Pre-purchase inspection of an aircraft
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Here and there
Posts: 216
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Pre-purchase inspection of an aircraft
Afternoon chaps,
I am going to look at an out of permit Fred SRS.2 tomorrow, and would like some advice. This machine has been left outside for the last 2 years, and although though it's been covered and tied down this still worries me quite a bit. As far as i'm aware the engine hasn't been run in that time either. What kind of issues could this cause in terms of the skin and airframe integrity? What affect would this have on the operation of the engine?
Basically what I intend to do tomorrow is, if I like the look of the machine, make an offer for it under the condition that it first has it's permit renewed by the PFA. Is this a sensible plan?
Finally, what obvious issues should I look out for when inspecting the aircraft tomorrow?
Many thanks,
Ox
I am going to look at an out of permit Fred SRS.2 tomorrow, and would like some advice. This machine has been left outside for the last 2 years, and although though it's been covered and tied down this still worries me quite a bit. As far as i'm aware the engine hasn't been run in that time either. What kind of issues could this cause in terms of the skin and airframe integrity? What affect would this have on the operation of the engine?
Basically what I intend to do tomorrow is, if I like the look of the machine, make an offer for it under the condition that it first has it's permit renewed by the PFA. Is this a sensible plan?
Finally, what obvious issues should I look out for when inspecting the aircraft tomorrow?
Many thanks,
Ox
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: The Beautiful South
Posts: 199
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Best advice is to look at the aircraft yourself first, then if you are still keen, arrange to make a second visit together with a PFA inspector with experience of this type of aircraft .... ( or something like a Luton Minor )
Engine wise, a lot depends on if any inhibiting was carried out.
Engine wise, a lot depends on if any inhibiting was carried out.
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Amsterdam
Posts: 4,598
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Inspection for internal corrosion on the engine at the very least, probably with a boroscope. Don't run the engine, don't even turn it over by hand unless an engine mechanic has given you the OK to do so. If there is rust on the cylinder walls you'll only cause more scratching. Not good. You're probably also going to want to do a compression test once the engine runs. Obviously, expect a flat battery. Also expect to do an oil + oil filter change and spark plug change. If you do change the oil, get a metallic analysis done on the oil filter: the metal particles suspended in the oil can tell you a lot about engine health. Also check prop balance, particularly if it's a wooden prop.
Look for any places where water might have accumulated & frozen. Take a flashlight and a mirror on a stick. Check for wind damage to the aerodynamic controls if you're not 100% sure it was tied down correctly with gust locks and everything.
Put the aircraft on a level surface with a neutral background, take 10 steps back and take a good look. The human eye is surprisingly good at detecting asymmetry in things like angle of incidence. If possible bring an inclinometer (a very accurate digital spiritlevel) and check whether the angles left&right are equal (incidence, dihedral, up&down of flaps, up&down of ailerons, elevator).
Also check the paperwork is complete from day 0 if possible. Talk to the maintenance outfit, if any, preferably without the current owner present. Try to find out if any SB/AD are applicable and carried out. Check the W&B sheet.
From pictures I found on the internet this looks like a rag&tube plane. If that's correct, check the kind of dope that was used to impregnate the skin, and it's anti-UV properties. Check the tubes for corrosion.
Look for any places where water might have accumulated & frozen. Take a flashlight and a mirror on a stick. Check for wind damage to the aerodynamic controls if you're not 100% sure it was tied down correctly with gust locks and everything.
Put the aircraft on a level surface with a neutral background, take 10 steps back and take a good look. The human eye is surprisingly good at detecting asymmetry in things like angle of incidence. If possible bring an inclinometer (a very accurate digital spiritlevel) and check whether the angles left&right are equal (incidence, dihedral, up&down of flaps, up&down of ailerons, elevator).
Also check the paperwork is complete from day 0 if possible. Talk to the maintenance outfit, if any, preferably without the current owner present. Try to find out if any SB/AD are applicable and carried out. Check the W&B sheet.
From pictures I found on the internet this looks like a rag&tube plane. If that's correct, check the kind of dope that was used to impregnate the skin, and it's anti-UV properties. Check the tubes for corrosion.
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Hanging off the end of a thread
Posts: 33,076
Received 2,942 Likes
on
1,253 Posts
I would look at it and if you think it has possibilities get an Aircraft Engineer to give it a once over, remember he won't be looking at it throught the same rose tinted glasses you might be if your smitten 
remember the Engine is expensive so if its not been run then you need it checking over.
Have you asked the PFA? I believe they do a service
http://www.pfa.org.uk/PF/2007/Apr%2007/HowToBuy.pdf
http://www.pfa.org.uk/index.asp
remember the Engine is expensive so if its not been run then you need it checking over.Have you asked the PFA? I believe they do a service
http://www.pfa.org.uk/PF/2007/Apr%2007/HowToBuy.pdf
http://www.pfa.org.uk/index.asp
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: very west
Age: 65
Posts: 262
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hi Oxeagle.
For what it's worth, I echo the above advice. Now for a bit more.
As the aircraft has previously had a Permit, contact PFA and ask if they have anything on file for this particular aircraft that you should know about. After all, it has been on the ground for two years. Why?
If you don't already have a friendly PFA inspector, call the PFA or review the PFA website for the contact details for a local inspector. These guys are helpful, knowledgeable and your best starting point, even before going to see the aircraft.
If 'your' inspector considers that the engine has been correctly preserved, the engine may not need anything over and above normal servicing and assessment for any recent (within the last two years) non-compliances regarding AD's, SB's etc.
If, however, he considers that the engine has received no attention over the last two years, the engine may require a complete stripdown. Advice from the appropriate specialist (Jabiru, VW, etc) will need to be sought. 'Your' inspector will be able to advise you of this.
If 'your' inspector suggests that the aircraft is OK, have a chat with him about his estimate for renewing the permit. This will give you a figure for bargaining. It may then be worth considering purchase if the aircraft comes with a new Permit. Your choice. But at least you will have had an independent pair of eyes (non-rose tinted type) look at the aircraft first.
It would be very prudent to initially check the Weight and Balance schedule and see if you will be able to operate the aircraft with any useable fuel on board.
Hope this is of some help.
camlobe
(PFA Inspector and AMEL)
For what it's worth, I echo the above advice. Now for a bit more.
As the aircraft has previously had a Permit, contact PFA and ask if they have anything on file for this particular aircraft that you should know about. After all, it has been on the ground for two years. Why?
If you don't already have a friendly PFA inspector, call the PFA or review the PFA website for the contact details for a local inspector. These guys are helpful, knowledgeable and your best starting point, even before going to see the aircraft.
If 'your' inspector considers that the engine has been correctly preserved, the engine may not need anything over and above normal servicing and assessment for any recent (within the last two years) non-compliances regarding AD's, SB's etc.
If, however, he considers that the engine has received no attention over the last two years, the engine may require a complete stripdown. Advice from the appropriate specialist (Jabiru, VW, etc) will need to be sought. 'Your' inspector will be able to advise you of this.
If 'your' inspector suggests that the aircraft is OK, have a chat with him about his estimate for renewing the permit. This will give you a figure for bargaining. It may then be worth considering purchase if the aircraft comes with a new Permit. Your choice. But at least you will have had an independent pair of eyes (non-rose tinted type) look at the aircraft first.
It would be very prudent to initially check the Weight and Balance schedule and see if you will be able to operate the aircraft with any useable fuel on board.
Hope this is of some help.
camlobe
(PFA Inspector and AMEL)
