Becoming a first time aircraft owner is a big step for many, but before you rush into the skies, it’s important to know exactly what to look for when buying a used airplane. Just like with cars, not all planes are the same. Some may look good on the outside but have hidden problems underneath. 

Buying a used airplane is a big decision. You want to feel confident, safe, and happy with your choice. Regardless if you’re new to aviation or already have a pilot’s license, this guide will walk you through the must-know steps. We’ll cover the key things to check, questions to ask, and details that matter. 

Let’s take the guesswork out of it and help you get ready to buy an airplane the smart way.

Why People Buy Used Aircraft — and the Risks Involved

Lots of people choose to buy a used airplane instead of a brand-new one. Why? It’s often way more affordable. A used Cessna, for example, can cost much less than a new model but still work great for short trips or training.

Reasons People Buy Used:

• Save money. Used planes cost less than new ones.
• Good selection. There are many types and models to choose from.
• Lower Insurance. Premiums may be cheaper than for new aircraft.
• Faster availability. You can find one ready to fly without long wait times.

But there are risks, too.

Risks You Should Know:

• Hidden damage. Some problems aren’t easy to see.
• Old parts. Certain systems or parts may be close to needing a replacement or overhaul.
• Poor records. Without a full paper trail, it’s hard to know how the airplane was treated.
• Maintenance issues. If a past mechanic didn’t follow proper guidelines, repairs could get expensive fast.

The key is to take your time and do a full inspection before you buy. Don’t rush. Ask questions. Be sure the aircraft is safe and ready to fly.

What to Look for When Buying a Used Airplane

Once you’ve checked the plane’s history and paperwork, it’s time to take a closer look at the plane itself. This step is very important. You want to be sure the plane is safe, in good condition, and worth the purchase price.

Let’s go over what to check and why it matters.

Check Total Time on the Airframe and Engine Logs

Start by looking at the airframe hours. That’s the total time the main body of the airplane has been flown.

• A lower number of hours usually means less wear and tear.
• But a high-hour plane can still be a good buy—if it’s been well cared for.

Then check the engine logbooks. They tell you how many hours the engine has run and when it was last inspected or serviced.

This gives you a better idea of how much life the engine has left before it needs more work.

Verify Engine Hours Since Last Overhaul

An overhaul is a deep cleaning and rebuild of the engine. It’s a big job, and it costs a lot.

So, ask: how many hours has the engine flown since its last overhaul?

• Most engines have a recommended time between overhauls, often called “TBO” (Time Between Overhaul).
• If the plane is close to reaching TBO, you’ll need to plan for that cost.

Knowing this helps you figure out if the purchase price is fair.

Confirm Propeller Hours and Overhaul Status

Just like the engine, a propeller needs regular care.

• Find out how many hours the prop has flown.
• Check when it was last overhauled or replaced.

If the propeller is past due for an overhaul, that’s a cost you’ll want to factor in before you buy an airplane.

Look for Complete and Gap-Free Maintenance Logs

Every aircraft ownership record should include full maintenance logs.

Look closely. Do the logs:

• Show every annual inspection?
• List all repairs and changes?
• Cover the plane’s whole life?

If anything is missing, ask the seller. Gaps in the records can mean skipped inspections or hidden damage.

Inspect for Any History of Major Damage or Repairs

Has the airplane had an accident? Was anything rebuilt?

• Minor damage isn’t always a dealbreaker.
• But major damage, like a bent wing or gear collapse, needs close review.

Ask a qualified mechanic to explain what was fixed and how. If the work was done well, the plane could still be a great option. But make sure you know the full story.

Check Compliance with All ADs and Service Bulletins

Airworthiness Directives (ADs) are official safety rules from the FAA.

When you buy a plane, it must meet all AD rules for its model.

Also, check for service bulletins from the manufacturer. These aren’t always required, but they help keep the plane running safely and smoothly.

Ask the seller for proof that everything’s up to date.

Assess Corrosion in the Airframe, Especially Wing Roots

Corrosion is like rust on a car—but for airplanes, it can be worse.

