Hello. I wanted to start (again?) a thread on "pre-buys".
I have found no standards for a "pre-buy" inspection, which is why I put it in quotes. It appears to be a made-up term, as I have never seen any definition in the FAR's or any manufacturer's publications. If there are any official references/definitions, I hope that a Forum member will let us know.
I know of several cases (myself included) that had a "pre-buy" performed, bought the plane, and were subsequently faced with high repair/compliance costs at the first annual. Mine cost me $14,000, and a guy I know had his plane grounded one month later at the Annual Inspection by the same shop that had performed the "pre-buy".
The only definitive inspection is an Annual Inspection, because the standards are clear. If considering the purchase of a plane, offer to split the cost of the Annual Inspection with the seller (not any required repair work, let him or her pay for that or have the price reduced by those costs). If you don't buy, 1/2 of the charge for an Annual Inspection wasn't much more than a "pre-buy" and the seller comes away with an Annualed aircraft. If you do buy, you now have 12 months of flying with the knowledge that the plane is airworthy.
I guess I am beating this horse for all the new guys buying their first plane, and all their buddies tell them to get a "pre-buy".
It might be illuminating if any Forum members bought a plane with a "pre-buy" and had issues that arose at the first Annual Inspection that were there when you bought the plane. If you are willing, please post that experience under this thread so that others may see how dicey a "pre-buy" can be.
Friends don't let friends fly "pre-buy" aircraft. Mike.
