After the crisis of 2007-2009, although the prices of turboprops took a dive, the cost of most business jets remained high and the trend continues. An increasing number of buyers, therefore, are now turning to pre-owned charter planes for sale that are much affordable than new ones. Although buying a used private plane can be a cost-effective proposition if you are a frequent flyer who likes the luxury and convenience of flying private, you need to be aware of the terminology involved, to make an informed decision, and that is precisely the intent of this post. Read on.
1. Mid-Life Inspection
A Mid Life Inspection, also known as Hot Section Inspection (HSI) or Major Periodical Inspection (MPI), refers to the inspection of the parts of the gas turbine engine that operate at exceedingly high temperatures. The portion includes the combustion chamber, exhaust system and turbine section. Typically, the manufacturer determines the frequency of such inspections and is an important factor that determines the overall maintenance needs of the aircraft and therefore its total cost of ownership.
2. Time Between Overhauls (TBO)
Aircraft engine manufacturers recommend a time interval TBO (Time Between Overhauls) that specifies the maximum length of time for which an engine must be operated between two consecutive overhauls. It is important to be aware of the TBO when buying a used charter plane for sale. If the aircraft you are planning to purchase is near its maximum TBO, it would be just sensible to factor the cost of an engine overhaul.
3. Flight Hours and Cycle
Flight hours are simply the total number of flight hours completed by an aircraft. Flight cycle, on the other hand, is “one takeoff and one landing”, regardless of the distance covered. Both the metrics are equally important as flying hours give a fair idea about the wear and tear in the parts used during a flight, whereas flight cycle is a better indicator of the damage caused to the parts engaged during takeoffs and landings. Both the metrics help in determining the “newness” of an aircraft, and the timings of future maintenance checks.
4. Rotables
Rotables is a collective term for those parts of an aircraft that have a finite life and must be replaced after they complete the lifespan specified by the manufacturer. In some cases, however, these parts may need to be replaced based on the usage, and may not serve their optimum lifespan. As a jet owner, you must get the rotables checked regularly, as some of them may still need a replacement despite a recent overhaul. You can easily track different rotables by the specific serial numbers.
5. Engine Program
Aircraft engine manufacturers offer various engine coverage programs that protect aircraft owners from catastrophic engine failures. The owners need to pay a predetermined amount to the manufacturers for purchasing these programs, and in return, their aircraft’s engine is covered for every hour it is used. When buying a used charter plane for sale, you must check whether the aircraft is enrolled under any such program, and if it is, go through the terms and conditions to avoid any confusions in the future.
Last Few Words
Now that you have an idea of the terms that are important for you to know when considering a charter plane for sale, you must take into account the other factors that are equally important when buying a used aircraft. These include pre-purchase formalities, maintenance costs, airport fee, and paperwork. If you are interested in buying a private jet and unsure of which charter plane for sale is best for you, let us know your requirements and budget, and leave the rest to us. For more information on how we can help, you can reach us at (877) 720-2770, or fill out our contact form and we will get back to you, shortly.
