On Tue, 06 Apr 2004 19:22:25 +0000, G.R. Patterson III wrote:



Greg Copeland wrote:

I recently read an article where the author recommended paying for an
annual versus a pre-buy inspection. That way, new parts and serviced
items are on the old seller and not the new owner. Which, as you found,
often seem to pop up when it's time for the annual on your new plane.

This certainly seemed like sound advice? Anyone care to make a counter
point?

You will find it very hard to get the old owner to agree to those terms. It is quite
possible to get an owner to agree to having the inspection be done by your mechanic
as an annual. The usual terms are that glitches found are discussed after the annual
and the existing owner is free to walk away if you try to leverage the price down too
much. In that case, your IA may not get to see the logs until after you purchase the
plane, and the new parts and serviced items are still probably on you.

As toecutter pointed out the last time this sort of thing was discussed, the IA will
have to make a written record of the glitches, but few owners would hand the actual
logs over under those terms. Another poster stated that his tactic is to allow the
mechanic to inspect the logs before inspecting the plane, while the owner keeps the
logs during the aircraft inspection. When I sold my Cessna, I held the logs and the
IA did not touch them until after the deal was done.

In my case, the owner wanted the inspection to be an annual just because he wanted a
full year before doing it again. It only cost him about $100 more than getting a
pre-purchase done.

George Patterson

Okay. Fair points. So, assuming that the seller will allow it, does it
appear to be the preferred route? Granted, while the seller could walk,
it seems like it still bought you protection. Especially so, if the
seller isn't willing to price accordingly. Even if the annual is put on
the logs until post-sale, sure seems like the preferred path?

Ya, I know I'm being pedantic here, but I'm am looking for any downside to
this strategy. Thus far, it all seems like nothing but goodness.

Greg Copeland