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Aircraft pre-purchase due diligence

A practical checklist for buying a used U.S.-registered aircraft. Six steps cover the FAA registry record, NTSB accident history, applicable Airworthiness Directives, logbook reconciliation, title search, and pre-purchase inspection scope. None of this is legal advice; finalize each step with a qualified A&P mechanic and an aviation attorney when the price warrants.

Six-step checklist

  1. 1

    Confirm registration and ownership

    Pull the FAA Releasable Aircraft Database record for the tail and verify it matches the seller. Use the per-N profile page to see snapshot history and ownership timeline.

    FAA registry hub →

  2. 2

    Search the NTSB accident database

    Run NTSB CAROL search by tail and any prior tails the aircraft may have used. Look for incidents that hint at structural repair (prop strike, gear-up, hard landing).

    NTSB CAROL search →

  3. 3

    Check applicable Airworthiness Directives

    Use the FAA AD library plus the make-model TCDS. For Cessna 172 we maintain a curated list with applicability narrative; other makes can be cross-referenced from drs.faa.gov.

    Cessna 172 AD list →

  4. 4

    Reconcile logbooks

    Align the airframe, engine, and propeller logbooks against the FAA registry dates and the NTSB record. Gaps and undocumented major repairs are the highest-impact red flags.

  5. 5

    Order a title search

    Liens, mechanic's liens, and unrecorded transfers are not visible in the FAA registry alone. AOPA and AIC Title Service are the most cited title vendors.

  6. 6

    Schedule a pre-purchase inspection

    Choose an A&P with type experience. Scope the inspection in writing — borescope cylinders, oil analysis, compression test, brake/tire wear, avionics function, and IFR currency.

FAQ

What is an aircraft pre-purchase inspection?
A pre-purchase inspection is a structured airworthiness and condition review performed by an A&P mechanic before a sale closes. It is not a regulatory inspection — its scope is set by buyer and mechanic.
What does the FAA registry tell a buyer?
The FAA registry confirms current ownership, registration status, registration history dates, and basic aircraft data. It does not show liens; a separate title search is required for that.
How do I know which ADs apply to a specific aircraft?
Use the FAA AD library plus the TCDS for the make-model. Final applicability depends on serial range, engine, propeller, and installed STCs — your A&P mechanic confirms compliance at annual inspection.
Why does NTSB matter even when there is no recent accident?
NTSB CAROL stores incident and accident records over the lifetime of a tail. A 1999 prop strike that was repaired correctly may still appear and is fair game in price negotiation.

Sources