I’d put together a document pack covering the aircraft, its ownership and the terms of the transaction.
For the aircraft, request:
- Registration and the applicable airworthiness documents.
- Airframe, engine and propeller records, with explanations for any gaps.
- Current maintenance status, applicable AD compliance and upcoming work.
- Records of damage, repairs and modifications.
- The current weight-and-balance report, equipment list and relevant flight manual supplements.
For the transaction, establish the seller’s authority to sell and arrange the appropriate ownership and finance checks for the jurisdiction. If the aircraft will cross borders, clarify the registration, import and delivery arrangements before committing.
Read the auction terms carefully. Confirm when a bid becomes binding, the reserve arrangements, fees, payment deadlines and the conditions governing inspections and collection.
I’d agree the scope of an independent pre-purchase inspection before placing a binding bid. Ask the inspector to review the records as well as the aircraft and identify work likely to affect your budget.
For a CollectAirs lot, start with the documents available on its listing and ask for anything missing. Refer to the published terms and request clarification of any lot-specific conditions.
Useful reference: the UK CAA’s Airworthiness Code, particularly its section on purchasing a used aircraft.