The short definition
A pre-purchase inspection is a voluntary, buyer-directed evaluation of an aircraft's condition and maintenance records before closing. It is not an annual, a 100-hour, or a conformity inspection, and it does not approve the aircraft for return to service. Its purpose is information — enough to decide whether to buy, renegotiate, or walk away.
What it typically covers
A typical prebuy includes an airframe examination, engine compression and borescope, propeller inspection, systems functional checks, a records review sufficient to establish airworthiness status, and a written findings report. Optional additions include a test flight, deep avionics testing, corrosion mapping, and an independent records intelligence audit.
What it does not do
A prebuy is bounded by time and access. The mechanic sees what is visible, reachable, and testable within an agreed scope. It does not guarantee that hidden defects will be found, that every AD is properly closed, or that the records match the airplane. That is why a separate records review — before or alongside the physical inspection — pays off.
Who performs it
The buyer selects the shop. The shop should be type-experienced, independent of the seller and broker, and willing to write a plain-language findings report the buyer can actually use.
How to scope one that works
Put the scope in writing. Agree on labor hours, what is included, what is quoted separately, who reviews the logbooks, and who owns the report. A records pre-screen first is usually the highest leverage step — it prevents wasted travel, hangar time, and inspection fees on airplanes with paper problems.
Related reading
For a term-by-term comparison, see Prebuy vs pre-purchase inspection. For a practical list of items to verify, see the pre-purchase inspection checklist. For the cost drivers, see what drives prebuy inspection cost.