shajen Posted November 12, 2020 Share Posted November 12, 2020 Hi , I’m about to buy a secondhand aircraft and want to see what others do about paying for it. Im in Vic and aircraft is in QLD. I’ve paid a non refundable deposit for an aircraft I’ve not seen yet. Owner and seller seem genuine and had chats with both. Checked Facebook etc, seems legit. But he wants to be paid in full prior to delivering plane. I’ve never done that with anything I’ve bought, if you buy a car you don’t hand over balance of money until you’ve checked what you are getting. He’s also worried about how I’ll pay for it, as a transfer still might not show till next day. Bank cheques would still need to be deposited, and in theory I may cancel it on him. He doesn’t want cash either. So what do others do? Should I pay now or at least look at the plane first? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skippydiesel Posted November 12, 2020 Share Posted November 12, 2020 Wow! you are a trusting sole. The sale having progressed so far I would recommend traveling to Qld (with a knowlegiable advisor if you doubt your technical expertise). If all okay hand over the remaining $$$ by way of bank check, good as cash (if he will accept that) and fly the aircraft home. Alternative is the aircraft is delivered to your location (not possession) by owner/seller/trusted pilot for your pre purchase inspection - if you dont buy the non refundable deposit will compensate seller for any expenses. If seller refuses either of these suggestions I think you should get your dough back. Short answear - do not purchase without thorough pre purchase inspection, preferably by trusted expert, if you do not have the required knowledge. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SSCBD Posted November 12, 2020 Share Posted November 12, 2020 (edited) Hi Shajen - where is it in QLD? AND what type is it, if i may ask? Could have an independent look at it if not to far. Edited November 12, 2020 by SSCBD Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shajen Posted November 12, 2020 Author Share Posted November 12, 2020 Thanks Skippy, that’s pretty much how I feel. Unfortunately I can’t get to Qld yet, but I have no technical knowledge anyway😀 I do feel I’m being a bit pressured. Husband definitely thinks I’m too trusting! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shajen Posted November 12, 2020 Author Share Posted November 12, 2020 Hi SSCBD, thanks. it’s a Jab SP 500, based at Heckfield, with a 6cyl 3300 engine. I’d be willing to pay you if this was within you scope. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SSCBD Posted November 12, 2020 Share Posted November 12, 2020 Sure Just 20 mins up the road. Give me a PM and i will call you if you like and can go over what you want. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
408059 Posted November 12, 2020 Share Posted November 12, 2020 Shajen If he is prepared to fly it down to Victoria, and makes it, at least it is airworthy. If you do pay out the full amount, then make sure you have insurance in place. It is your aircraft. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Downunder Posted November 12, 2020 Share Posted November 12, 2020 DO NOT BUY UNCHECKED AND SIGHT UNSEEN. If the owner wanted that, I would see big red flags! Treat it as a business transaction and remove emotion..... Fair enough he wants the money before you take it, but NOT before checked and flown. Don't get sucked in.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shajen Posted November 12, 2020 Author Share Posted November 12, 2020 THIS SITE IS AMAZING!!!! what an incredible group you all are. Ive had the offer of someone to independently check out if all legit, you know, if aircraft has wings and engine. And the advice here is spot on! Just what I really needed. Dare I say I’m getting emotional about it all! ( I am a female, it’s allowed). so thank you all😘 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roscoe Posted November 12, 2020 Share Posted November 12, 2020 Shajen you MUST get a pre purchase inspection done by an independant person not associated with the Aircraft, and a thorough examination of the logbooks. Sounds like you are organising this now. As regards payment, a Bank transfer if done early in the day, will often hit the payees account same day, so thats how I would do it. When i first read your Post, I became uncomfortable about the perceived pressure you were being put under, and my advice would be to take it slow, listen to what SSCBD says, and get it test flown before paying. Let us know how you go Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
APenNameAndThatA Posted November 12, 2020 Share Posted November 12, 2020 1 hour ago, 408059 said: If he is prepared to fly it down to Victoria, and makes it, at least it is airworthy. That is completely incorrect. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shajen Posted November 12, 2020 Author Share Posted November 12, 2020 Roscoe, yes, thanks to this site, I am getting someone to check and go for a fly. He’ll check temps, and generally make sure it matches what is being advertised. The owner is organising the condition report. I feel much happier now. It’s also been suggested, if the owner insists on being paid prior to delivery, that I use a solicitor and put money in eschrow, to be released when all ok. Sounds like a plan is happening 👍 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
APenNameAndThatA Posted November 12, 2020 Share Posted November 12, 2020 No point getting the owner to get the condition report. Don't bother. You need to get someone to get and airplane mechanic to spend a few hours going over it. Otherwise, don't bother. And, they need to know Jabarus. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shajen Posted November 12, 2020 Author Share Posted November 12, 2020 Ok ... more to organise. I can do that! Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thruster88 Posted November 12, 2020 Share Posted November 12, 2020 You need to get a differential compression test and oil filter examination for metal done by an independent person. We have one in the shop with low 30/80 compression on one cylinder that had been running just fine. I paid for my RV6a and the owner delivered it however I would not do that with a Jabiru. There are plenty of jabs for sale so why buy two states away. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
