General information
A pre-purchase inspection (PPI) for an aircraft is a critical step to ensure that the aircraft you're considering purchasing is in the condition that is being represented. Although the specifics can vary depending on various factors, like the age of the aircraft, its size, type, and usage history, we can generally classify aircraft pre-purchase inspections into the following levels:
Basic Inspection: This is the most basic level of a pre-purchase inspection, often involving a visual inspection of the aircraft and a review of the available logs and records. The primary goal is to identify any glaring or obvious issues with the aircraft that could affect its safety or value.
Detailed Inspection: A step up from the basic inspection, a detailed inspection includes more comprehensive checks of the aircraft. This could include checks of the airframe, the engine and systems, avionics, and interior, as well as a more in-depth review of the maintenance and operation records.
In-Depth Inspection or Technical Audit: This is the most comprehensive level of a pre-purchase inspection. It often involves a full or near-full disassembly of the aircraft to check every system and component for wear, damage, or other issues. It also includes an extremely thorough review of the maintenance and operation history of the aircraft, often conducted with the help of aviation consultants or experts.
In addition to these levels, a pre-purchase inspection may also include specific checks or tests, such as:
Boroscope Inspections: A boroscope or videoscope is used to inspect internal parts of the engine, such as cylinders and pistons, without having to disassemble it.
Compression Testing: This test is typically conducted on piston engines to detect any leakage from the cylinders.
Non-Destructive Testing (NDT): This includes techniques like ultrasound or eddy-current testing to detect structural problems or flaws that aren't visible to the naked eye.
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