Category: Pre-purchaseLast reviewed: July 2026
Before the aircraft is opened
- Confirm registration, ownership chain, and any liens or IRS filings.
- Verify airworthiness certificate, registration currency, and export/import history.
- Collect all logbooks (airframe, engine(s), propeller(s)) and every yellow tag or 8130-3.
- Request a full copy of FAA CD (aircraft records) directly from the FAA.
- Confirm current AD compliance list with method-of-compliance references.
- Identify STCs, major alterations (Form 337), and continued airworthiness data.
Records the review should surface
- Damage history: incident/accident entries, 337s, or repair references.
- Engine time discipline: TSN, TSMOH, TSHS, and consistency across sources.
- Life-limited parts: current status vs. type design and manufacturer data.
- Corrosion program or SID/SB compliance, where applicable.
- Weight and balance history — every revision, current CG.
- Avionics configuration: installed equipment vs. equipment list vs. approvals.
Airframe walk-around and structure
- Skin condition: waves, filler, mismatched paint, hidden repair signatures.
- Control surface rigging, hinge wear, and travel.
- Landing gear: strut condition, tire wear pattern, brake wear, gear door fit.
- Corrosion inspection at known trouble areas per the maintenance manual.
- Interior condition and any structural repairs behind panels.
Engine, propeller, and systems
- Differential compression on every cylinder, with a borescope inspection.
- Oil analysis history and a fresh sample; filter cut and inspection.
- Ignition system health: mag timing, harness condition, plug condition.
- Propeller: track, blade condition, hub inspection, AD/SB status.
- Fuel system: leaks, filter condition, tank integrity indicators.
Avionics and functional checks
- Confirm every installed unit is on the equipment list and approved for the aircraft.
- Pitot/static and transponder certification currency.
- ADS-B Out compliance and installation approval basis.
- Autopilot functional test through all modes.
- Data recording, if equipped, downloaded and reviewed.
Paperwork at closing
- Bill of sale and AC Form 8050-2 executed correctly.
- Return-to-service entries for any prebuy discrepancies resolved.
- Escrow instructions matching the purchase agreement.
- All log entries, 337s, and 8130-3 tags copied and archived digitally.
- Insurance bound and effective before ferry.
Related reading
Pair this checklist with what complete maintenance records actually contain and reading damage history on Form 337. For scoped support, see the pre-purchase inspection service.