Buyer Education
Aircraft Buying Glossary
Key terms explained for buyers who want to understand what they’re evaluating before making contact with a seller. These definitions are educational. For transaction decisions, work with a qualified A&P mechanic, aviation attorney, or title and escrow company.
Airframe Time
Total hours the aircraft structure has been in flight since manufacture or major rebuild.
Engine Time
Hours an aircraft engine has accumulated since new manufacture or its most recent overhaul.
Prebuy Inspection
An independent mechanical inspection performed by an A&P mechanic before an aircraft purchase.
Annual Inspection
An FAA-required annual airworthiness inspection that must be completed for an aircraft to remain legally airworthy.
Title Search
A review of FAA registry and lien records to confirm aircraft ownership and identify any encumbrances before purchase.
Escrow
A third-party service that holds purchase funds and documents during an aircraft transaction until all conditions are met.