Pre-Buy Inspections in Southwest Michigan
Know what you’re buying before you sign. You get an independent, thorough inspection and a plain-English rundown of what we found, from an A&P/IA who works on these airplanes regularly.
Why owners trust Munson Aviation
A&P with Inspection Authorization (IA).
Savvy certified shop.
Director of Maintenance for Foxtrot Flight Training.
Cessna, Piper, classics, and experimentals. Cessnas, Pipers, our own Luscombe, and Van’s RVs all get the same careful inspection.
We come to the airplane. Most work happens in our C91 hangar, but we can travel to the seller’s airport, or ferry the airplane in, for a fee.
Independent. We work for you, the buyer, not the seller.
What’s included
Logbook and records review: airframe, engine, and prop logs, plus continuity of annuals
Airworthiness Directive (AD) compliance research
Review of the aircraft’s required documents, data plate, and weight & balance
Visual inspection of the airframe, flight controls, landing gear, and brakes
Corrosion and prior-damage check
Engine inspection, including cylinder compression check and borescope
Propeller inspection
Operational check of avionics and electrical systems
Written summary of findings, sorted into airworthiness items vs. things to know
A call to walk you through the results and answer questions
A pre-buy shows the airplane’s condition on the day of the inspection. It is not a warranty.
How it works
Request a quote. Tell us the aircraft, N-number, and where it’s located.
We schedule it. We set a date with you and the seller, here at C91 or at the airplane’s home airport.
You get the results. We send you a written summary and talk it through, so you can buy, negotiate, or walk away with confidence.
FAQ
Do I need a pre-buy if the airplane has a fresh annual?
A fresh annual means the airplane met airworthiness standards on the day it was signed off. A pre-buy is done for you, the buyer, and looks closely at records history and condition so you know what you’re taking on.
Can you inspect an airplane that isn’t at C91?
Yes. We can travel to the airplane’s airport for a fee, or the airplane can be flown or ferried to our hangar at C91.
Who should be there?
That’s up to you. Buyers are welcome to attend, and we’ll coordinate access and any panels-off work with the seller.
Can you do my first annual after I buy it?
Yes. Many buyers have us do the first annual so the airplane starts with a known baseline. Returning customers get 15% off their next annual.
How much does it cost?
It depends on the aircraft type and location. Send us the details and we’ll give you a quote.
Buying an airplane? Get a second set of eyes on it first.
Send us the details and we’ll get back to you with a quote and available dates.