Start with the total cost of ownership, not just the purchase price
The sticker price of an aircraft is rarely the number that matters. Insurance, annual maintenance, hangar fees, fuel, overhaul reserves, and licensing renewals can easily add 15–25% of the aircraft's value per year. A €30,000 Cessna 172 might cost €6,000–8,000 annually just to keep airworthy.
Before you fall in love with a specific type, build a realistic 12-month budget. Talk to owners of that type, ask your local flying club, or post in type-specific forums. The communities are usually happy to share honest numbers.
Choose the right type for your mission
The most common mistake first-time buyers make is buying more aircraft than they need. A four-seat touring aircraft sounds appealing, but if you fly solo 90% of the time, a two-seat trainer burns half the fuel and costs a fraction to maintain.
Write down your top five use cases: local weekend flights, cross-country trips, mountain flying, instrument training, glider towing. Then match the type to the mission — not the other way around.
For most European private pilots, a Cessna 172, Piper PA-28, or Robin DR-400 hits the sweet spot of availability, parts support, and resale value. Taildraggers and warbirds are rewarding but carry higher insurance premiums and stricter hangar requirements.
Research the specific airframe, not just the type
Two aircraft of the same type and year can have dramatically different maintenance histories. Request the complete technical logbooks before agreeing to a viewing. Look for evidence of regular annuals, AD compliance notes, and any major repairs or modifications (STCs).
Airframe total time (TTAF) matters less than engine time since last overhaul (SMOH or TBO status). An aircraft with 8,000 airframe hours but a freshly overhauled engine is often preferable to a 2,000-hour aircraft with an engine on its last hundred hours before TBO.
Check the EASA airworthiness certificate is current. In EU countries, airworthiness is managed by CAMO organisations — ask who is managing continued airworthiness and whether that relationship transfers to you.
Always commission a pre-purchase inspection
Never buy an aircraft without an independent pre-purchase inspection (PPI) from a licensed maintenance organisation (Part-145 or national equivalent) that has no financial relationship with the seller. Expect to pay €500–1,500 for a thorough inspection.
A good PPI covers: airframe corrosion check, engine borescope inspection, avionics function test, control surface and landing gear rigging, logbook audit, and a test flight. Ask for a written report with any squawks categorised by airworthiness impact.
If the seller refuses a PPI or tries to restrict what the inspector can access, walk away. This is a firm red flag.
Cross-border purchases in Europe
Buying from another EU country is increasingly common. The aircraft can remain on its current national register or be re-registered in your country — each option carries different costs and paperwork.
VAT treatment depends on how the seller is registered. Private sellers typically sold the aircraft with VAT already paid (VAT-inclusive price). VAT-registered businesses may charge VAT on top, though export rules can reduce this. Always clarify in writing before signing.
EASA has harmonised much of the regulatory framework, but national aviation authorities (CAAs) hold registration. Budget 4–8 weeks for a re-registration process and ensure you have liability insurance in place from the date of purchase, not delivery.
Closing the deal
Use a written purchase agreement that includes: aircraft registration and serial number, agreed price and currency, VAT treatment, delivery date and location, what logbooks and documentation transfer, and what happens if the inspection reveals undisclosed defects.
Payment should go through escrow or via a tracked bank transfer with the purchase agreement signed before funds move. Cash transactions for aircraft are unusual and raise compliance concerns.
Once the deal closes, immediately add yourself to the insurance policy and notify the national register. In most EU countries you have 30 days to apply for a change of ownership on the register.