When most people think about buying a private jet, they imagine sleek designs, luxurious interiors, and the freedom of the skies. But behind the glamour lies an intricate process that can make or break a multi-million dollar investment – the Pre Purchase Inspection (PPI). And the reality is far more intriguing – and sometimes stranger – than you might expect.
Tom Chatfield, CEO of Camber Aviation Management, explains: “In aviation, if something isn’t written down, it wasn’t done. Even if it’s been physically performed on the aircraft.” It’s a puzzling statement but it does hint at the complex nature of aircraft acquisitions.
And seemingly insignificant details like kitchen appliances or paintwork can have an impact on the process. Senior Technical Manager, Stephan Theis, says that every little detail is a potential clue of the condition of the aircraft.
But how can the purchase of a private jet be influenced by such trivial details? More importantly, what secrets can these luxury aircraft hide – and how do completion managers like Camber uncover them? It all starts with:
The Preliminary Inspection
A thorough PPI is carried out in two stages. The preliminary inspection is where the completion manager gets the first look at the aircraft in a process that’s part detective work, part instinct. But its purpose goes beyond mere observation – it’s a crucial step that should take place before a buyer signs a Letter of Intent (LOI) or puts down a deposit on the aircraft.
Tom clarifies the reasoning behind this: “The preliminary inspection is all about assessing the condition of the aircraft and giving our clients leverage. We’re not just looking at the aircraft; we’re arming our clients with valuable information.”
“It all starts with a visual and physical inspection,” Stephan explains. “You can tell right away if somebody took good care of it.” It’s about running hands along fuselages, peering into crevices, and even sniffing interiors. “Once, I found swarf – metal shavings – in a panel,” Stephan recalls. “It indicated recent work that didn’t show up in the paperwork. That led us to discover a whole series of undocumented repairs, which ultimately led us to recommending that the client not pursue the aircraft.”
And the inspection goes beyond the aircraft itself. “We look at things differently” Stephan explains. “For instance, we check the aircraft’s history. Where has it been stored? Has it been exposed to a salty environment? That could indicate potential corrosion issues. We examine the aircraft’s flight logs – has it been doing a lot of short flights or long-haul operations? This affects wear and tear differently.”
Tom adds, “The preliminary inspection is the first line of defense. It’s where we can spot potential red flags and make an initial assessment before committing the client to a full, in depth inspection.”
The In-depth Inspection:
The second part of the PPI is a far more intensive process conducted by a third party service centre. As Stephan says: “They’ll remove panels, open the engines, do borescope inspections,” (a specialised optical device can visually inspect inaccessible areas – such as the interior of engines – and examine components for damage or deterioration without disassembling the entire system).
Tom explains: “Our expertise as completion managers gives us a unique perspective. We understand how all the systems interact, from the engines to the cabin management systems. We know the right questions to ask and where to look for potential issues that others might miss.”
Stephan adds: “we then correlate the physical findings with maintenance logs, flight patterns, and even industry-wide issues for that particular model.”
The Paper Chase:
In the world of private aviation, an aircraft’s “pedigree” isn’t about bloodlines – it’s about paperwork and establishing how the aircraft was cared for. Tom emphasises the importance of these records, “Every component, every inspection, every engine oil change – and it all needs to be documented,” he says.
As completion managers, Tom and his team are trained to spot inconsistencies or gaps in these records that might indicate underlying issues. “A missing or improperly documented part replacement can ground an aircraft or, worse, compromise safety,” he warns.
The importance of documentation extends to every aspect of the aircraft. Stephan expands on this, saying: “We track life-limited parts meticulously. These are components that must be replaced after a certain number of flight hours or cycles, and missing even one of these replacements can have serious (and costly) consequences.”
Tom adds: “We’re not just looking at maintenance logs. We’re considering how the aircraft’s history aligns with the client’s needs and future plans. Does it have the performance that the client needs for their unique requirements? Can the cabin be easily modified for their preferences? Can the aircraft comply with future regulatory requirements, or will those modifications be prohibitively expensive” Tom adds. “These are questions a regular inspection might not consider.”
The Importance of Being Independent:
One of the most crucial aspects of a PPI is the neutrality of the inspector as this can expose yet more potential issues.
Stephan recalls an example: “We had a client interested in a beautiful aircraft. The seller had already done a pre-purchase inspection at their preferred maintenance facility. On paper, it looked great.”
However, the Camber team insisted on a second opinion. ” The difference was night and day,” Stephan says. “Our inspection uncovered issues the first one had missed. Significant corrosion, systems that needed upgrading, the works.”
The implications were significant. “We estimated about three million dollars worth of work needed. Can you imagine if our client had relied on just that first inspection?”
Tom expands on why being independent is so important when carrying out a PPI: “We’re not tied to any particular manufacturer, broker or service center. Our loyalty is solely to the client, and we can recommend the best facilities for the inspection and interpret the results without bias. This independence is crucial in an industry where relationships between interested parties are not always immediately obvious.”
The Devil in the Details:
How can seemingly insignificant details tip off a completion manager and push them to dig further? The complexity of an aircraft means that even the smallest details can reveal big truths. “A dirty or poorly maintained fridge often indicates a lack of attention to detail,” Stephan explains. “If they can’t keep the fridge clean, what else is being neglected?”
It turns out that this level of attention to detail is critical. “We’re looking at everything,” Tom says. “The condition of the carpet, the wear on the seats, even the smell of the cabin. In isolation, one small detail might not mean anything but cumulatively, they can paint a picture of how the aircraft has been cared for and tell us where we need to investigate further.”
Stephan expands: “We check the quality of previous repairs and modifications. Are they up to standard? Do they comply with regulations? Do these repairs need re-inspection? We’ve seen cases where improper repairs have led to bigger issues down the line.”
Tom adds: “We also consider the aircraft’s future. Is it compliant with upcoming regulations? Will it need significant upgrades soon? These factors can greatly affect the true cost of ownership.”
Navigating Complex Transactions:
A completion manager’s role extends beyond the inspection. Tom explains, “We guide clients through the entire acquisition process. This includes contract negotiations, where our technical knowledge can be crucial in defining the scope of work and potential cost implications.”
Stephan adds, “We’ve seen cases where our involvement has saved clients literally millions of dollars. In one instance, we identified non-compliance issues that the seller agreed to rectify before the sale, saving our client a significant amount.”
The team also emphasises the importance of post-purchase support. “Our job doesn’t end with the sale,” Tom says. “Most of our clients retain us to manage the subsequent cabin refurbishment or upgrade project, ensuring their new aircraft meets their specific needs and preferences.”
It’s these anecdotes and stories that demonstrate a critical point: when it comes to purchasing a private aircraft, engaging a completion manager isn’t just helpful – it’s essential. They possess a unique blend of technical expertise, industry knowledge and neutrality that can make the difference between a dream purchase and a nightmare investment.
As Tom puts it, “We’re not just inspectors; we’re advocates for our clients. We ensure they have all the information they need to make an informed decision, whether that means proceeding with confidence or walking away from a bad deal.” In the high-stakes world of private aviation, what you don’t know can cost you dearly. But with the right experts on your side, you can navigate a purchase with confidence while ensuring your investment takes flight without any hidden surprises.
And always check the fridge – you never know what stories it might tell.