Check areas where water or moisture might collect:

• Wing roots (where the wing meets the body)
• Landing gear
• Around windows and doors
• Inside the tail

Bring a mechanic to help you inspect. If you see bubbling paint, flaking metal, or white powder, it might be corrosion.

If the plane was stored in a hangar, that’s a good sign—it helps prevent this kind of damage.

Inspect Avionics for Age, Condition, and Legality

Avionics are the radios, GPS, displays, and instruments inside the cockpit.

Make sure they:

• Work correctly
• Are legal for current flying rules (especially if you want to fly in controlled airspace)
• Are not outdated or no longer supported

Upgrading old avionics can cost thousands of dollars, so check before you buy. A used Piper with modern avionics might be a better deal than a cheaper plane with outdated gear.

Also, note if the plane has had a recent paint job—it can help protect the surface and may show the plane was cared for. But be cautious if a new paint job is hiding corrosion underneath.

Test All Radios, Transponder, and GPS Functions

When you're in the air, good communication and navigation are everything.

• Turn on every radio. Make sure you can hear clearly and switch between frequencies.
• Test the transponder. Controllers need to see your plane on radar.
• Check the GPS. Make sure it powers up, locks onto satellites, and shows the right location.

If anything doesn’t work, you'll need to repair or replace it. That can get expensive fast.

Ensure ADS-B Out Compliance for Legal Flight

Most planes flying in controlled airspace now need ADS-B Out.

• This system sends your plane’s position to air traffic control and other pilots.
• Without it, you can’t fly in many busy areas.

Ask the seller: Is the plane already compliant? If not, you may need to install the system—and that can add thousands to the total cost of purchasing a used plane.

Review Recent Annual Inspection Findings

Every plane must go through a full annual inspection once a year.

Ask for the most recent report and read it carefully.

• Were any problems found?
• If yes, were they fixed? And by whom?

This inspection gives you a snapshot of the plane’s health. It also tells you if the last mechanic missed something—or if the owner put off needed work.

Check Logbooks for Consistent Oil Change History

Oil changes are a basic part of engine care, just like with cars.

Look through the logs. The oil should be changed every 25–50 hours, depending on how the plane is flown.

• Consistent changes show good maintenance.
• Long gaps might mean poor care or high engine wear.

This is a simple check that can tell you a lot.

Verify Aircraft Title Is Clean and Lien-Free

You wouldn’t buy a car that still had a loan on it—and you shouldn’t do that with a plane either.

• Ask to see the aircraft title.
• Make sure there are no liens (debts) attached.
• It should be clear and in the name of the person selling it.

If there’s any confusion, contact the FAA registry to double-check.

Inspect Tires, Brakes, and Landing Gear Wear

Before you buy an aircraft, always look at the parts that touch the ground. These get a lot of use—and sometimes abuse.

• Tires should have good tread and no cracks.
• Brakes should stop the plane evenly and smoothly.
• Landing gear should be clean, straight, and free of leaks or rust.

Replacing landing gear parts can be pricey, so it’s smart to catch wear early.

Check Log Entries for Past Engine Anomalies

Not all engine problems are major—but they should still be in the logs.

• Look for notes about power loss, strange noises, or overheating.
• See what was done to fix them.

A clean logbook doesn’t always mean a perfect engine—but it does mean you know what’s been going on. That’s key in any pre-purchase inspection.

Look at Interior and Panel for Wear or Damage

The outside of a plane may look great, but don’t forget the inside.

• Is the panel (dashboard) clean, labeled, and working?
• Are the seats and interior in good shape, or do they need work?

If the interior is messy or broken, it could mean the plane wasn’t well cared for overall. Or it could mean extra work (and cost) for you.

Test Battery Voltage and Charging System Health

Start by checking the battery. It should hold a charge and show a healthy voltage (usually around 12–24 volts, depending on the system).

Then run the engine and test the charging system.

• Make sure the alternator or generator is working.
• The voltage should rise slightly when the engine runs.

