Resources — ESM & Associates LLC

Question 1

Do I need a buyer's representative when purchasing an aircraft?

Accepted Answer

You're not required to have one, but it's strongly advisable. The seller's broker represents the seller's interests — not yours. A buyer's representative like ESM & Associates LLC works exclusively for you, conducting independent due diligence, coordinating pre-purchase inspections, reviewing records, and negotiating on your behalf. The cost of representation is typically far less than the cost of a problem discovered after closing.

Question 2

What is a pre-purchase inspection and why does it matter?

Accepted Answer

A pre-purchase inspection (PPI) is a thorough technical evaluation of an aircraft conducted before the sale closes. It examines airframe, engines, avionics, logbooks, and compliance with airworthiness directives. ESM & Associates can perform the PPI for you at a location agreed upon by both buyer and seller — and if the inspection uncovers maintenance items, a qualified maintenance facility can address them before closing. A well-scoped PPI can uncover deferred maintenance, undisclosed damage history, or compliance gaps that significantly affect the aircraft's value and your future operating costs.

Question 3

How long does an aircraft acquisition typically take?

Accepted Answer

From initial search to closing, most transactions take 60 to 120 days depending on aircraft availability, inspection scheduling, and financing. International transactions or aircraft requiring import documentation typically take longer. Having an experienced consultant manage the process helps avoid delays caused by documentation gaps or inspection coordination issues.

Question 4

What should I look for in aircraft logbooks?

Accepted Answer

Logbooks should document a continuous, unbroken maintenance history including all inspections, repairs, modifications, and airworthiness directive compliance. Red flags include missing entries, inconsistent signatures, evidence of major repairs without proper documentation, or gaps in the maintenance record. An experienced consultant can identify discrepancies that may not be obvious to a first-time buyer.

Question 5

What are the ongoing costs of aircraft ownership I should plan for?

Accepted Answer

Beyond the purchase price, owners should budget for hangar or tie-down fees, insurance, annual inspections, engine reserves (set aside per flight hour toward eventual overhaul), avionics updates, interior maintenance, and crew costs if applicable. A realistic total cost of ownership analysis before purchase helps avoid surprises.

Question 6

What is required to import an aircraft into the United States?

Accepted Answer

Importing an aircraft into the US involves FAA registration, an airworthiness determination (typically via an Export Certificate of Airworthiness from the country of origin), customs clearance, and compliance verification for any foreign modifications or airworthiness directives. The process varies depending on the aircraft's country of origin and whether it was previously on the US registry.

Question 7

What is an Export Certificate of Airworthiness?

Accepted Answer

An Export Certificate of Airworthiness (ECA) is a document issued by a foreign civil aviation authority confirming that an aircraft meets the airworthiness standards of its country of manufacture and is in a condition for safe operation. The FAA typically requires an ECA as part of the import process for aircraft manufactured outside the United States.

Question 8

How does de-registration work when selling an aircraft internationally?

Accepted Answer

De-registration removes the aircraft from the FAA registry (or the registry of another country) so it can be registered in its new country of operation. The process requires settling any outstanding liens, submitting the appropriate paperwork to the relevant aviation authority, and coordinating timing carefully so the aircraft isn't in a registration gap during the transaction.

Question 9

What is a Part 135 certificate?

Accepted Answer

A 14 CFR Part 135 certificate authorizes an operator to conduct on-demand or commuter air carrier operations — essentially, commercial charter flights. Obtaining and maintaining a Part 135 certificate requires FAA-approved documentation including a General Operations Manual, Operations Specifications, training programs, and a Drug and Alcohol testing program, among other requirements.

Question 10

How long does it take to obtain a Part 135 certificate?

Accepted Answer

The FAA certification process typically takes 90 days at minimum, though 6 to 12 months is more common for new applicants. The timeline depends heavily on the completeness and quality of your documentation, your FSDO's workload, and how quickly you can respond to FAA comments. Well-prepared manuals and a thorough understanding of the requirements significantly reduce the timeline.

Question 11

What documents are required for Part 135 certification?

Accepted Answer

Core documentation includes a General Operations Manual (GOM), Operations Specifications (OpSpecs), a training program and syllabi, a Drug and Alcohol testing program, a Safety Management System (SMS) if required, and various other procedures depending on the scope of operations. The FAA reviews all documentation before issuing the certificate.

Question 12

Can an existing Part 135 certificate holder use ESM & Associates for manual revisions?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Manual revision is one of the most common services we provide to existing certificate holders. Regulatory changes, fleet additions, operational scope changes, and FAA comments during surveillance all create the need for manual updates. We review your existing documentation, identify gaps or outdated content, and produce revised manuals that meet current FAA standards.

Question 13

What is a Part 135 aircraft configuration inspection and when is it required?

Accepted Answer

When adding an aircraft to a Part 135 certificate, the FAA requires a configuration inspection to confirm the aircraft meets all operational and airworthiness requirements before it can be added to your Operations Specifications. Performed in accordance with FAA AC 135-44, the inspection covers registration and airworthiness verification, maintenance records, STCs, major repairs and alterations (FAA Form 337), AD compliance, and required equipment. ESM & Associates manages the full inspection process and delivers a written findings report — so your aircraft is ready for OpSpecs addition without unnecessary delays.

Question 14

What is a Part 145 repair station certificate?

Accepted Answer

A 14 CFR Part 145 certificate authorizes a maintenance facility to perform maintenance, preventive maintenance, and alterations on aircraft and aircraft components. Certificated repair stations must maintain FAA-approved documentation including a Repair Station Manual, Quality Control Manual, training program, and Capability List.

Question 15

What is the difference between a Repair Station Manual and a Quality Control Manual?

Accepted Answer

The Repair Station Manual (RSM) describes the facility's organization, personnel responsibilities, housing and facilities, equipment, and general procedures. The Quality Control Manual (QCM) describes the inspection system used to ensure work is performed to the required standard. Both are required for Part 145 certification and must be kept current.

Question 16

How often do Part 145 manuals need to be updated?

Accepted Answer

Manuals must be updated whenever there are changes to the facility, personnel, equipment, procedures, or regulatory requirements that affect the content. There is no fixed revision schedule, but facilities should review their documentation regularly — and certainly before any FAA surveillance visit or renewal.

Resources for Aircraft Buyers, Brokers & Operators

Buying an Aircraft

Import & Export

14 CFR Part 135 — Air Carrier Operations

14 CFR Part 145 — Repair Stations

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