A few basic checks before you buy any aircraft, share, or hangarage through SkyMarket.uk:
- Never pay before viewing in person. Photos and video are a starting point, not a substitute for seeing the aircraft and its paperwork yourself.
- Use an independent inspector. A pre-purchase inspection by an engineer with no connection to the seller is the single best protection against costly surprises.
- Check the registration matches. Confirm the G-reg, serial number and documents in hand match what’s listed, and that the seller is the registered owner (or authorised to sell on the owner’s behalf).
- Review the logbooks and ARC. Total time, SMOH, and Airworthiness Review Certificate expiry should all line up with what’s stated in the listing.
- Meet at the aircraft’s home airfield where possible. It’s the easiest way to verify everything in one visit.
- Be cautious of pressure to move fast or pay by unusual methods. A genuine seller won’t object to reasonable checks.
If something about a listing doesn’t add up, use the Report link on the listing or contact us.