Buyer’s Guide

Buying an aircraft can be one of the most exciting experiences of your life. This can be true whether you’ve purchased several aircraft or you’re preparing to buy for the first time. With the right support system, you can make the most informed decisions.

Our process helps to break down the steps of buying an aircraft so you can start the process feeling confident and prepared. From developing your budget to signing your name on the dotted line, you’ll find we are here to help every step of the way.

Define Your Goals
Before you start looking, consider why you want to buy an aircraft. Are you a student pilot? Do you currently own and want to upgrade to a more complex aircraft? Figuring out why you want to purchase will help you make important decisions down the road.  Considering what you want and need out of your aircraft will help you narrow down your aircraft search as well.  Consider airframe total time, engine time, paint, interior, etc.  How many hours per year do you anticipate flying the aircraft?  Knowing your preferences can help with filtering out aircraft that don’t fit your criteria.

Determine Your Financial Standing
Knowing your budget up front helps you focus your search and can save you both time and stress.  Speaking with a financial professional can help you to determine your buying power.  They can assist you with how much you can afford, how much you should put towards a down payment, and can walk you through loan options and other costs or fees.  If you are not already working with a financial professional we will be happy to put you in touch with someone that is familiar with the aviation market. 

Make an Offer
Once you find an aircraft you’re interested in, Hembree Aviation can help you negotiate a fair offer based on comparable aircraft on the market.  If your offer is accepted, you’ll make a deposit and be officially under contract.  During the period between signing the aircraft purchase agreement and closing on your aircraft, Hembree Aviation will assist you through the pre-purchase inspection process.

Closing on Your Aircraft
This is the final Step of your aircraft buying journey.  Closing is the official transfer of ownership from the seller to the buyer.  At closing, our escrow agent will provide you with the documents necessary for signature.  From there, you officially become a new aircraft owner.

Contact us now and lets get the conversation started about your very first or next aircraft!