Selling an aircraft
For owners thinking about selling in the next year.
The short version.
Three things worth knowing first.
- 01
Aircraft sell all year, but the calendar is not flat. Many buyers want to close before December 31.
- 02
The pre buy inspection is where sales are made or lost.
- 03
Asking prices are not sale prices. An aircraft priced against real sales moves.
What buyers look at.
- 01
Time and programs
Hours and cycles against aircraft of the same year, and engine program enrollment, which moves the price more than almost anything else.
- 02
The logbooks
Complete, in order, with no gaps. A missing logbook can take a large share off the value on its own.
- 03
The history
Any damage and how it was repaired, where the aircraft lived, and how many owners it has had.
- 04
What is coming due
Inspections due soon, and whether the cockpit meets current airspace rules without more spend.
Your tax advisor should see the plan before the listing goes up, not after an offer lands.
Questions worth asking.
Put these to anyone you talk to, including us.
- What have similar aircraft actually sold for in the last year?
- What would a buyer's pre buy find that I could fix first?
- How long have comparable aircraft been sitting on the market?
Want the answers for your situation? Call a pilot at 615.652.9091
Where a pilot helps.
A pilot's read of the logbooks before the listing goes up is an hour well spent. We price with the sales specialists we bring in, from their transaction data. You see the comparables, not just a number, and decide the asking price.
Keep a copy of this guide.
Enter your name and email to open, download or print this guide.
- The short version
- What buyers look at
- Questions worth asking
- Where a pilot helps
Your details are used for this guide only. This does not subscribe you to marketing. Privacy policy.
Questions after reading?
Tell a pilot about the aircraft and we start with the records.