Are Newer Pre-Owned Planes Always Safer
Industry experts share general assumptions and misconceptions with Felipe Reisch that inexperienced aircraft buyers might have toward newer and older pre-owned business jets…
While most potential buyers—and certainly experienced private jet owners—understand that newer aircraft aren’t automatically superior, dealers and brokers play a crucial role in educating buyers about misconceptions related to purchasing a business jet. Industry experts consistently emphasize that aircraft safety is primarily determined by maintenance quality rather than age or operating hours.
The Importance of Aircraft Maintenance vs. Aircraft Age
Michael Barber, Regional Vice President of Aircraft Sales & Acquisitions at Leviate Air Group, explains that while new technology can offer advanced safety features, it doesn’t guarantee that newer jets are inherently safer. “A Pre-Purchase Inspection (PPI) by a reputable maintenance facility is essential,” Barber states. “You wouldn’t skip inspecting a new home purchase—why skip it with a jet? Whether the plane is one year or ten years old, a detailed inspection tailored specifically to the aircraft model is critical.”
Joe McCarthy, Founder and Owner of Mach Aviation, agrees, noting that inexperienced buyers might underestimate the importance of investing in inspections, especially if an aircraft is relatively new or previously owned by a high-profile individual. “Even significant investment in maintenance doesn’t rule out oversight,” McCarthy emphasizes.
The Scope and Value of a Pre-Purchase Inspection (PPI)
Selecting the right MRO facility is crucial, according to Jared Hasty, Co-Founder of Piedmont Jets. “Ensure the maintenance provider has relevant expertise and availability. The inspection scope should be tailored specifically to the aircraft model, followed by clear auditing and communication of results.” Hasty nearly always recommends a PPI, though rare exceptions may apply, such as when a plane is under warranty or has recently completed a major inspection.
Florian Van Der Cruyssen, Vice President of Sales at Opus Aero, underscores the complexity of negotiating a PPI’s scope, stressing that “agreement between buyer and seller before inspection begins is vital, as it clearly defines responsibilities and expectations.”
Cyril Martiniere, VP of Maintenance Services Europe & General Manager at Jet Aviation, emphasizes the detailed technical and documentation reviews provided by a PPI. “This inspection can reveal issues not visible externally, mitigating unforeseen future costs,” Martiniere says. Jet Aviation employs advanced AI and drone technology to capture comprehensive visual records of the aircraft’s exterior condition, stored securely for impartial reference.
Educating Aircraft Buyers to Avoid Misconceptions
Buyer education is critical. Barber believes that understanding clients’ needs, wants, and actual usage is fundamental to aligning expectations realistically. Brokers must educate buyers thoroughly—covering mission profiles, ownership costs, aircraft management, and charter opportunities.
Van Der Cruyssen notes that the effectiveness of buyer education significantly depends on their advisory team’s expertise. “An inexperienced team around the buyer can complicate negotiations, while experienced advisors help navigate complexities seamlessly,” he explains.
McCarthy particularly emphasizes educating first-time buyers involved in ‘back-to-back’ sales—situations where sellers may advise buyers, creating potential conflicts of interest. “Proper education ensures buyers select suitable aircraft, avoiding costly mistakes that impact long-term ownership satisfaction,” he adds.
Debunking Common Myths: Is Newer Always Better?
Inexperienced buyers often wrongly assume newer aircraft are automatically safer. Van Der Cruyssen highlights how buyers overlook older, meticulously maintained jets that could represent excellent value. Similarly, David Henry, President & CEO at Status Jet, frequently advises clients that an aircraft’s safety and reliability depend on maintenance history and inspections rather than age alone.
“Aircraft hours are misunderstood,” Barber emphasizes. “Older aircraft naturally accumulate flight hours. For example, a 2004 jet averaging 415 hours per year is entirely normal and safe for operation.”
Never Judge a Jet by Its Appearance
Appearances in the pre-owned jet market can deceive. McCarthy recalls inspecting a Hawker 800XP, discovering quickly that its condition differed significantly from advertised. “Physical and logbook conditions often don’t match buyer expectations,” he cautions.
Van Der Cruyssen agrees: “Aircraft operating in coastal environments may conceal corrosion only detectable via borescope inspection. Thorough, onsite due diligence involving logbook reviews, inspections, and test flights by experts is imperative,” he advises.
Barber notes every inspection typically uncovers unexpected findings. Yet, minor discoveries usually don’t derail transactions—delivery conditions negotiated beforehand determine how issues are addressed. Occasionally, however, major findings may halt a purchase entirely.
Final Thoughts on Buying Pre-Owned Jets
Ultimately, newer isn’t always better. Aircraft safety fundamentally depends on rigorous maintenance, thorough inspections, skilled piloting, and appropriate operation. Buyers must approach purchases open-mindedly, leveraging trusted brokers and experienced inspectors to uncover true aircraft condition.
For more details, read the full AvBuyer article here.
