The Complete Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist for Aircraft Acquisition in Nigeria

A pre-purchase inspection protects you from hidden maintenance issues, compliance gaps, and expensive surprises after delivery.

A pre-purchase inspection (PPI) is your last line of defence before you pay for a pre-owned aircraft. In Nigeria and globally, skipping or weakening the PPI invites expensive post-closing discoveries. Use this checklist with a qualified inspection team.

Documentation and pedigree

Verify serial numbers, title chain, liens, and export eligibility. Review logbooks, status of airworthiness, and major repairs or alterations for proper documentation.

Airframe

Structural survey for corrosion, repairs, and damage history. Review life-limited parts and upcoming heavy checks.

Engines and APU

Engine runs, borescope as appropriate, trending data, remaining cycles, and shop visit history. Same for the auxiliary power unit.

Avionics and connectivity

Confirm installed equipment matches specifications, mandate compliance for your intended operations, and that software levels are supportable.

Interior and cosmetics

Cabin condition affects value and downtime. Note refurbishment needs explicitly.

Flight test

A supervised flight validates systems under load and reveals intermittent faults not visible on the ground.

Findings and price

Translate inspection findings into credits, repairs before closing, or walk-away triggers. Your acquisition advisor should negotiate from factual defects, not impressions.