If the battery dies quickly or the charging system isn’t working, it could leave you stuck on the ground—or worse, in the air with no power to radios or lights.

Inspect Control Surfaces and Hinge Point Wear

Look at all the control surfaces—like the ailerons, rudder, and elevators.

• They should move freely with no stiffness or looseness.
• Hinges and attachment points should be tight, with no signs of cracks or corrosion.

Ask your mechanic to wiggle each one during the pre-buy inspection. Even small issues here can affect how safely the airplane flies.

Check Fuel Tanks and Lines for Leaks or Seepage

Fuel leaks are a big deal in any airplane.

• Look under the fuel tanks and along the fuel lines.
• Check for blue or brown stains (which might mean leaking avgas or oil).
• Smell the area—fuel smells where they shouldn’t be are a red flag.

Any sign of a leak should be taken seriously and fixed before flying.

Ensure Aircraft Matches POH Configuration Specs

The Pilot’s Operating Handbook (POH) gives you the specs for that exact make and model.

Make sure:

• The weight and balance match what’s in the book.
• The equipment and avionics match what’s listed.
• Any changes or upgrades have proper log entries.

This check helps make sure the aircraft is safe, legal, and properly documented.

Test Electrical Systems Including All Lights

Check every switch and light.

• Landing lights, taxi lights, beacon, nav lights, strobe lights—all should turn on.
• Cabin lights and panel lights matter too, especially for night flying.

This test is simple but important. Replacing bulbs is easy. Fixing deeper wiring problems? Not so much.

Examine Windshield and Windows for Crazing

Crazing looks like tiny cracks or scratches in plastic windows. It’s common, but if it’s bad, it can block your view—especially in bright sunlight.

• Look closely at the windshield and side windows.
• Check from inside and outside the aircraft.

If the crazing is light, you might live with it. But if it’s deep or widespread, replacing the windows will cost you.

Review Aircraft Usage—Trainer or Personal Use

Ask how the airplane was used.

• Was it a trainer used by students? That usually means more landings, more wear, and more “hard” use.
• Or was it flown by a single personal-use owner? That often means gentler use and better care.

This doesn’t make one better than the other—but it gives you context to judge the plane’s condition.

Ask About Recent Squawks or Unresolved Issues

A squawk is a note about something broken or not working right. Ask:

• Have there been any recent squawks?
• Were they fixed? If not, why?
• Is there anything that still needs attention?

Some owners are upfront. Others forget or don’t mention smaller issues unless you ask directly. So—it’s always worth asking.

Get a Pre-Buy Inspection from a Trusted A&P

Finally, and most importantly: get a pre-purchase inspection from a certified A&P (Airframe and Powerplant) mechanic. This is your last line of defense before you commit.

• Choose someone who is independent—not the seller’s mechanic.
• The A&P will inspect the whole plane, inside and out.
• They’ll give you a report, so you know exactly what you’re getting.

Even if the plane looks great, always get a second set of eyes. Think of it as buying peace of mind.

Conclusion

Buying a used airplane and becoming an aircraft owner is a big decision—but it doesn’t have to be stressful. If you take your time, ask the right questions, and do a complete inspection, you’ll be in a much better position to make a smart choice.

Remember: Know the history. Check the paperwork. Look for red flags. Get a trusted mechanic to help. And never feel rushed when you’re about to buy a plane.

Flying should be fun—and safe. So when you’re ready to buy a used airplane, check out Flying411 to help you find the perfect fit for your flying needs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Do I need a pre-buy inspection when I buy a used airplane?

Yes! Always get a full inspection from a certified mechanic before buying.

2. Can I finance a used aircraft?

Yes, many banks and aviation lenders offer financing for used aircraft purchases.

3. How many hours is too many for a used plane?

It depends on the model, but high hours may mean more maintenance or an upcoming overhaul.

4. Should I buy from a private seller or a broker?

Both are fine, but brokers often help with paperwork and can offer more buyer protections.

5. What documents should come with a used aircraft?

Logbooks, airworthiness certificate, repair history, AD compliance, and maintenance records.