Does Aircraft Financing Cover the Pre-Buy Inspection?

It's one of the most common questions we hear from first-time aircraft buyers: "Can I roll the cost of the pre-buy inspection into my loan?" The short and direct answer is no, aircraft financing does not cover the pre-buy inspection. This is a critical out-of-pocket expense that the buyer must be prepared to cover.

Why the Pre-Buy is a Buyer's Expense

The pre-buy inspection is performed for the buyer's benefit *before* the purchase is finalized and before the lender's funds are at risk. Think of it like a home inspection. You pay an inspector to ensure the house is sound before you sign the mortgage papers. The pre-buy serves the exact same purpose.

You are paying a qualified A&P mechanic to be your expert, to find any issues that might make you reconsider the purchase or negotiate the price. Since the inspection might cause the deal to fall through, the cost cannot be attached to a loan that may never exist.

The Pre-Buy Protects You *and* the Lender

While you pay for the inspection, the lender relies on it heavily. A clean pre-buy report gives the lender confidence that their collateral—the aircraft—is in good condition and represents a sound investment. A bad report protects the lender from financing a problematic asset. Because the lender benefits from the information but the inspection is conducted at the buyer's discretion, the cost remains the buyer's responsibility.

Budgeting for the Pre-Buy

The cost of a pre-buy inspection can range from a few thousand dollars for a simple piston aircraft to tens of thousands for a complex turbine or jet. It's a mandatory expense in the acquisition process, so it's crucial to budget for it alongside your down payment and other closing costs.