Prepurchase Safety Checklist for Jet Buyers

You’ve found what seems like the perfect jet. You’ve walked through and around it, and you’ve maybe even flown it a time or two. Your due diligence isn’t complete without a prepurchase safety check. 

In a prepurchase safety check, you’re ensuring that your potential jet is a good investment that is safe to fly through the air. The money and time you spend on this inspection is incredibly worthwhile. 

The Importance of Private Jet Safety 

Private jets are safe. For example, the National Safety Council says there were 0.996 accidents per 100,000 hours of flight on private jets in 2024. Buyers have a role to play in the safety of the industry as a whole. 

Every inspection buyers conduct is critical. These tests can encourage sellers to be open and honest about their jets, especially if a sale falls through due to deception. Tests can also encourage sellers to make repairs to jets before they try to sell them in the first place. 

Inspections can also help buyers avoid making mistakes. For example, if their inspections uncover major problems, buyers can negotiate a lower price that allows them to make those repairs. 

Jet Safety Checklist for Buyers

A prepurchase jet safety check typically involves several steps. A talented and experienced professional should perform this test for you, but there are a few steps you can tackle on your own with a little research. 

These are the steps that are typically involved:

1. Review Maintenance Logs 

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has detailed rules regarding aircraft paperwork. Some of those rules involve maintenance. 

The FAA requires owners to keep records (called logbooks) about the inspections they’ve conducted, the repairs made, and more. 

Problems you might see in maintenance logs include the following:

• Incomplete entries 
• Gaps in records 
• Missing signatures 
• Unusual schedules 
• Illegible content

2. Review Aircraft Service History 

All aircraft require maintenance and repairs. If the owner uses the jet often, parts may need to be replaced or repaired due to wear and tear. After a major accident or incident, even more work may be required. 

The logbook should outline when repairs are suggested and when they’re completed. Repeated delays or deferrals are signs of problems. Compare the actual service intervals to the manufacturer’s recommended schedules as needed. 

3. Verify FA Airworthiness Directives 

The FAA issues airworthiness directives (ADs), and they’re legally enforceable. These directives are designed to correct product problems that result in unsafe conditions. They can apply to issues like engines, propellers, and more. 

Use the FAA’s database to find copies of ADs that could apply to your aircraft. Then, ensure that the owner of the jet you’re considering has made associated repairs. 

4. Confirm Airworthiness Certificate 

An airworthiness certificate is issued by the FAA, and it grants someone the authority to operate the jet. Use a database like this one to get a copy of the jet’s paperwork. Ensure it is all valid, current, and issued to the seller. 

The certificate should also align with the aircraft’s registration and use category. You can also use this document to ensure the jet hasn’t been grounded or deemed unairworthy.

5. Required Engine Hours, Cycles & Time Since Last Overhaul 

The FAA explains that jet engine manufacturers set time frames for service. Manufacturers also outline when jets should be overhauled, even if an owner isn’t experiencing a problem. 

The manufacturer’s manual should explain the engine’s required maintenance schedule and the time frames when overhauls are needed. Use that data to estimate when an expensive repair might be necessary. You can also ensure that the engine status aligns with the seller’s asking price. 

6. Check Compliance With Expected Maintenance Schedules 

With the manufacturer’s manual in hand, you can also ensure that the seller has completed the inspections on a proper schedule. All of these inspections should be detailed in the logbook, and any repairs should be detailed as well. 

As we mentioned, you can also use this information to identify upcoming major maintenance events and costs. In some cases, you can negotiate a lower price for your jet as your upcoming expenses are too high. 

7. Conduct a Prepurchase Inspection (PPI) 

At this stage, you should hire an independent mechanic to carefully inspect your jet and ensure that everything is in good working order. 

A typical inspection involves several focus points, including the following:

• The engine
• The empennage
• The wings and flaps 
• The fuselage
• The landing gear
• The cockpit
• The cabin 
• Any associated equipment

Your mechanic should provide a detailed report of the inspection, including estimates for repairs. You can use this information to either negotiate the price or walk away from the deal.

8. Check the Aircraft’s Incident Report 

If an aircraft has been involved in an accident or incident, there’s a record of it. The National Transportation Safety Board maintains a database you can search. 

Use tools like this to check for previous issues, such as the following:

• Accidents
• Emergency landings
• Insurance claims

If you find specific dates of accidents or incidents, cross-reference with the logbook and ensure appropriate repairs were completed.

9. Confirm Expiration Dates of Safety Equipment

Most of the emergency tools that come with your jet have expiration dates. If they’re past their prime, you must replace them to fly safely.

Items to check include the following:

• Fire extinguishers
• Oxygen bottles
• ELTs
• Life vests

Check the maintenance logs and ensure this equipment has been serviced recently. If you don’t spot this type of required equipment, determine how much you’ll need to purchase and install it. 

10. Ensure Avionics Requirements

Ask your mechanic to confirm that the specialized aviation in your jet is compliant with manufacturer rules and regulations. Your mechanic should also confirm that the tools installed on the plane are current for the intended flight regions. 

Your mechanic can also confirm that your avionics tools are maintained, including that they’ve had recent software updates applied. 

11. Confirm Registration and Title

Use the FAA registry to ensure that your aircraft has been properly registered and is up to date. 

Next, order a title search through an escrow agent or aviation attorney. This step ensures that the title is free of liens and can be transferred to you with no hassles, delays, or excessive fees. 

This step can also help you avoid common legal issues associated with international registry discrepancies. 

12. Evaluate Safety Ratings

Your buyer may have enrolled in third-party safety programs, such as those maintained by ARGUS or WYVERN. If so, the owner has safety audits from those companies that can give you important details about the safety culture of that organization. 

This type of participation isn’t required, so it’s not a red flag if your seller has nothing to share. However, it’s worthwhile to ask for documents as you contemplate a purchase. 

13. Ensure Compatibility With Expected Operational Plans 

Did you fall in love with a jet because of its appearance or cabin amenities? Remember that its capabilities are important too. 

Before you finalize the sale, ensure that the jet you’re considering has the range and fuel efficiency to handle the trips you’re planning. 

Make sure you can afford the jet’s ongoing expenses, such as insurance premiums, crew requirements, and maintenance. The best aircraft in the world won’t remain safe if you can’t afford to care for it properly. 

Think You’re Ready to Buy a Private Jet?

A private jet is a major investment, and it pays to do your homework before you get started. 

Read our comprehensive guide, How to Buy a Private Jet, to find out all you need to know about the process, including how to get started.

Ensure that you’re working with a team of professionals who can guide this important process. Mechanics, auditors, and brokers all have specialized information on jet sales, and they can be incredible allies as you move through this process. 

How We Can Serve as Your Partner During the Jet Purchase Process

At Element Aviation, we offer a full-service aircraft sales experience. We’ll take time to understand your aviation needs, and we’ll find the right jet for you and your future.

We can assist with all prepurchase steps, so you know you’ll get the best value for your money. You’ll also know that the plane you purchase meets operational, regulatory, and safety standards. 

Contact us to start the purchase process today.