So, I’m more than 50% decided that I’m going to put an offer on a plane. It’s an early SR22 (2002 model.)

I’ve hired an aviation attorney to help me with the legal aspects of the transaction. I’m probably going to immediately put shares up for sale and set it up as partnership from the beginning.

I’ll also need to find a good pre-buy in the PHX area. I figure I’ll use Saavy for that.

But I’m wondering if anyone here has a good list of questions I should ask the owner before making an offer?

1) All logs?
2) Ever based outside US?
3) Any damage history?
4) Anything that doesn't work?
5) date last annual completed
6) date of last pitot/static check

One thing that sometimes gets short shrift is the avionics. The A&P that does the pre-buy will check the engine and airframe stuff but I doubt if he will check that all the avionics, including autpilot, are working as they should. It might be worthwhile to pay an avionics guy to also check them over.

Attached is a link to a thread that would be worth reading. On the bottom of page 2 Mike D posted a list that I would suggest looking over as it has some great items to consider before buying.

viewtopic.php?f=7&t=154353&hilit=list&start=15

Best

Check the actual manufacture date of the line cutters. Stamped on them. They are good for 6 yrs after date of mfg. Not date of install. Don’t rely on the date in the logs. They aren’t cheap, lead times have been very long, and the plane is not airworthy if expired. I know from experience.

The other important thing to know - which most seem to overlook is the market value of the aircraft. If you are going to be offering "shares" then you need to know the market value of the aircraft and not what you negotiated. These can be two very different numbers but you certainly don't want to pay more than the aircraft is worth unless you can justify it for some reason!

A professional aircraft appraisal will answer most of the items identified and will report the current market value of the aircraft given the appraisers research of the aircraft and the market. The report will also help you focus on areas for the prebuy and the Purchase Agreement.

I would agree that avionics is a topic of concern that most prebuys overlook but I think Savvy's process addresses the avionics but only from a functionality standpoint. If possible, you should have the latest software/firmware updates installed and if unlock codes were purchased, you want to ensure those are properly logged.

Good luck.