A customer stopped by the shop with a few questions concerning an R22 he had just purchased over the internet and flew home. I told him to bring the helicopter in and we'll take a look. This helicopter, which was purchased without an inspection, was completely un-airworthy. The main rotor was timed out, the tail rotor was timed out, the engine was not making required compression in most cylinders, and there were DOZENS of unauthorized repairs made to almost every area on this helicopter.

--Dave Beach

Purchasing a used aircraft without a pre-purchase inspection could cost you thousands of dollars in repairs later or worse,

It could cost you your life.

Whether you are purchasing your Helicopter through a Broker or directly from the current owner it is in your best interest to hire an experienced A&P Mechanic to perform a thorough inspection of your dream helicopter prior to accepting delivery. Select an A&P with at least 10 years of experience on the aircraft being purchased, preferably with experience in overhauling all of aircraft systems as well. Ask for references from previous Prepurchase inspection clients.

First you should ask to see the aircraft log books. If a complete series of log books from factory new to the present time is not available stop and start looking for another helicopter. Without a full series of log books it is impossible to determine damage history.

An excellent insight into the maintenance level performed on the candidate aircraft can be gained if a Spectral Oil Analysis Program (S.O.A.P) was used to set maintenance intervals. Ask if the candidate aircraft was maintained under such a program.

If a S.O.A.P program was not used invest in a kit for both the engine oil and airframe hydraulic systems. MBM can assist you with an Oil Analysis Program.

Your mechanic should have a pre-purchase check list that includes the majority of the checked items on the 100 HR or Annual Inspection check lists. Ask to see the checklist.

Accompanied by your mechanic plan and conduct a flight test. Prior to entering the aircraft plan and discuss a flight profile. On the ramp before startup ask for a briefing from the owner on each avionics system with an eye toward determining if each unit is functioning.

Next conduct a thorough pre-flight inspection, while either you or your Mechanic record detailed notes covering your findings. Take numerous digital photos to help document any problems found.

Perform the flight test profile as planned recording your findings as you fly the profile. If you are satisfied after performing all of the above authorize your A&P mechanic to perform his inspection. If your A&P is not equipped with a borescope have the engine thoroughly examined by an engine shop that has one. Ask to confirm that the whole engine, not just the cylinders, are examined by borescope.

Your A&P mechanic will perform a comprehensive verification of the Airworthiness Directives, Service Bulletins, Service Letters, Supplemental Type Certificate additions to the Airworthiness Certificate as well as Major Component Total Time in Service and Serial Number confirmation. His report should include these verifications as well as all other findings.

Your purchase agreement MUST include wording that the aircraft will be delivered to you in an Airworthy Condition, and that it is the responsibility of the seller to either fix the problems found, or discount the purchase price for the cost of the repairs, as quoted by your A&P mechanic, before closing the transaction. The cosmetic condition of the aircraft is generally irrelevant to the airworthyness of the aircraft, unless cosmetics have been stipulated and agreed upon per the purchase agreement or corrosion is present.

What will your Prepurchase inspection cost?

We generally charge $500/day plus expenses.

How much can a Prepurchase Inspection save?

Thousands...maybe more.