Define your mission first, then shortlist aircraft that fit it. Have the logbooks and records reviewed before you make an offer. Sign a letter of intent with a refundable deposit in escrow, run an independent pre-purchase inspection and test flight, negotiate the discrepancies, plan sales tax or import VAT, and close through an aviation escrow and title company.
1. Start with the mission, not the airplane
Write down your typical trip: how many people, how many bags, how far, from which runways, and how often. Most buyers pick an airplane for the one long trip a year and then pay for that capability on every short one. Choose the jet that does 80% of your flying well and charter the rest.
2. Shortlist by type, then by individual airplane
Two airplanes of the same model and year can differ by hundreds of thousands of dollars in real value. What matters:
- Engine times and program status: hours since overhaul, and whether the engines are enrolled in an hourly program.
- Inspection status: which major inspections are coming due, and what they cost.
- Damage history: any repairs, and whether they were properly documented.
- Avionics: whether the cockpit meets current airspace requirements and what upgrades are coming.
- Records: complete, continuous logbooks. Missing records cost money at resale.
3. Review the records before you make an offer
This is where engineers earn their keep. Ask for the logbooks, inspection status, AD and service bulletin compliance and damage history up front. A records review often rules out an airplane in a day, before you spend money on travel and inspections.
4. Letter of intent and escrow
The letter of intent (LOI) sets the price, the deposit, who pays for the inspection, where it happens and how discrepancies will be handled. The deposit goes to an aviation escrow agent, not to the seller or a broker, and should be refundable if the inspection finds problems you can't agree on.
5. The pre-purchase inspection
The pre-buy is your best protection. Choose the shop yourself, ideally one that knows the type and has no relationship with the seller. Agree the scope based on what the records review found. Typical items: a detailed records audit, a visual and systems inspection, engine borescopes and oil analysis, and a test flight.
Be there, or have someone there who works for you. The inspection report tells you what was found; standing next to the airplane tells you how it was found.
6. Negotiate the discrepancies
Airworthiness items are normally fixed at the seller's cost. Cosmetic issues and upcoming maintenance are negotiated. This is where knowing what repairs really cost saves real money.
7. Plan tax and registration before closing
Where the aircraft is delivered and when title passes can decide whether US sales or use tax applies. For buyers in Europe, import VAT and customs need planning before closing. See sales tax, customs and VAT.
8. Close, then get it into service properly
Funds and title transfer through escrow. Then insurance, crew training, maintenance tracking and any operational approvals (RVSM, oceanic, data link) need to be in place before the first trip.
How to avoid overpaying
- Ask every advisor how they're paid and by whom. A broker paid a percentage by the seller earns more when you pay more.
- Never let the seller choose your inspection shop.
- Price the next two years of maintenance into your offer.
- Don't fall in love with an airplane before its records are reviewed.
More on this in where your money goes in private aviation, or see how we handle aircraft acquisition.
Questions people ask
How long does it take to buy a used private jet?
A straightforward purchase usually takes four to eight weeks from accepted offer to closing. Finding the right aircraft can take longer, and complex inspections or cross-border registration add time.
What is a pre-purchase inspection on a jet?
A pre-purchase inspection is an independent check of the aircraft and its records before you buy. It usually includes a records audit, a visual and systems inspection, engine checks such as borescopes and oil analysis, and a test flight. The findings are used to negotiate repairs or price.
Should I use an aircraft broker?
A good representative saves you more than they cost, but make sure they work for you as the buyer, explain how they are paid, and have the technical knowledge to judge the airplane, not just the deal.
Can I finance a private jet?
Yes. Aircraft lenders finance pre-owned jets, typically requiring a down payment and a satisfactory pre-purchase inspection. Older aircraft can be harder to finance.
