Page 11 - World Airnews Magazine December 2019 Edition

AIRCRAFT AIRCRAFT

LOOK OUT FOR THE FLAWS handbook. Missing documents, pages or overhauled at specific intervals; status of requirements for specific equipment. For

The FARs also includes inspection

entries from aircraft logbooks may cause compliance with required inspecti ons; sta-

significant problems for the purchaser tus of compliance with applicable airworthi- example, if the airplane has a transponder,

and reduce the value of the aircraft.

Buying an aircraft is an important investment and the many aspects of aircraft • Unusual/Exotic Aircraft: Generally, ness directives, and copies of descriptions you should check the logbooks to ensure
that the unit was tested within the past 24

of major repairs and alterations that have
ownership should be seriously considered before signing on the dotted line the more unique the aircraft, the more been performed on the airplane. calendar months. Q

unique the problems. Out-of-production

more expensive to maintain. FLY BEFORE YOU BUY aircraft may cause difficulties because

• Airworthiness Directives: ADs are issued • Test Flight: It is always a good idea to of parts shortages or unusual design CHECK LIST

he pre-purchase inspection is a very for safety reasons and are a fact of life fly the aircraft before you make your features. Check on parts availability and • Airframe • Cabin Interior • Batt ery

Timportant and oft en an over looked for most every aircraft. Once issued, final decision. During the flight, carefully product support for any older model. In • Paint • Cockpit controls • Cooling baffles

precaution when deciding whether to pur- owners are required to comply with the check all equipment and systems to the case of a homebuilt, keep in mind • Corrosion • Circuit breakers/ • Control cables
that you are buying an experimental

AD within the time period allotted. It’s

chase an aircraft. This is especially important important to look at the AD history of an determine if they are fully functioning. aircraft that has been handcrafted. You • Fabric switches • Lubrication system

During the start open the window to

when buying a used aircraft. Have a pre-pur- aircraft. Check the nature of the ADs and listen to the engine. If it sounds rough, may find some mechanics reluctant or • Attachment points • Instruments • Starter

chase inspection completed; as this will help whether they are recurring or one-time don’t even take the plane up. Watch unwilling to perform maintenance on • Control cables/pulleys • Avionics • Filters

avoid any surprises. Many aircraft have under- compliance. Make sure the logbooks all the gauges during takeoff. Do the such aircraft because of their unfamiliar- • Control surfaces • Seatbelts • Vacuum system

lying flaws that would cost thousands of Rands show compliance with all applicable ADs. engines operate smoothly? Do a few ity with the design and construction, or • Fuel tanks/lines • Seats/tracks/ • Fuel system

to correct and these will be found when you do • Damage history: major repairs can affect turns. How does the aircraft feel? Check because of liability concerns. • Doors/windows, emer- frames • Engine mounts

a pre-purchase inspection. Then prospective the value of an aircraft significantly, but all the avionics. • Final Inspection: Aircraft owners are re- gency exits • Ventilation/heat • Seals

buyers can ask the current aircraft owner to may be hard to pin down. A damage • The pre-purchase inspection: A me- quired to keep records of all inspections • General condition • Interior fabric • General condition

correct them, or negotiate new price. history will decrease the value of an air- chanic should inspect the plane before and maintenance required by regula- • Landing Gear • Door/window seals • Propeller(s)

Another thing to consider is time between craft, depending on the type of accident, you buy it. During this inspection, make tions, as well as any major repairs and al- • Tires • Window/windshields • Blade conditions

overhaul (TBO). Verify that parts can be nature of the damage and the degree sure you confirm that the ADs (airwor- terations. Before purchasing an airplane, • Brakes • Lighting • Hub conditions

obtained for the aircraft, and that local to which major components have been thiness directives) are up to date, all you should study the airplane's engine • Shock absorbing • Engine Systems • Governor

mechanics can work on it. Always fly the involved. Any aircraft with a damage maintenance was performed and re- and airframe logbooks to determine system • Corrosion

aircraft before you buy; this is the most history should be closely scrutinized to corded correctly, and all inspections are if the maintenance and recordkeeping • Spinner

straightforward way to get a good feel for make sure it has been properly repaired current. For the best results, find a me- requirements have been fulfilled. • Scissor links • Induction system • Seals

whether the aircraft is a good fit for you. in accordance with the applicable FAA chanic who is familiar with the make and Check for the following information: • Retraction system • Turbocharging system • Deicing

