It includes everything from major items to paint nicks, according to Flint. It takes an average of from three to four days to complete. The seller pays for correcting discrepancies. It is important that buyer and seller agree on who will do the pre-purchase inspection. Clearly, it should be done by someone experienced with the particular make and model aircraft.
Many buyers prefer an OEM or authorized service center do the inspection.
We're trying to establish airworthiness, not make a used airplane like new or zero time. A Changing Process Issues arising from the pre-purchase inspection and changing expectations have led many dealers and brokers to modify their sales process. In addition to making the sale conditioned on completion of a satisfactory pre-purchase inspection, many people in the business are now requiring a firm sales contract before undertaking the inspection. He noted that buyer and seller can fall out over such issues as making something such as deicing boots airworthy and removing and replacing them. On the buying side, the process begins with an offer to purchase, which includes the price, terms and conditions.