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RV Pre-purchase Inspection |
OR ...By having a candidate airplane inspected by an unbiased, and experienced, professional who is familiar with the aircraft and its systems. Not only Buyers, but also Sellers benefit from a Prepurchase Inspection which does not fix or confirm the airplane's value, but establishes its condition. The Pre-purchase Inspection is not an appraisal, it does not proclaim a value even though it may affect the value by minimizing the "unknowns" associated with used, Experimental airplanes. This is very beneficial to both Buyer and Seller. Seller's want to obtain "top-dollar" for their planes and Buyers want good value and a safe, well built aircraft. With Firebird Aviation’s Prepurchase Inspection both parties are able to get what they want. Why should Buyers want a Pre-purchase Inspection? There are many standards by which an aircraft can be judged, but for us only the highest standard will be used. For many RVs’ the original builder is the Seller. If the builder is a holder of his Repairman’s Certificate, he has probably been doing his own Annual Condition Inspections, whether knowledgably or not. In many situations, the last trained and certificated mechanic who inspected the aircraft would have been the original DAR (Designated Airworthiness Representative) who issued the Special Airworthiness Certificate for the airplane. In these situations, when the airplane is changing owners, it is time to have the airplane professionally and expertly inspected. Darrell Morgan is a certified Airframe and Powerplant Mechanic (A&P) with Inspection Authorization (IA). Darrell has built and flown one RV, is currently building his second RV, and has assisted other builders in the capacity of EAA "Tech Counselor". His experience with RVs and his professional FAA qualifications make him ideally suited to perform Pre-purchase Inspections on RVs. How does a Seller benefit from a Pre-purchase Inspection? Tremendous benefits accrue to the Seller with a Pre-purchase Inspection. In fact, Sellers are often the first party to have an inspection done because of the positive influence the inspection can have on the airplane's price. Sellers are often able to "hold tighter" to their asking price when negotiating the sale. Typical RV prices will range from $50,000 to $100,000. At these valuations it can be very easy for a Seller to cost justify a Pre-purchase Inspection by a reputable and unbiased, third-party in order to confidently set a sales price and stick to it in negotiations. Here, a Pre-purchase Inspection would cost a fraction of what could be lost to negotiations because of the uncertain condition of the airplane. What is a Pre-purchase Inspection? Our prepurchase inspection begins with a complete records review. This would include an AD and Service Bulletin search. But you say, “They do not apply!” According to the EAA from a legal standpoint that may be true. (Click on link below to see the EAA position paper regarding ADs.) But from a safety point of view, Firebird Aviation’s policy is that AD’s do apply, (The Highest Standard). A good example would be Lycoming’s AD requiring an oil additive in their O-320 H2AD engines. Did the seller apply this AD to his engine and document it? (Not required according to the EAA) If not, the overall value of the airplane may be diminished and safety might also be comprimised. Additionally, the the engine may be in need of some very expensive repairs which the inspection could reveal. Click HERE to read the EAA's position papers on ADs. A rigorous inspection then follows with the proper tools. This visual inspection is much more than just looking at cosmetics. For example, during the Differential Compression Test when top spark plugs are removed, each cylinder will be thoroughly inspected with a boroscope. We also request the owner to pull panels and fairings. There are many discrepancies that can lay hidden behind panels and the inspection is all about finding them. A detailed list of discrepancies is then compiled and a briefing provided to the customer. Now the value of the aircraft be better determined. Pricing $300 if accomplished In the Firebird Hangar. Notes: |
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