Do Not Cut Corners On Your Business Jet Pre-Purchase Evaluation
January 2025
We understand—you’re ready to make a significant investment by purchasing an aircraft to expand or upgrade your fleet. Even if this isn’t your first pre-owned aircraft purchase and you’re familiar with the process, it’s crucial not to rush through the PPE (pre-purchase evaluation) for the sake of quicker ownership.
Choosing a trusted MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) facility for your PPE is essential, opt for an MRO with specific and extensive experience in the make and model of the aircraft you’re considering. Their expertise will ensure a comprehensive evaluation, giving you confidence in your investment.
Benefits Of Choosing an MRO Provider With Extensive Experience in the Aircraft You’re Buying
- In-Depth Knowledge. Every aircraft make/model has unique systems and hot spots where wear and issues tend to occur. An experienced MRO team knows precisely where to look, reducing the risk of overlooking potential issues.
- Expert Evaluation. Experienced technicians evaluate and interpret logbooks and maintenance histories with a trained eye. This expertise helps them identify subtle signs that could signal larger issues. Without significant expertise, your PPE facility will not be able to evaluate prospective aircraft for obsolescence or supply chain issues associated with a particular airframe, engine, or cockpit and cabin systems. What looks like a great aircraft based on a visual examination might not be such a gem once the layers are peeled back.
- Cost-Effective Solutions. Technicians familiar with specific aircraft models offer cost-effective solutions for repairs, upgrades, or modifications, maximizing the aircraft’s value and performance.
- Specialized Equipment and Tools. A full-service, highly capable MRO has access to the specific tools and diagnostic equipment necessary for a comprehensive inspection. When evaluating a prospective MRO, ask about their back-shop capabilities so you understand what issues can be addressed should they arise.
- Forecast Maintenance Needs. An experienced team can offer reliable maintenance projections, helping buyers schedule future maintenance and anticipate costs. They can provide accurate downtime estimates and help plan for alternative travel options.
- Improved Scheduling for Major Maintenance Events. Authorized MROs can schedule major maintenance events well in advance to minimize downtime and ensure the timely availability of replacement parts or services.
- Transparent Pricing and Comprehensive Cost Estimates. Experienced MROs are able to provide more than just labor estimates. A buyer will receive reliable out-the-door pricing that includes typical maintenance-related discrepancies. This transparency gives buyers a realistic idea of the total cost of ownership. Transparent and detailed cost estimates without hidden costs buried in fine print help prevent unpleasant surprises. Be sure to read the fine print if one cost estimate seems much lower than another.
- Long-Term Value and Resale Potential. Working with a knowledgeable team safeguards your investment by maintaining the aircraft’s resale value and ensuring its long-term operational safety.
Why Tribal Knowledge Matters in a PPE
Specialized technicians possess invaluable tribal knowledge and unique insights that come from years of hands-on experience with specific aircraft models. This enables them to interpret nuances in the maintenance history and identify hidden areas that a less experienced team might overlook.
- Specialized Logbook Interpretation. Technicians can detect subtle logbook entries that may indicate past issues or point to future maintenance needs. A lack of supporting documentation for required inspections or overhauls can result in costly corrective action to meet regulatory requirements. Quality logbook research is key.
- Identification of Value-Adding Modifications. Beyond finding defects, skilled MRO teams often uncover upgrades or modifications not listed in the aircraft specifications that add to the asset value and utility.
The Duncan Aviation Difference
Duncan Aviation has the most experienced airframe, engine, avionics, and component technical representatives in the business aviation industry. Their specialized knowledge, tools, and experience with the most popular aircraft make/models in flight today ensure a detailed and accurate assessment, ensuring you avoid surprises and maximize your investment. With a long list of in-house backshop capabilities in all areas of aircraft maintenance and overhaul, the Duncan Aviation team can address nearly any issue that may arise.
Duncan Aviation Aircraft Sales & Acquisitions
Duncan Aviation Aircraft Sales & Acquisitions professionals have first-hand access to the aircraft marketplace. Supported by teams of market researchers, data analysts, import/export specialists, marketing experts, and modification and engineering representatives, they can handle even the most complex transactions. They utilize sophisticated subscription-based programs, model comparison programs, internal data, and other resources, including:
- Detailed data and market conditions of on-and off-market aircraft options
- Comprehensive aircraft model comparisons to aid in selecting the right aircraft for the mission
- Proprietary budget projections for upcoming maintenance events derived from years of out-the-door costs for inspection programs on a wide range of models
- Evaluation of aircraft systems for issues related to obsolescence
- Inspection status and component cycle evaluation
- ROM pricing for upcoming inspections, desired modifications/upgrades, or cosmetic improvements on specific serial numbers.
To learn more about the services offered by Duncan Aviation’s Aircraft Sales & Acquisitions Department, contact us at aircraftsales@duncanaviation.com.
Additional Resources
View Available Duncan Aviation Aircraft Listings
Read Aircraft Sales & Acquisitions Brochure
Business Jet Model/Market Summary
