Buying planes is different from buying cars as there are no giant aircraft dealers. Finding new planes for sale means dealing directly with the manufacturer, while used planes require a nationwide search. Test flights are done later in the process, and buyers must be persistent and do their homework.
Finding planes for sale is very different from buying cars. There are no giant aircraft dealers like those associated with automobiles. Since airplanes are so much more expensive than cars, test flights are typically done much later in the purchase process, and usually at the owner’s expense. This means that the airplane buyer must be more persistent and inquisitive than the typical car buyer, and that he must do his homework farther in advance. This article will focus on single-engine, propeller-driven airliners. Buying vintage aircraft, commercial jets, or passenger jets all involve very different considerations.
Finding new planes for sale usually means dealing directly with the manufacturer. The general website of the manufacturer of interest is the most logical first stop. Here you will find specifications and options for the available models, as well as contact information for the sales department and authorized distributors. Please do not expect to see prices listed as this information is usually only provided after direct contact is made. Serious customers will be assigned a personal sales advisor who will answer all relevant questions, advise the buyer on available options and also help with financing if desired. Beyond that, professional aircraft reviews in popular aviation magazines and websites become paramount, as do user reviews and discussions.
The buying process is much slower than with a car. Prospective buyers are often required to travel at their own expense to the factory location to inspect and test the desired aircraft model. However, some larger manufacturers have a few authorized dealers near major cities with a few planes for sale, although it is very rare for someone to simply walk into a sales office or dealership, pay for a new plane, and then fly it. the plot. In most cases, the individual aircraft that is purchased will not even be built until after the buyer deposits. Then there is a wait of several months, or even a year or more before the aircraft is delivered to the customer. Upon receiving a factory-purchased aircraft, it is normal for the manufacturer to provide a few hours of familiarization training to the pilot-buyer.
A different approach is required when searching for used aircraft for sale. While your local municipal airport isn’t a bad place to start, it’s usually necessary to do a nationwide search if you’re looking for a specific model of aircraft. There are numerous publications, both print and online, where used aircraft are advertised across the country. Again, the prospective buyer must be prepared to take significant travel at their own expense before any purchase is complete. Before purchasing a used aircraft, the buyer should thoroughly educate themselves on the specific model being purchased. It’s a very good idea to locate and talk to other owners of the desired type to gain a broader perspective.
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