facthunter Posted November 12, 2020 Share Posted November 12, 2020 You are a bit lucky getting the advice you have. I can see the other persons situation also. If the planes been in regular use that is better. Sitting the engine need s inspection Borescope etc. Nev Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skippydiesel Posted November 12, 2020 Share Posted November 12, 2020 5 minutes ago, facthunter said: You are a bit lucky getting the advice you have. I can see the other persons situation also. If the planes been in regular use that is better. Sitting the engine need s inspection Borescope etc. Nev A agree to a point - depends on how much the so called non refundable down payment is. If its a significant portion of the whole aircraft value, I would strongly suggest that the vendor is morally (unfortunately probably not legally) bound to facilitate the remainder of the purchase process. A nice little flight Qld-Vic (assuming no boarder restrictions) would go a long way to assure the purchaser of the aircrafts reliability and the vendors confidence in his aircraft. Unfortunately there are some unscrupulous characters within out community (as in any). This whole transaction has a bit of a pong about it - hope it works out in the end. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roscoe Posted November 12, 2020 Share Posted November 12, 2020 1 hour ago, shajen said: Roscoe, yes, thanks to this site, I am getting someone to check and go for a fly. He’ll check temps, and generally make sure it matches what is being advertised. The owner is organising the condition report. I feel much happier now. It’s also been suggested, if the owner insists on being paid prior to delivery, that I use a solicitor and put money in eschrow, to be released when all ok. Sounds like a plan is happening 👍 Shajen, you need to get someone totally unfamiliar with the aircraft like i said before, to do the condition report, otherwise its not at arms length! Ring around, google Engineers at local Airports and get quotes. Be prepared to pay for this service, the logbooks will take some time to scrutinise. Get a PPSR Report to check for encumbrances like buying a car. I dont see the need for Solicitor involvement here. When you are happy, just transfer into sellers account. Dont rush. A reasonable seller should fully appreciate you researching the transaction. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roscoe Posted November 12, 2020 Share Posted November 12, 2020 1 minute ago, Roscoe said: Shajen, you need to get someone totally unfamiliar with the aircraft like i said before, to do the condition report, otherwise its not at arms length! Ring around, google Engineers at local Airports and get quotes. Be prepared to pay for this service, the logbooks will take some time to scrutinise. Get a PPSR Report to check for encumbrances like buying a car. I dont see the need for Solicitor involvement here. When you are happy, just transfer into sellers account. Dont rush. A reasonable seller should fully appreciate you researching the transaction. Forgot to ask, is this your first Aircraft purchase? Do you have any Engineer/Maint people that can help and advise? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blueadventures Posted November 12, 2020 Share Posted November 12, 2020 (edited) Hi Shajen Good to see he is prepared to deliver. Therefore sounds promising. If deposit covers reasonable cost to delivery fuel accommodation on route and return plus a little. He should be expected to fly down. (meaning if that is in the settled purchase amount and includes delivery) When I sold my Skyfox I delivered 3/5ths of distance, therefore proved airworthiness to some degree. He then took a fly and exchanged money. Trust both ways. Worked good. I had an instructor with me so he could do the evaluation flight just a wide circuit and I had a guarantee of his ability plus the buyer had 1600 hours on his current skyfox. Also I always recommend an experienced persons inspection is well worth the money even if their travel expense adds to the cost; as you don't want any unexpected surprises after purchase. You need the condition report for the transfer anyway. Edited November 12, 2020 by Blueadventures Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shajen Posted November 12, 2020 Author Share Posted November 12, 2020 Here’s where I’m up to ... tomorrow I intend ringing around for someone to do condition report. I will also be having someone else go for a fly with the owner. It’s not an expensive aircraft, and I’ll be happy to go thru solicitors account for the transfer. I do feel it’s all above board, but am really happy to have received all the advice here. Never having done this before I was at bit of a loss as to what to do. love that I can get independent advice here. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kiwiaviator Posted November 12, 2020 Share Posted November 12, 2020 Hi Shajen. I have recently been through the same process with a Jab 230 in QLD. I can send you a template sales agreement (that I have used for two purchases in Australia). I'm sure you have done a fair bit of due diligence however have you checked the owners details against the RAAus or CASA databases? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shajen Posted November 12, 2020 Author Share Posted November 12, 2020 Roscoe, yes, first purchase. My current Jabiru was given to me locally. I know I’m lucky!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shajen Posted November 12, 2020 Author Share Posted November 12, 2020 Kiwi aviator, no, that’s something else I never thought of. thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
old man emu Posted November 13, 2020 Share Posted November 13, 2020 Oh dear! I have a feeling that this is not going to end well. I see someone who has a pair of rose-coloured glasses. 15 hours ago, shajen said: that’s something else I never thought of. I really think that we ought to create a document to be posted here dealing with the the things one should do when purchasing an aircraft and the pitfalls to avoid. It strikes me as crazy that someone would by a piece of machinery, sight unseen and take the word of the vendor that it is 100% (not implying malfeasance by this seller) AND fork out a non-refundable deposit. If a person agrees to pay a non-refundable deposit, that's the contract they entered and there's no way a Court would order the return of the deposit if the subject of the purchase turned out not to be as described, or suitable for purpose. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now