How to purchase a Private Jet, Business Jet or Corporate Helicopter
There have been many articles written on how to purchase an aircraft but this is not an article
that you read that claims to give you enough knowledge to buy your own aircraft. Quite
frankly you cannot acquire enough knowledge to go get your own aircraft by reading a
few of these articles. A lot of what is required comes from experience.
I am an aviation consultant with thirty years of experience in the industry and I can tell
you that it requires at least three consultants to do the job. I being the primary
consultant during this process I bring into the loop an aviation attorney and an aviation
accountant. I have experienced individuals that I match with the needs of my clients in
regard to the legal and accounting aspects of the transaction. I handle the negotiations
with the seller whether that is a manufacturer of a new aircraft or the owner of a pre-owned
aircraft. I also arrange and oversee the pre-purchase of pre-owned aircraft or the
acceptance process and completion oversight of a new aircraft. Like a conductor of an
orchestra I see to it that we are all reading the same sheet of music and playing our
parts at the right time.
I have had a recent experience speaking with a manufacturer’s representative indicating
that they preferred the client comes directly to them, I guess they want to be able to
slaughter the lamb. The fact is that all the aircraft manufacturers have negotiated the
terms of purchase of their aircraft, this is the “secret” they don’t want you to know. The
interior options a manufacture offers are very limited and in the interest of keeping their
productions number up they discourage many customizations that can be easily be
accomplished. An aircraft completion management firm can offer you almost anything
you desire even if it requires taking a “green” delivery and having a third party complete
the aircraft to your liking. Do I need an aircraft completion oversight firm even though
I’m buying new aircraft ? ABSOLUTELY POSITIVELY YES it is foolish not to have
representation prior to your aircraft being on the assembly line. During the
manufacturing and test flight process mistakes and accidents happen. If you don’t have
a representative on site you could be receiving one of these airframes. Granted this is
not an everyday occurrence however having a representative on site insures you will not
be the recipient of an aircraft that has gone thought a non routine manufacturing or test
flight process.
The Bottom line is that I don’t recommend that a layman try to purchase an
aircraft on their own. Don’t try to become an aviation professional overnight, hire a fee
for service consultant that has your best interest in mind. An aviation consultant will
make the whole acquisition process hassle free for you and give you the ”peace of
mind” knowing that you are getting an aircraft that is safe and will retain its value for
years to come.
source: Ivan Klugman IAS
For inquires contact: Privé International
