Pre-purchase inspections in Canada
The single best money a buyer spends. An independent pre-purchase inspection (PPI) regularly finds issues worth far more than its cost — corrosion, undocumented damage, tired cylinders, missing logbook entries. MarketPlane connects you straight to sellers, so protecting yourself is in your hands. Here's how.
What a PPI is
A licensed AME (Aircraft Maintenance Engineer) — ideally at an AMO (Approved Maintenance Organization) that knows the type — examines the aircraft and its records before you commit. Typical scope: logbook and AD review, compression checks, borescope, corrosion inspection, avionics check, and a test flight if agreed. Expect several hours to a couple of days depending on the aircraft.
Questions to ask the shop
Have you inspected this type before? Will you review the full logbooks and AD compliance, not just the airframe? Can I get a written report with photos? Are you independent of the seller? (If the seller insists on their own shop only — that's a red flag.)
Finding a shop near the aircraft
Use Transport Canada's official directory to find AMOs by region: Transport Canada CAWIS search. Type clubs and owner groups (and COPA) are excellent for type-specific recommendations — a Beaver specialist will catch things a generalist won't.
The golden rules
Never skip the PPI, even on a "fresh annual." Use a shop that has no relationship with the seller. Put the PPI in your offer as a condition. Walk away if logbooks are "lost" — missing records permanently hurt value. Budget the inspection into your purchase cost from day one.
What does a pre-purchase inspection cost in Canada?
It varies with the aircraft — a simple piston single is far less than a turbine — but it is almost always a small fraction of the purchase price, and it regularly uncovers issues worth many times its cost. Get a quote from the shop up front.
Who can do a pre-purchase inspection?
A licensed AME (Aircraft Maintenance Engineer), ideally at an Approved Maintenance Organization that knows the type. Independence matters: use a shop with no relationship to the seller.
Is a fresh annual the same as a pre-purchase inspection?
No. An annual confirms minimum airworthiness; a PPI is done for you, the buyer, and focuses on value: corrosion, damage history, logbook gaps, AD compliance, engine health. Never substitute one for the other.
Are you an AMO or AME who does pre-purchase inspections? Get listed free — we're building a province-by-province directory.