Glossary
Prebuy Inspection
An independent mechanical inspection performed by an A&P mechanic before an aircraft purchase.
Definition
A prebuy inspection is a buyer-initiated, independent mechanical review of an aircraft conducted by an Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) mechanic — ideally one the buyer selects and pays for, not the seller's mechanic. It is not an annual inspection and it does not make an aircraft airworthy, but it gives the buyer an independent read on the aircraft's condition before money changes hands.
Why it matters in a transaction
Aircraft can have hidden damage history, deferred maintenance, corrosion, or logbook discrepancies that do not appear in a listing. A prebuy inspection is the buyer's primary protection against purchasing a problem aircraft. Skipping it is one of the most common and costly mistakes in aircraft buying.
What TailExchange can help you see
TailExchange shows seller-reported condition notes and maintenance details in listings. These are useful for initial screening, but they are not a substitute for an independent inspection.
What TailExchange cannot verify or replace
TailExchange cannot perform a prebuy inspection, evaluate airworthiness, or certify aircraft condition. For a prebuy, work with an independent A&P or an inspection service unaffiliated with the seller.
Related
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.
Annual Inspection
An FAA-required annual airworthiness inspection that must be completed for an aircraft to remain legally airworthy.
Prebuy Inspection vs. Annual Inspection
What is the difference between a prebuy inspection and an annual inspection?
What to Check on an Aircraft Detail Page Before Requesting Seller Interest
What information on a TailExchange aircraft page should I review before reaching out to a seller?
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