Buyer Safety Guide

Before discussing payment, make sure you know who the seller is and that they are genuinely entitled to sell the aircraft, share or item being advertised.

For an aircraft, check that the registration, serial number and seller details correspond with the aircraft and its documentation. If somebody is selling on behalf of an owner, company or syndicate, ask them to confirm their authority to do so.

Be cautious if the seller is unwilling to identify themselves, avoids direct conversation or provides information that doesn’t match the listing.

Never rely solely on photographs, videos or messages.

For an aircraft or share purchase, arrange to see the aircraft in person wherever reasonably possible. Ideally, meet the seller at the aircraft’s normal operating location and inspect the aircraft and its documentation together.

For parts and equipment, ask for additional photographs, part numbers, serial numbers and evidence of condition where appropriate.

Be extremely cautious about sending significant sums of money for something you have never seen or independently verified.

An attractive aircraft isn’t necessarily a good aircraft.

Before purchasing, review the relevant documentation and maintenance history. Depending on the aircraft, this may include:

• Airframe, engine and propeller logbooks
• Registration and serial number
• Certificate of Airworthiness or Permit to Fly, where applicable
• Airworthiness Review Certificate (ARC), where applicable
• Maintenance and inspection history
• Airworthiness Directive (AD) compliance
• Engine and propeller times
• Weight and balance information
• Modification and repair records

Check that the information provided by the seller is consistent with the aircraft and its records.

For an aircraft purchase, an independent pre-purchase inspection is one of the most important checks you can make.

Consider appointing a suitably qualified engineer or maintenance organisation who is independent of the seller to inspect the aircraft and review its records.

The scope required will vary depending on the aircraft, its age, value and history, but spending money on professional advice before purchasing can prevent considerably larger costs afterwards.

For UK-registered aircraft, independently check the aircraft’s registration details with the UK Civil Aviation Authority’s G-INFO aircraft register rather than relying entirely on information supplied in an advert.

Remember that registration information alone should not be treated as proof that a person has unrestricted legal title to sell an aircraft.

For higher-value transactions, consider obtaining appropriate professional advice regarding ownership, title, finance or other interests before completing the purchase.

A share purchase requires some additional checks.

Understand exactly what you are buying and ask to see the syndicate or group agreement before paying anything.

Check:

• The percentage or number of shares being purchased
• Monthly and hourly costs
• Current group funds and financial commitments
• Maintenance reserves
• Insurance arrangements
• Aircraft availability and booking rules
• Any outstanding or anticipated maintenance
• Rules covering the future sale or transfer of your share

Where possible, speak to other members of the group rather than relying solely on the person selling the share.

Before paying for flying time, confirm who provides and operates the aircraft and check that the arrangement matches the listing.

• Understand whether the rate is wet or dry and how flying time is measured
• Confirm pilot experience, checkout and insurance requirements
• Check aircraft availability and any booking restrictions
• Agree package validity, cancellation and refund terms before paying

Provider and insurer approval remains authoritative. A listing on AERLO is not approval to fly the aircraft.

Never allow yourself to be rushed into sending money.

Be particularly cautious if a seller:

• Suddenly changes their bank details
• Requests payment to an unrelated person or business
• Insists on an unusual or difficult-to-trace payment method
• Pressures you to pay immediately
• Offers an unusually low price provided you pay quickly
• Refuses reasonable requests for an inspection or documentation

For significant transactions, consider using an appropriate professional escrow service or obtaining legal advice.

Always independently verify payment instructions before transferring substantial funds.

A genuine seller should understand reasonable due diligence.

Inconsistent information, unexplained urgency, missing documentation or resistance to an independent inspection are all reasons to investigate further.

You are never obliged to proceed with a transaction simply because you’ve made an offer, travelled to see an aircraft or spent money investigating it.

If something doesn’t add up, don’t send money until you’re satisfied.

Buying an aircraft should be exciting, but it’s worth taking your time.

Verify the seller. Check the paperwork. Inspect the aircraft. Get independent advice. And don’t send money until you’re satisfied that everything is what it claims to be.

A little due diligence before completing a purchase can prevent a very expensive problem afterwards.

General Aviation, connected.