Customer Reviews

Purchasing & Evaluating Airplanes

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Mr. Jacobson is probably the top-rated aircraft appraiser in the USA: He's the guy who teaches the appraiser certification courses at the National Aircraft Appraisers Association. So he definitely knows his stuff.

In many ways, buying a used airplane is actually MORE complicated, and financially risky, than buying a house. Yet buyers will launch into their first airplane purchase, often spending MORE than a house costs, based on half-truths gleaned from friends at the airport or a few magazine articles. Newbie buyers don't know the right questions to ask the seller or are too quick to trust brokers and dealers. They get so worried about money that they skip $350 for an independent review of the airplane by a professional appraiser. (Do you know of anyone who buys a house without an appraisal in this day and age? Then why would you buy an airplane that costs $50,000+ without one?!!!) Or they don't know exactly what to have the mechanic search for during the pre-purchase inspection, or accept a "rubber stamp" inspection given by a friend of the broker, so they later learn that the airplane has more serious problems than they expected. BUT NOT IF THEY HAD READ THIS BOOK.

As a fellow NAAA-certified appraiser and an aircraft broker, I have read all the books out there on buying used aircraft. This book is probably the best in the category of "general" information about buying airplanes...he doesn't get into specific models of airplane. It's designed for beginners: those who have never purchased a plane before. He tells you how to find the right plane and covers every step of the pre-sale and sales process. The reference material at the back of the book, "Brian's Guide to Purchasing A Used Airplane" and "Walkaround Inspection Checklist," is alone worth the price. And his various tips and tricks could really keep you from getting stung at various steps of the process.

But even though it's best for beginners, there is plenty of information for everyone: Even with my experience, I found several little tidbits I didn't know. Overall, I'd recommend this book to anyone who hasn't purchased at least two or three airplanes in his or her time, or hasn't purchased one recently. It is best read before you begin the used aircaft search process, and then referred to again at various times during the process. I would have given it 5 stars if it had more information for advanced readers. When coupled with specific reviews from Aviation Consumer, information from the "type club" for that airplane, an independent appraisal, and the right pre-purchase inspection, this book will keep you from spending thousands on a pig-in-a-poke.

By the way: I disagree with the previous reviewer about appraisals. One does not need to be buying a Bonanza or light twin to justify an appraisal. Did you know that buyers who get an appraisal done before purchase back out of about 50% of aircraft purchase deals after they see the appraisal? It turns out that, when viewed by a professional, the airplanes simply aren't worth what the seller says they are, but it takes an appraiser to find that out. That is PROOF that they work. (And the fact that over 5,000 banks require appraisals of aircraft they finance is further proof.)

An appraiser is your "eyes and ears" about an airplane. He cuts through all the fluff being put forth by the seller or his agent. If you live a considerable distance from the airplane, an appraiser can help you verify that the plane is what the seller says it is (never believe the pictures!) before you spend the time and money traveling to the bird. He'll review the logbooks for damage history and missing pages or books (which can affect the value of the plane by 10% or more), take pictures, inspect every visible inch of the airframe, enter it all into his special valuation software (which is updated monthly with data provided by banks), and generate a 6-page report on the airplane, including its REALISTIC value. It could be the best $350 you ever spent! (In many cases, the appraiser is also an A&P mechanic and can do a full pre-purchase inspection as well.) Spend a nickle to save a dollar...you'll be glad you did.

Marc C.,
Aircraft Appraiser/Broker
Portland, OR

This guide carefully outlines the steps necessary in evaluating and purchasing a general aviation aircraft. Jacobson's down-to-earth writing style on a subject that can be quite complex is refreshing and appreciated. He tells you what to look for and what to look out for when searching for the right plane.

I researched the purchasing of an airplane quite extensively before I purchased this book and still found many more valuable details which helped me secure my first bird.

What is most appreciated in this book are the many 'horror' stories Jacobson has collected through his years of experience. He illustrates these scenarios carefully so that the reader is aware of the many pitfalls when purchasing an aircraft. One almost gets the feeling that one has an 'inside track' on the ins and outs of the dos and don'ts of the purchase process.

The only stumbling block on this book's journey to aircraft reference stardom is Jacobson's nagging reference to chapter 11 (and no, not bankruptcy). In chapter 11 of the book, Jacobson practically demands the use of a professional aircraft appraiser. Don't get me wrong, the idea of an appraiser is an excellent one, especially when purchasing what are considered 'top end' GA aircraft such as Bonanzas and big twins, but the continued 'plug' for an appraiser's services (like himself) is a bit hokey. It's no doubt that the raving review on the back cover of the book was written by the executive director of the NAAA! I hope that Jacobson relizes that his book is a hit-the-nail-on-the-head guide even without the numerous plugs.

I may also have 'gotten lucky' like he did with his first aircraft purchase whe I became the proud owner of a handsome '57 Pacer. I made use of his book, outside research, and (if not mostly) the invaluable assistance of one of the best pilot/A&P I have come across. My trust in his wealth of experience and opinion of my future purchase were truly invaluable.

My suggestions are: research the subject (this includes getting hold of a copy of this book), read the book and pay attention to the details (its chock full of them), and find yourself a few trusted, experienced individuals who want you to fully enjoy the experience of aircraft ownership. It's amazing what you can absorb in a few rainy days of hangar flying.

Good luck!

Mr. Jacobson has good advise and presents it in a logical manor. However, I felt it was overpriced for what was offered. I would recommend that anyone looking to purchase an airplane (or planning to do anything else in aviation for that matter) join the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association ...and take advantage of their extensive website. Along with a great monthly magazine, AOPA offers a multitude of resources for anything you can think of relating to general aviation including purchasing & evaluating airplanes. No I don't work for AOPA, I just kept thinking as I read "Purchasing & Evaluating Airplanes" that the price of the book would have paid my annual dues. And AOPA offers so much more.

While the book is interesting, ..... I have known many private pilots who have purchased small aircraft in much the same way they purchase used car, and never had any problems. Mr. Jacobson seems intent on creating a "buyer beware paranoia" for private plane purchasers by telling many "good deals gone bad" and "horror stories" about consumers buying their own planes without a professional appraisal and/or inspection. It almost seems this book is an advertisement for the airplane appraisers and inspectors more than anything. In summary, while this book has some interesting points, the author's perspective must not be forgotten, as he is in the business of making money off prospective buyers who have worries or concerns about their plane purchase.

I enjoyed the author's review of how to evaluate the pricing of buying and selling airplanes. It was well thought out and a good primer for anyone considering a purchase or sale.