Skipping Due Diligence – Always verify maintenance records and aircraft certifications.
Ignoring Resale Value – Consider how depreciation affects your long-term asset.
Overlooking Total Ownership Costs – Fuel, maintenance, hangar fees, and insurance add up.
Not Consulting Experts – Use a qualified aircraft broker like D&D Aviation.
Failing to Understand Regulations – Get the right advice on compliance and international flying.
Missing Pre-Purchase Inspections – Skipping this step can cost you millions.
Choosing the Wrong Jet – Match aircraft capabilities with your travel needs.
Avoid these pitfalls by trusting D&D Aviation for professional private jet sales and comprehensive aircraft ownership solutions.
Read More: Buying a private jet is a significant milestone, often signaling success, growth, and elevated personal or business travel. However, it’s also a complex and highly regulated transaction that requires due diligence, expertise, and strategic planning. Many first-time buyers (and even seasoned executives) make errors that can lead to unnecessary expenses, operational issues, or even safety risks. In this post, we highlight the top 7 mistakes when buying a private jet and how to avoid them.
One of the biggest mistakes is focusing solely on the acquisition price of the aircraft. While the sticker price is significant, it represents just a fraction of the overall cost of ownership. Ongoing expenses such as hangar fees, crew salaries, insurance, maintenance, fuel, training, and unexpected repairs can quickly accumulate.
Tip: Conduct a full cost-of-ownership analysis before making a decision. Factor in fixed and variable costs, depreciation, and the potential resale value.
Pre-purchase inspections are a critical part of any aircraft transaction. These inspections ensure that the jet meets airworthiness standards and verify the accuracy of its maintenance history. Ignoring or rushing through this step can result in hidden problems surfacing later, potentially grounding the aircraft or requiring costly repairs.
Tip: Hire a third-party aviation expert to conduct a thorough pre-buy inspection. This should include reviewing maintenance logs, airframe, engine, and avionics systems.
A private jet’s value and performance are tightly linked to its history. Has it been involved in any incidents? Were repairs documented correctly? Are there any gaps in maintenance logs? Overlooking these aspects can lead to buying a jet with liabilities.
Tip: Only consider jets with a complete, traceable, and transparent maintenance and operational history. Check for AD (Airworthiness Directive) compliance and STC (Supplemental Type Certificate) modifications.
Some buyers assume that aircraft transactions are as simple as buying a car. In reality, the process involves legal, technical, and regulatory complexities. Without expert representation, you risk overpaying or buying an aircraft that doesn’t meet your needs.
Tip: Engage with a professional aircraft acquisition specialist or broker who has both technical expertise and negotiation skills. Look for someone with experience in the specific category of aircraft you’re interested in.
Not all jets are created equal. Some are optimized for short regional hops, others for transcontinental or international travel. Choosing an aircraft without understanding your typical mission profile can result in underutilization, inefficiency, or excessive costs.
Tip: Define your travel needs first: how many passengers, typical flight distance, runway access, and amenities. Then match those needs to the right category of jet.
Every aircraft must comply with national and international aviation regulations. Buyers who overlook this are often surprised by limitations on where and how their jet can operate. Some regions require noise certification, emissions compliance, or specific documentation for flight approval.
Tip: Work with an aviation consultant or firm experienced in regulatory compliance. Ensure your chosen aircraft meets current FAA, EASA, and ICAO regulations.
A private jet purchase should never be rushed. From identifying the right aircraft to contract negotiation and closing, the process requires attention to detail and patience. Sellers may pressure buyers to act quickly, but haste can lead to overlooking red flags.
Tip: Create a realistic acquisition timeline. Include time for inspection, financing, legal review, and closing. Don’t be afraid to walk away from a deal that feels rushed or unclear.
