What Are the Things to Keep in Mind While Looking for Aircraft Parts for Sale?

 Aircraft production and maintenance is a highly regulated industry – not just anybody can buy and sell aircraft parts. Any negligence in buying quality aircraft parts for sale can lead to liability issues and potentially catastrophic failure, so it’s critical to perform due diligence and research before purchasing. 

Ensuring aircraft parts inventory quality goes beyond just listing and promoting aircraft parts correctly. It also involves handling inventory verification, customer support, fostering the community, and ensuring your aviation parts suppliers do their part. But why does this matter now more than ever? 

The Type of Aircraft & Parts You Need:

The kind of part or aircraft you’re looking for will help determine where to look and what you plan to use it for. For example, finding old airline seats for office furniture will likely be easier than trying to source an engine for an older model Cessna. 

Depending on the age of the aircraft or the type of replacement part you need, you may have fewer options for purchase. Don’t worry if you can only find a PMA part; as stated previously, those parts are held to FAA standards as much as OEM parts are, so you’re not losing on safety or usefulness by sourcing a PMA replacement part. 

Check for the serial number on the part itself, the aircraft, or your owner or service manual. With that information, you can check a paper catalog, call local sources, or leverage an online aircraft parts search engine like ours, to instantly search billions of inventory lines to find the part you need. 

Selecting Trusted Vendors:  

Before purchasing a part, you should ensure that you can trust the source of that part. You’ll want to verify that the sellers are reliable, the product information listed is legitimate, and all the necessary paperwork is in order. 

What to Look for: 

• 1. Check the vendor’s inventory to see if they deal with spare parts designed for your aircraft. 

• 2. Look to see if the supplier makes a detailed description of the products they list. 

• 3. Check that the supplier provides the engine maintenance history for the part. 

• 4. Look for the airworthiness certification of either the aircraft or the part. 

• 5. Check if the seller provides warranties, delivery, and after-sale services for those aircraft parts. 

• 6. If you’re using a certified repair station or MRO for testing, repair, or overhaul, double-check that they have current certification. 

All of these details indicate whether the source of the part is reliable and, therefore, if the part itself is also reliable. 

Aircraft Condition:

• Interior and exterior appearance: 

The overall appearance of an aircraft, both inside and outside, significantly influences its resale value. A well-maintained interior can make a substantial positive impression on potential buyers. Similarly, a clean, well-painted exterior enhances the aircraft’s curb appeal.   First impressions matter; a meticulously kept aircraft will likely command a higher resale price.   

• Wear and tear considerations:

Be honest about any wear and tear when selling an aircraft. Buyers will perform thorough inspections, and undisclosed issues can break negotiations down. Addressing any maintenance or cosmetic concerns before listing the aircraft for sale can help you present it in the best possible condition and justify a higher asking price.