Decide what your needs are for an airplane. Don't consider the slick, fast aircraft that seats six when you know need seating and load capacity for ten. Consider where the airplane will be flown most of the time and whether you want a new airplane or a used airplane. Do you need a jet for time considerations or will your needs be met with a propeller airplane.
Research all your possibilities for buying an airplane. Along with this comes costs and maintenance considerations such as the amount of fuel a particular airplane will need or hold, hanger space, pilot costs and if it has adequate cargo or luggage areas. Decide what amenties you want onboard, such as an espresso machine or bar. Make charts and lists for your comparisons. Attend air shows that display information and sell aircraft.
Contact a general aviation service for direction. Talk to the various pilots at your local community airports for their opinions on operational ease and costs of the various airplanes you are considering. Read trade magazines that are usually found in the private airport lounges. Check online and at Internet sites for airplane sales sections.
Narrow your list and schedule test flights. If you are purchasing a new plane, this might have to be scheduled directly through the aircraft manufacturer. Sometimes a new model of an airplane may take anywhere from a few months to several years for delivery.
If you're buying a used airplane, arrange for a test flight with a pilot. Have the airplane thoroughly checked out by an aviation mechanic to make sure that it complies with its scheduled maintenances. Have th mechanic check for damage and flaws that might not be visible.
Check your list after all your test flights and maintenance checks. Do your comparisons to see if the cruise speed was what you expected, if the landing was satisfactory. Consider whether you liked the general feel of the airplane, the noise level and smoothness of flight.
Continue to protect yourself through the purchasing and title transfer phase. Use a recommended title search company to verify that the seller of the plane actually owns it. Use a representative of an aviation service to handle the transfer of ownership for you.
Make sure that your airplane, whether new or used, is covered by insurance when you sign the ownership documents. Make arrangements to keep your plane in a hanger. Find out the name and contact information for the mechanic who will be maintaining the plane in the hangar.
