspection, also referred to as a PPI, has two core components: the physical aircraft inspection and the aircraft records inspection. The physical inspection covers airframe condition, engine status, avionics functionality, landing gear, and flight control systems. The records review covers logbooks, maintenance history, airworthiness directive compliance, service bulletin status, and damage history. Both components must be completed by a qualified, independent facility with specific experience on the aircraft make and model under evaluation.
Aircraft Records Inspection Explained
An aircraft’s records are as important as its physical condition. Incomplete or inconsistent documentation is a direct risk to airworthiness status and resale value. A thorough aircraft records inspection covers logbooks for completeness and continuity, compliance with all applicable airworthiness directives, service bulletin status, and documentation of any major repairs or alterations. Damage history forms and component traceability records must be present and verifiable. Gaps are not automatically disqualifying but must be evaluated carefully by an experienced advisor before any purchase proceeds.
Aircraft Borescope Inspection: Engines
A borescope inspection examines the internal condition of a business jet’s engines, an area that cannot be assessed through visual or systems checks alone. It is strongly recommended on all pre-owned business jets, regardless of engine programme status, as internal damage can occur at any point in an aircraft’s operational history. The APU should also be borescoped where applicable, as pre-existing damage not identified before closing may affect insurance coverage. ACASS technical consultants evaluate borescope findings in their full operational context before any recommendation is made.
Trusted by Global Aviation Clients
A Global Client Portfolio
ACASS has guided aircraft transactions across 56 countries, representing more than $2B in transactions and 30+ years of global advisory experience, serving multinational corporations, family offices, and leading aviation organisations — including Dangote Group, REPSOL, Holtec International, TAG Aviation, Penske Media, and Sofina Foods.
Technical Oversight at Every Stage
The pre-buy inspection advisory ACASS provides reflects the same standard of technical oversight applied to every stage of the acquisition mandate, from workscope definition through to delivery.
Integrated Specialist Access
Clients who engage ACASS for acquisition advisory have access to the same technical consultancy specialists who support their ongoing aircraft management and operational needs.
Choosing the Right Inspection Facility
The inspection facility should have documented, specific experience with the aircraft make and model being evaluated. General MRO competence is not sufficient for a business jet pre-purchase inspection. Manufacturer-authorised service centres offer model-specific expertise and may identify issues common to that aircraft’s history. The facility conducting the inspection must have no affiliation with the seller or the aircraft’s current maintenance provider. Independence is essential to an unbiased findings report. An acquisition advisor defines the workscope in writing before the inspection begins and remains accountable for how findings are reported and acted upon.
Pre-Buy Inspection and Airworthiness Directives
Airworthiness directives are mandatory regulatory requirements issued by civil aviation authorities. Every applicable directive must be verified as complied with before an aircraft can legally transfer to a new owner in airworthy condition. Service bulletins, while not always mandatory, indicate manufacturer-recommended maintenance and can affect engine programme eligibility and long-term operational reliability. A buyer who inherits an aircraft with outstanding mandatory airworthiness directives may face immediate rectification obligations. ACASS technical consultants verify airworthiness directive and service bulletin status as part of the full records review within an acquisition mandate.
Pre-Buy Inspection in the ACASS Process
For ACASS clients, the pre-purchase inspection is not a standalone event. It is an integrated stage within a managed aircraft acquisition mandate, with a named ACASS advisor accountable throughout. ACASS’s Technical Consultancy specialists define the inspection workscope, coordinate facility selection, monitor the process, and evaluate findings before recommendations are made. Where discrepancies are identified, ACASS represents the buyer in negotiation with the seller. Following a successful inspection and closing, Entry Into Service support ensures the aircraft is operationally ready from day one.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
An aircraft pre-buy inspection typically includes two components: a physical inspection and a records review. The physical inspection covers airframe condition, engine status, avionics systems, landing gear, flight controls, and a borescope examination of the engines and APU. The records review covers logbooks, maintenance history, compliance with all applicable airworthiness directives, service bulletin status, and any documentation of damage or major repairs. The scope and depth of the inspection can vary based on aircraft type, age, and the buyer’s specific requirements.
-
In the majority of business jet transactions, the buyer covers the cost of organising and conducting the pre-purchase inspection, including any positioning of the aircraft to the chosen inspection facility. The seller is generally responsible for rectifying airworthiness-related discrepancies uncovered during the inspection. This is typically addressed in the purchase agreement before the inspection begins. Cosmetic issues that are not airworthiness-related are usually the buyer’s responsibility after closing. This division of responsibility is one reason why having an experienced advisor represent the buyer’s interests throughout the process matters.
-
A borescope inspection uses a specialised optical instrument to examine the internal condition of a business jet’s engines without requiring engine disassembly. It assesses the condition of turbine blades, compressor stages, combustion components, and other internal systems that cannot be evaluated through visual inspection or a test flight alone. Even aircraft enrolled in manufacturer engine programmes benefit from a borescope, as internal damage can occur at any point and may not be reflected in programme status or service records. Findings are documented and used to inform purchase negotiation.
-
When a pre-purchase inspection identifies discrepancies, the buyer has three standard options: accept the aircraft as it is, accept the aircraft pending agreed rectification before closing, or withdraw from the transaction entirely. In most business jet transactions, identified airworthiness issues become the subject of negotiation between buyer and seller. The seller is typically required to address items that affect the aircraft’s airworthy status. Having an experienced acquisition advisor at the table ensures findings are accurately assessed and the buyer’s position is clearly represented. Minor discrepancies reflecting normal use do not necessarily affect the transaction.
-
The relevant civil aviation authority does not require a buyer to engage an advisor to oversee a pre-purchase inspection, but most experienced business jet buyers do, and for good reason. An independent acquisition consultant defines the inspection workscope in the buyer’s interests, selects a qualified and unconflicted facility, monitors the inspection process, and interprets findings with an understanding of the aircraft’s operational implications. Without this oversight, a buyer relies entirely on the inspection facility’s report, which may not capture the full operational or compliance picture. ACASS Technical Consultancy specialists provide this oversight as part of an integrated acquisition mandate.
