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PrivateJetBS | Edition 15

Initial Visual vs. Pre-Purchase Inspection: The First Look vs. the Full Dive

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In every aircraft transaction, there’s a pivotal window between intent and commitment. That short but essential time between signing a Letter of Intent (LOI) and executing the Aircraft Purchase Agreement (APA).

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​This is where the Initial Visual Inspection lives.​
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It’s the buyer’s first real opportunity, guided by their broker, to confirm that what’s been represented in glossy specs and polished photos is, in fact, the aircraft sitting in the hangar or on a tarmac.

And while the Pre-Purchase Inspection (PPI) often gets all the attention (and the heavier invoices), the truth is that the Initial Visual is the first line of defense in protecting a buyer from surprises later.

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The Purpose of the Initial Visual

The Initial Visual Inspection is NOT a technical teardown.

It’s a structured, surface-level evaluation meant to identify potential, and more obvious, red flags before anyone commits to non-refundable funds.

Think of it as the equivalent of walking through a house with a flashlight before you call in the home inspector, except the house costs $27 million and can fly at 47,000 feet.

It typically falls after the LOI (a non-binding document) but before the APA (a binding contract). This window gives a broker and their client a critical opportunity to confirm that:

• The aircraft exists and matches the represented specifications.
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• The logbooks appear complete and orderly.
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• The cosmetic condition aligns with expectations.
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• There are no obvious misrepresentations or “deal-killers” waiting just beneath the surface.
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What We Actually Look At

During an Initial Visual, a trained broker (and sometimes the principal in toe too) will literally go nose to tail:

• Cabin: open every cabinet, door, and shade; test every seat(comfort and mechanics); check runners and sidewalls for wear or delamination, etc.
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• Systems: power up the cabin management system (CMS), audio, lighting, and intercom — ensuring cockpit-to-cabin communication works as advertised.

• Exterior: inspect for mismatched paint panels, broken/lifted clearcoat, bubbling that hints at corrosion, and any signs of repairs or repainting not disclosed in logs.
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• Placards & Documentation: verify that placards match the aircraft serial number and that documentation corresponds to the correct airframe.

• Landing Gear & Wheel Wells: look for fluid leaks, uneven tire wear, placards in place, and corrosion in hard-to-reach areas.
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• Fit & Feel: ensure that the interior condition aligns with the buyer’s expectations, because comfort and presentation are part of the purchase decision — even when the buyer already plans to go in for a full refurbishment post closing.
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Every detail gets documented with photos and video, not just for the record, but to compare against what’s represented in marketing materials and log entries.

Story Time: ​ During an initial visual inspection where it was I, the Broker, and the client's Director of Maintenance on site... the client asked for a photo to show them how wide the cabin of the Dassault Falcon 2000 was. Some folks prefer a visual aid over a hard number (7 feet 7 inches). So, i showed them that it was "This Big", just like telling the story of the fish you caught on the lake last weekend. ​ For reference: I have a 6'1" wingspan.

Myth vs. Reality — Fit and Feel Don’t Matter

Myth:

As long as the aircraft is mechanically sound, who cares how it looks or feels inside?

Reality:

Every aircraft has two missions: One in the logbooks and one in the cabin. If the seats don’t recline, the shades don’t work, and the CMS can’t sync, the owner won’t be happy no matter how healthy the engines are.

A great broker makes sure fit and feel match the client’s expectations before any contract ink dries.

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The Broker’s Role

A qualified broker approaches the Initial Visual with the mindset of a trusted fiduciary: a representative whose job is to protect the client’s best interests.

We’re not there to pick apart every screw; we’re there to see the deal for what it is, not what it’s sold as.

When done correctly, this process can:

• Prevent a client from entering a binding agreement on an aircraft with hidden issues.
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• Provide leverage for price negotiation or purchase-agreement terms.
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• Build transparency between the broker, buyer, and seller before lawyers and deposits get involved.

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Moving Into the Pre-Purchase Inspection

Once the APA is signed, the tone shifts.

The Pre-Purchase Inspection (often called “PPI,” “pre-buy,” or defined by the detail in a “Level 1/2/3 inspection”) takes place at an independent, third-party maintenance facility agreed upon by both buyer and seller.

Unlike the Initial Visual, this inspection is:

• Formal, governed by contract language and payment milestones.
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• Comprehensive, covering airframe, engines, avionics, systems, and logbook reviews.
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• Determinative, meaning discrepancies discovered here can affect closing, pricing, acceptance, or airworthiness.
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At this stage, the buyer’s deposit is typically non-refundable, unless the seller fails to deliver the aircraft in the agreed-upon condition.

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That’s why the Initial Visual matters so much: it’s the last checkpoint before real money is on the line.

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What’s Considered a Deal-Breaker?

Here’s where expectations must be aligned.

During a Pre-Purchase Inspection:

• Airworthiness items (service bulletins, overdue inspections, structural issues, etc.) must be resolved before closing.
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• Cosmetic or convenience issues like broken cabinet latches, scuffed leather, or stained carpet do not typically give a buyer the right to walk away from a hard deal, unless specifically negotiated in.
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The broker’s responsibility is to ensure that buyers understand this distinction BEFORE signing the APA, not after.

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Why the Distinction Matters

Too many buyers confuse the Initial Visual with the Pre-Buy, assuming they’re interchangeable. They’re not.
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The Initial Visual is the early filter that saves time, money, and unnecessary drama later. It’s the moment where a good broker earns their keep, spotting the small things that could become big things if ignored.

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The Bottom Line

When I launched PrivateJetBS at the start of 2025, my goal was simple: to share real-world experiences & raise the bar on end-user education through exemplifying the standards of how reputable brokers in the industry operate.

It’s not just about how we transact, it’s about how we educate.

I want buyers & sellers alike to understand the brokerage processes, avoid being taken advantage of, and recognize the level of professionalism found in retaining a Certified Broker from within the International Aircraft Dealers Association.

When you hear a broker say, “We’ll conduct an Initial Visual before we go to contract,” you should already know what that means, why it matters, and what to expect.

Because when it comes to aircraft acquisitions, trusting the process starts with knowing what process you’re actually in.

Trust the Process, Not the Promises.
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Michael Barber PrivateJetBS Newsletter Managing Director & VP, Sales Operations at jetAVIVA​ Mobile, WhatsApp, & Signal: +1.919.475.8506 ​​​​

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