What to Prepare If You're Selling Your Aircraft

Selling an aircraft is a significant financial transaction that requires careful preparation. The difference between a smooth, profitable sale and a drawn-out, frustrating experience often comes down to how well you prepare before listing. Here is what every aircraft owner should have ready.

1. Get a Certified Appraisal First

Before you set an asking price, you need to know what your aircraft is actually worth in the current market. A certified appraisal from a CAAA Senior Certified Appraiser provides an independent, defensible Fair Market Value that gives you a solid foundation for pricing negotiations.

Overpricing your aircraft will cause it to sit on the market, while underpricing leaves money on the table. An accurate appraisal helps you find the right number and gives potential buyers confidence that your asking price is justified by third-party analysis.

2. Organize Your Logbooks and Records

Complete and well-organized records are one of the most important factors in an aircraft sale. Buyers and their representatives will scrutinize your documentation carefully. Make sure you have the following readily available:

• Airframe logbooks from the date of manufacture to present
• Engine logbooks with complete time records and overhaul history
• Propeller logbooks (if applicable)
• Airworthiness Directives (AD) compliance records
• Service Bulletin compliance records
• Weight and balance records including the most recent calculation
• Equipment list detailing all installed avionics and modifications
• STCs and 337 forms for any modifications or alterations

3. Address Maintenance Items

Buyers will often order a pre-purchase inspection, and every squawk found during that inspection becomes a negotiation point. You can minimize surprises and maintain your negotiating position by addressing known maintenance items before listing:

1. Resolve any open Airworthiness Directives that are due or overdue
2. Complete any deferred maintenance noted in the aircraft's records
3. Consider timing. If a major inspection is due within a few months, completing it before listing can increase your sale price by more than the cost of the inspection
4. Address cosmetic issues. Small investments in detailing, minor interior repairs, or corrosion treatment can significantly improve a buyer's first impression

4. Prepare the Aircraft Visually

First impressions matter. A clean, well-presented aircraft signals to buyers that the aircraft has been cared for. Before showing your aircraft or taking photographs for the listing:

• Have the aircraft professionally detailed inside and out
• Ensure the cockpit and cabin are clean, organized, and free of wear
• Address any obvious cosmetic issues on the exterior
• Take high-quality photographs from multiple angles, including the cockpit, cabin, engine compartment, and landing gear

5. Gather Financial and Ownership Documents

Having your financial and legal documents in order will streamline the closing process once you find a buyer:

• Current FAA registration certificate
• Title search results (consider ordering a fresh one before listing)
• Any lien release documentation if the aircraft was previously financed
• Insurance policy details
• Current annual inspection status

6. Set a Realistic Price and Timeline

Use your certified appraisal as the foundation for your asking price. Your appraiser can also provide insight into current market conditions, including how long similar aircraft are taking to sell and what comparable aircraft have recently closed for.

Be prepared for the sales process to take time. Depending on the aircraft type and market conditions, a well-priced aircraft can sell in weeks or months. Having realistic expectations from the start will help you make better decisions throughout the process.