Before You Buy: The 10 Most Common Oversights in Aircraft Purchases

Acquiring an aircraft is a milestone moment, the result of careful planning, analysis, and often years of aspiration. Yet, even well-informed buyers frequently encounter unnecessary cost, delay, or exposure because critical details were missed early in the process.

At Bespoke Aero, our team have supported buyers across multiple aircraft types and transaction structures. From that experience, we’ve seen recurring oversights that can quietly undermine the success of an otherwise solid acquisition. Here are ten of the most common, and how independent advisory support can prevent them.

1. Focusing on Price, Not Total Cost of Ownership

Negotiating the lowest purchase price often takes centre stage, but the figure on the invoice rarely represents the full financial picture. Maintenance status, modification requirements, and upcoming regulatory upgrades can quickly erode perceived savings.

Avoidance Tip: Always model the aircraft’s projected five-year (recommended) cost profile, not just its acquisition price.

2. Incomplete Pre-Purchase Inspection (PPI) Scope

A pre-purchase inspection is not a box-ticking exercise. Omitting borescope inspections, corrosion checks, or avionics software reviews can lead to six-figure surprises post-delivery.

Avoidance Tip: Ensure the PPI scope is agreed in writing and reviewed by a neutral technical advisor, not only the selling party’s facility.

3. Unclear Title and Ownership History

Aircraft can change hands several times, and unresolved liens or registration irregularities can surface late in the process.

Avoidance Tip: Conduct title searches in every jurisdiction where the aircraft has been registered or financed, and obtain legal confirmation before any deposit transfer.

4. Misaligned Tax or Import Planning

Tax and customs considerations are often left until late, when structuring flexibility is minimal.

Avoidance Tip: Engage tax and customs specialists early to confirm the most efficient ownership structure, VAT or use-tax position, and import route before committing to an LOI.

5. Overlooking Regulatory Compatibility

An aircraft’s certification basis, modifications, or STCs may not align with the buyer’s jurisdiction or intended operation (e.g., commercial vs. private).

Avoidance Tip: Verify that all modifications are properly approved for your local aviation authority and that logbooks reflect the aircraft’s actual configuration.

6. Inadequate Legal Review of the LOI

The Letter of Intent often seems simple — but it frames the negotiation. Missing clauses on deposit refundability, inspection findings, or acceptance criteria can leave buyers exposed.

Avoidance Tip: Treat the LOI as a legally binding foundation. Have it reviewed by aviation counsel before signature, not after.

7. Ignoring Future Support and Parts Availability

Aircraft that look attractive on paper can become operationally challenging if OEM or MRO support is limited in your region.

Avoidance Tip: Confirm ongoing parts availability, maintenance capability, and service network accessibility before finalising the choice

8. Underestimating Transition or Delivery Costs

Ferry flights, repainting, registration, crew training, and initial maintenance actions can add up quickly.

Avoidance Tip: Build a transition budget, to cover these post-delivery expenses.

9. Relying Exclusively on Broker Representations

Brokers play a valuable role but are rarely independent of the sale outcome.

Avoidance Tip: Maintain your own advisory representation to cross-check technical and financial information objectively.

10. Neglecting Post-Closing Governance

Once the aircraft is delivered, the focus often shifts to operation. Yet, without a structured management framework, oversights can resurface as inefficiency or cost escalation.

Avoidance Tip: Plan governance early — define how operational oversight, budgeting, and reporting will be managed once the aircraft enters service.

Conclusion: Preparation Creates Confidence

Every aircraft purchase involves variables, technical, legal, financial, and emotional. The key is not to eliminate complexity but to manage it through structure and independence.

Bespoke Aero acts as the transaction manager and trusted advisor that keeps all stakeholders aligned, ensuring that your aircraft acquisition delivers both the right outcome and enduring value.

Contact our team today to arrange and independent acquisition and continued oversight solution for your aircraft.