Thoroughly examine aircraft records and en- regulations and recommended practices. model so that he/she knows which areas the total time in service of the airframe, en- • Shimmy damper • Exhaust system • Cylinders

gine logs, looking for unusual entries. If you see • Paint/interior: used on occasion to give to focus in on. A pre-purchase inspec- gine(s), and propeller(s); current status of • Gear attach points • Ignition system • Compression

an entry for “Replaced sections of fuselage skin” "tired" aircraft a quick facelift. Check tion should include at least a differential any life-limited parts; time since overhaul • Microswitches • Electrical system • Oil Consumption

you should be suspicious of a gear-up landing. new paint jobs carefully for evidence of compression check on each cylinder of of any component that is required to be

Do some research on the cost and avail- corrosion under the surface. Interior items the engine. A mechanical inspection,

ability of aircraft insurance? should be checked for proper fit and con- the aircraft logbooks and other records

dition. Done properly, both items enhance

With a little advance planning and some should be carefully reviewed. AD com- AIRVAN AFRICA +27 46 624 4899 www.airmoon.co.za

research, your aircraft purchase will be a the value of the aircraft. pliance, the status of service bulletins

and letters, and aircraft/component
memorable experience, for the right reasons! • Overhauls: Be careful of the terminology serial numbers. Ideally, the mechanic

Generally speaking major factors that used to describe engine condition. A top you select to do the inspection should

affect resale value are: overhaul involves the repair of engine com- have experience and be familiar with

ponents outside of the crankcase. A major
• Engine hours: perhaps the most common overhaul involves the complete disassem- the problems that may be encountered

influence on resale value. The closer an bly, inspection, repair and reassembly of an on that type of aircraft. Part of your Patrick: +27-82-565-8864

engine is to its recommended time between engine to specified limits. If an engine has pre-purchase inspection should include 1990 Mooney M20J

overhaul (TBO), the less its value. Equally im- had a top or major overhaul, the logbooks an analysis of the spare parts market. 2011 Quest Kodiak 100 Special Edition 1961 Aerospatiale Alouette 2 Brendan: +27-72-244-4958
2200 Hrs TT Airframe and Engine.
portant is a record of consistent use coupled must still show the total time on the engine, Difficulty in acquiring spare parts can PT-6A-34, 750SHP, Garmin G1000 Avionics, 1807 Hours TT and 8 Hours SMOH April MPI, 11400HRS TT, 12-Year completed in May 2017 Phil: +27-83-284-3898

April Overhaul.
with a good maintenance program. Regular if known, and its prior maintenance history. cost you a lot of time and money, and External Baggage Compartment, 29” Wheel Absolutely Beautiful! Registered NTCA. www.airmoon.co.za

Upgrade, Air Conditioning.
use helps keep seals and other engine com- A "zero-time" engine is one that has ultimately risk grounding your aircraft Price: US$ 1 258 000 Price: R1 550 000 Call for Price

ponents lubricated and in good shape. been overhauled to factory new limits by • Aircraft Records: Make sure the fol-

• Equipment: such as avionics, air condition- the original manufacturer and is issued a lowing documents are available and in 1971 Beechcraft Baron E55

ing, de-icing gear and interior equipment. new logbook without previous operating proper order for the aircraft: Airwor-

Unless otherwise stated all prices are exclusive of VAT
The big item here is usually avionics that history. As a general rule, an aircraft with a thiness certificate, engine and airframe Stripping for Spares

can easily double the value of some older "zero-time" engine has more value than the logbooks, aircraft equipment list, weight Call for Parts Price and Availability

aircraft. Also, older equipment is generally same aircraft with an overhauled engine. and balance data, placards, owner's

2015 Airvan 8 1966 Piper Cherokee 180
2000 Hours TT Airframe, Factory rebuilt 7425 Hrs TT Airframe and 150 Hrs SMOH 1998 Mooney M20K Encore
zero-time Engine. 3-Blade Prop, 4200lbs Engine. Constant speed prop, new glass, paint OTHER AIRCRAFT FOR SALE:
MAUW Upgrade, Cargo Pod, G500 PFD, refresh, new interior and carpets by 1230 Hours Airframe and Engine SMOH
G650 GPS/Nav/Comm, TCAS, Stormscope, etc 43 Airschool.
Price: Offers Price: R500 000 neg Price: Offers 1981 Mooney M20J 201
2015 Airvan 8
1948 Ercoupe 415e
Grumman AA-5B Tiger BRAND NEW Airvan 8 2013 Robinson R66 Turbine 1969 Cessna 182M
Standard panel including Garmin GTN 650
3170 Hrs TT, 535 Hrs SMOH Nav/Com/GPS and JPI EDM 800 250 Hours since new.
Good paint and interior finishes. Spats are Engine Monitor.
included. Price: US$ 862 000 1977 Socata Rallye 235E SA Flyer 2019|12
Price: R480 000 or Best Offer Including Delivery in Africa. Price: Call
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