Aircrafts

So You Want to Buy an Aircraft? Keep Reading!

Many people dream of purchasing a private plane. And let me tell you that it can be done! It is great fun to buy a plane or helicopter.

There are plenty available out there and in this article, you will discover the different types, so that you can choose best fitting your needs.

Let's get started!

Airplane Options

Airplanes–from small single engine propeller planes to huge jumbo jets for airlines, you have options. A glimpse of what you have got:

Propeller Planes
Starting off, we've included airplanes with piston engines and propellers. You have all seen these typical planes, propellers spinning on the front and wings carrying them up in the air.

The bulk of the small planes you see at local airports are piston engine propeller aircraft. They include:

• Two and four seat trainers made for a persons to be trained on how to fly. Light and easy to maneuver with.
• Recreational aircraft for weekend jaunts and for short trips. Four seats is common.
• Large 6-10 seat piston aircraft operated for business and charter purposes. Think of them like air taxis.

Propeller planes have cheaper fuel and require less maintenance than jets. Economical fliers: That is part of what makes them economical fliers.

Turboprop Planes
Another category up for discussion, the turboprop. They are more like piston planes, but with turbine jet engines spinning their propellers.

Turboprops move bigger payloads longer distances quicker than piston planes. Many regional airliners are turboprop planes.

Private and Corporate Jets
Are you the people looking to have speed, luxury and a level of prestige? Then buy business jets.

These corporate and performance jets are adapted for flying the wealthy class of traveler. Some high-flying business jets are even quick enough to zip across continents — and oceans.

Big Commercial Jets
And within airlines used for chained passenger service, we have the jumbo jets. These big stuff move between 100 and more than 500 passengers along regularly scheduled routes throughout the day.

Commercial jet airliners include smaller regional jets, standard single aisle planes like 737s, and huge double decker widebody jets used overseas.

From the looks of it, airplanes can be built in a variety of sizes and shapes. Now, onto helicopters and their uniqueness.

Helicopter Categories and Their Functions

Helicopters have the capability of coming right up and down that airplanes do not. They have huge rotor blades rotating above their heads that take them up in air.

Helicopters can takeoff vertically, which gives them great versatility in light- and restricted-space operations when contrasted with fixed-wing airplane, which can't take off without adequate runway.

Common helicopter types and their jobs include:

Light Helicopters
Such helicopters have 3-5 passenger capacity but are usually light piston powered.

They are non-revenue utilization: flight training, tourist tours of the environment, traffic reporters on their way to the next freeway jam or company executives that skip tailgate events. Recreational pilots love light helicopters for their ease of flying and putting sense into motion.

Medium Helicopters
If your mission involves moving larger groups of people and/or more cargo, medium helicopters are useful for that as well.

These turbine powered helicopters excel at business transport, air ambulance, construction, and tourism. Medium helicopters (like Bell 429) have seating for 6-8 people.

Big Heavy-Lift Helicopters
Examples of large helicopters which carry 50+ passengers or heavy cargo loads include Sikorsky's latest variant of its famous Sea King and Boeing's Chinook.

They're used in military and civilian heavy lift roles such as offshore oil rig support and search and rescue, jobs best suited for these big boys.

Attack and Transport Military Helicopters 
Of course, we can't forget military helicopters like the Apache attack helicopter, Blackhawk transport, and Marine One VIP transport.

It plays a vital role in combat and logistics. These helicopters are quick, survivable and their cockpit flagship with state-of-the-art electronics.

That, essentially, is how useful helicopters are: They can fly where other aircraft cannot. Now let us delve into selecting one that meets your requirements.

Selecting the Right Aircraft Type for Your Needs

It can be overwhelming trying to decide what you want from this massive array of aircraft. But when you know your mission, then the correct aircraft type comes much clearer.

Start with some honest contemplation on how you wish to use your aircraft — business travel, personal travel, cargo transport, emergency response, sightseeing, training or something else?

Understand your need, so the aircraft closely matches your mission profile.

Next, consider how many passengers and/or cargo you need to haul Chartering a trainer may not be ideal to transport your entire work crew, yet a 737 is way too much airplane for family vacations.

Factor in the average distance you travel for your trips. A short hop might call for a nimble piston plane or helicopter, while a jump of greater distance would require a turboprop or jet.

Finally, remember where you're going to take off and land. Others helicopters, troops and float planes can reach rotatable places. However, they won't behave the same everywhere.

It ensures that more advanced thinking about your mission takes place upfront, saving heartache later. The plane should enable what you want to accomplish, not inhibit it. Do not follow your heart too much in the decision process, let your head lead.

New or Used Planes – Each Comes With Benefits

The next important choice after you've identified one or two types of aircraft to target - new or used? Both have pros and cons.

New planes and helicopters mean:

• The latest designs and avionics/tech
• Less maintenance worries normally
• Financing readily available
• Warranty protection

Used aircraft offer:

• Much lower purchase price
• Wider selection of models/features
• Proven designs and performance history known

New equals peace of mind for many buyers and used means savings.

So start out buying older some first. When your capabilities get to speed move up to newer airplanes. It also makes sense to mix new and used across a multi-aircraft fleet.

If you are considering a used model, examine maintenance logs with an eagle eye. And always have a reliable mechanic inspect any pre-owned plane before you purchase it. Make sure it also complies with all regulations.

Used aircraft carries increased risks, but the cost may justify them for you.

How to Choose the Right Airplane Dealer or Broker

Since buying a plane or chopper is a major multifaceted decision, working with an experienced and reliable dealer or broker can make the process smoother. They will offer instruction and take care of much of the logistics for you.

Some newer brands of aircraft are sold through manufacturer dealers who also provide financing. Larger independent dealers carry new and used models for various manufacturers. Without ownership of a supply of planes, aircraft brokers charge a commission for their assistance finding and purchasing planes.

Get in touch with the brokers or dealers, who are right – ask for references to make sure that he/she is honest and a true representative of buyers. Never deal with dealers that are not authorized. Keep interviewing until you meet someone that clicks.

Good dealer is your partner who helps you navigate the purchasing labyrinth and look after your interests. It gives you peace of mind to have someone with all this expertise on your side.

Never Skip The Pre-Purchase And Test Flight!

When you find your new dream plane with a dealer, don't get too excited and give them money right away! Make your mechanic examine the car before you buy it – on it should be a non-negotiable. Wise buyers always do this.

Examine aircraft logs and history closely for any warning signs. The Mechanic check all systems and airframe components that are prone to problems. Also check that installed avionics and equipment are functional.

Then comes the test flight. Check the functionality, stability, performance, and handling quality! Be certain that it works without a hitch.

Make sure to get quotes for the insurance before the purchase so that there are no surprises later on.

Conducting due diligence protects against buying a lemon with a bite. This is why smart buyers inspect and price the aircraft — if necessary, to pass on it. Do not be hurried into an impulse decision.

Documents, Delivery & Ownership

So you found the perfect plane or helicopter, and it checked out fine! Now let's finish the transaction.

If you require financing, be sure to get it settled first.

To keep your interest secure, let your lawyer review the purchase agreement. Signature needed on FAA forms for registration, airworthiness cert, title transfer, etc.

Agree on delivery method and schedule to get your new aircraft home. Obtain necessary ferry permits and insurance coverage.

After closing, get ready for more learning about operating your new aircraft model safely. Joining local pilot groups helps find mentors too.

Finding mentors is also effective through joining local pilot groups.