Use this as a practical starting point for an independent pre-buy inspection. It should be completed with a qualified mechanic and transaction adviser who understand the aircraft type, country of registration, and intended operation.

Records and identity

Confirm airframe, engine, propeller, rotor, and appliance logs are continuous enough to support the advertised history.
Match registration, serial number, equipment list, and weight-and-balance documents against the aircraft.
Review airworthiness directives, service bulletins, STCs, major repair or alteration paperwork, and recurring inspection status.
Verify current inspection status, time-limited components, life-limited parts, and calendar-limited items.
Confirm the aircraft, engine, propeller, and avionics records match the seller disclosures and listing details.

Title, liens, and import status

Order an independent title search and confirm lien release, escrow instructions, and bill-of-sale details before funds move.
Check registration status, export/import paperwork, customs/VAT exposure, and country-specific transfer requirements.
Confirm all seller promises, included equipment, spares, subscriptions, and logbook representations are written into the purchase agreement.

Airframe condition

Inspect skin, structure, control surfaces, windows, doors, landing gear, and corrosion-prone areas.
Check evidence of hangar storage, repairs, paint condition, leaks, and prior damage disclosures.
Verify tires, brakes, struts, antennas, lights, and access panels are secure and serviceable.
Look for hail, corrosion, water intrusion, undocumented repairs, hard-landing signs, and mismatched fasteners or panels.

Powerplant and propeller

Review engine time, overhaul status, compression trends, oil analysis, and recent maintenance notes.
Inspect for leaks, exhaust defects, mount issues, cooling problems, and abnormal run-up behavior.
Confirm propeller condition, blade limits, governor operation, and overhaul or inspection status.
Check borescope findings, chip detector or filter history, hot-section requirements, trend monitoring, and engine program status when applicable.

Avionics and systems

Test radios, navigation equipment, transponder, ADS-B, autopilot, electrical loads, and circuit protection.
Confirm database status, pitot-static/transponder checks, ELT battery date, and placard compliance.
Review any deferred equipment, inoperative items, or upgrades that affect intended operations.
Confirm software versions, subscription transferability, flight director/autopilot modes, standby instruments, and battery/alternator performance.

Interior, cabin, and safety equipment

Inspect seats, restraints, oxygen, fire extinguishers, emergency gear, door seals, environmental controls, and cabin placards.
Confirm interior wear, odor, water damage, window crazing, seat track condition, cargo restraint points, and required survival equipment.
Verify the aircraft configuration supports your intended passengers, baggage, mission profile, and regulatory operating rules.

Operational checks

Use a qualified pilot/mechanic to complete a ground run, systems check, and flight evaluation when appropriate and insured.
Validate engine indications, flight controls, trim, gear/flap operation, avionics behavior, autopilot performance, and abnormal warnings.
Record squawks, required repairs, repeat defects, and any limitations that change the purchase price or delivery plan.

Purchase closeout

Use an independent mechanic, verify clear title or lien payoff terms, and document all seller promises.
Confirm insurance availability, transition training needs, ferry requirements, taxes, and closing logistics.
Turn inspection findings into written repair, credit, escrow, or walk-away terms before funds move.
Confirm who pays for discrepancies, ferry permits, post-closing maintenance, subscriptions, storage, and delivery risk.

A qualified mechanic, title/escrow provider, insurer, and tax adviser should review the transaction before purchase.

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Revolutionary

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New Cessna 172 for lease

Core aircraft details

Ownership cost estimator

Records and identity

Title, liens, and import status

Airframe condition

Powerplant and propeller

Avionics and systems

Interior, cabin, and safety equipment

Operational checks

Purchase closeout

Description

Maintenance & Inspections

Engines & Propellers

Avionics & Equipment

Aircraft payment fit estimate

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