Help Needed
I am relatively new to aviation and I have decided to purchase a helicopter. I have had a look at various makes and models and I have found an ex-military gazelle that seems ideal for my personal use. I am aware of the restrictions in relation to the permit to fly. The company selling the helicopter seem very respectable, and both the Chief Pilot and Head of Training, and also the Maintenance Engineer, seem very professional and polite. I have been provided with a status sheet for the helicopter showing component times remaining.
My problem is this:
Do I rely on the company selling the aircraft to be honest in relation to the condition of the helicopter and its components, or do I arrange for an independent inspection of the aircraft and its logbooks to be conducted. I have contacted McAlpines who have informed me that they do not carry out pre-purchase surveys. Can anyone tell me if a survey of a helicopter has various levels (as is the case with a survey of a house), or is there a standard procedure that is adopted, and what is the minimum that you would expect?
I am not expecting an engineer to strip down components during a survey as that would seem extreme, so what could I reasonably expect of a survey and at what sort of cost? Do I have to specify what I require an engineer to check during his survey or do I leave that to the professional? I would appreciate any advice.
Pete