Like a pet, your own aircraft can be the highlight of your life and, like a pet, it is a commitment for many years. Expect the occasional big bill, either way.
For many aviation enthusiasts
owning an aircraft is a dream come true. The sense of freedom and the ability to soar through the skies at will is unparalleled. However, aircraft ownership also comes with great responsibility.
CASA has stringent regulations to ensure aircraft safety. When you own an aircraft, you take on the responsibility for its safe operating condition. This is for your safety and the safety of anyone else who might fly or be a passenger in that aircraft. And there’s no getting round it – that responsibility comes at a financial cost. You are responsible for scheduled and unscheduled maintenance.
The ability to drive to the airfield and take-off is wonderful but buying any aircraft is a major and ongoing financial commitment – as many hopefuls who have been tempted by a flying machine in the aviation classifieds, ‘costs are no more upfront than a medium car’, have found out. There are many factors to consider before buying an aircraft and these vary depending on its category – certified vs experimental vs light sport.
So, if you’re considering owning an aircraft and want to make an educated decision, keep reading.
Considerations before purchase
Before taking the plunge, here’s what you need to thoroughly consider:
Aircraft age
The age of the aircraft can play a significant role in its condition and ongoing airworthiness requirements. The aircraft’s age may increase the maintenance and component replacement requirements as parts wear out or reach the end of their operational life span. While older aircraft may come at a lower price, in the long run they may be more expensive due to needing more maintenance or upgrades.
Aircraft condition
Try before you buy! A thorough pre-purchase inspection is essential to determine the overall condition of the aircraft. Engaging a licensed aviation maintenance engineer (LAME) to conduct a comprehensive assessment is crucial to identify any existing or potential issues. Do not skip this part – you don’t know what you don’t know.
Maintenance costs
Crunch your numbers. Aircraft ownership involves ongoing maintenance costs which vary with the aircraft type, its age and recorded hours. If you jump in blindly, you might be in for a shock when something breaks or malfunctions and you’re up for the cost of new parts plus your LAME’s time.
Additionally, not flying regularly can also affect an aircraft. For example, engines need to be run regularly; an engine can corrode internally if not regularly run which can lead to significant maintenance issues and costs – these may remain unseen unless a thorough inspection is undertaken prior to purchase.
Frequency of flying
How often do you intend to fly? This will affect the aircraft’s wear and tear. If you plan to fly regularly, you might need to opt for an aircraft with a lower operating cost and easier access to maintenance facilities – with parts that aren’t hard to find.
Hangarage
You won’t want your precious new toy living outside and braving the elements. Proper hangarage will ensure your aircraft stays in good condition for longer but can be costly. Depending on your location, you could be paying up to $800+ per month at Bankstown for instance!
Importance of scheduled maintenance
Safety is paramount in aviation and scheduled maintenance is pivotal to ensuring the airworthiness of your aircraft. CASA acknowledges this and has comprehensive regulations to enforce routine inspections and checks for all aircraft.
While you may hear existing aircraft owners mumble and grumble over their 50- or 100-hourly scheduled maintenance activities, everyone knows they are part of owning an aircraft. These inspections and stipulated endorsements on your maintenance release (between these events) are designed to detect issues before they escalate into serious safety hazards.
For a small single-engine privately operated aircraft, 3 maintenance schedules can be used – the owner must select which schedule they wish to use to maintain the aircraft.
Maintenance requirements can vary with the complexity of the aircraft; for instance, fixed-undercarriage aircraft will have fewer maintenance requirements than an aircraft with retractable undercarriage.
Schedule 8 allows aircraft owners to conduct specific maintenance tasks and nothing beyond this scope should be attempted.
There’s a little bit more than popping down to Bunnings and just grabbing a new bolt,’ LAME and part owner of Strike Aviation Training, Paul Strike, says.
Licensed engineers can help you with any underlying problems that might not be immediately apparent, mitigating potential risks and enhancing overall safety – do you really want to meddle with your life over a few hundred dollars?
You jump through flaming hoops to become a pilot and a LAME, but there is no training for how to be an aircraft owner,’ Strike says. ‘The issue is anybody can buy an aircraft, obtain their licence and then off you go. If you are not aware of your responsibilities as an owner, it may be better to keep renting.
To emphasise the importance of scheduled maintenance, CASA periodically publishes safety advisories, reports and educational materials based on data analysis and research. These resources remind aircraft owners and operators about maintenance’s critical role in ensuring aviation safety. CASA’s Safety Promotion publications delve into various aspects of scheduled maintenance, providing insights into best practices and common mistakes to avoid.
In addition to CASA’s efforts, aviation organisations in Australia such as the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association of Australia and professionals like Strike actively promote maintenance awareness.
‘Our aircraft owner 101 courses aim to educate decisions before purchasing an aircraft,’ Strike says. ‘Everyone who’s done the course, 99% of the time, said: “I’m so glad I did the course before I bought the aircraft”.
‘The fact they’re doing the course shows me they’re intuitive enough to know some legitimate considerations. I’ve also seen a small percentage with the, “She’ll be right” mentality and there’s not much we can do about that.’
Attending seminars and workshops that aim to educate aircraft owners on ownership, adherence to maintenance schedules and the potential consequences of neglecting routine inspections, is intelligent. Aside from the professionals imparting their wisdom, these events facilitate the exchange of knowledge and experiences among aviation enthusiasts, fostering a culture of responsibility and safety in the aviation community – because we’re all in it together.
Why owners skimp on maintenance
Despite the undeniable importance of maintenance, some aircraft owners succumb to the temptation of cutting corners or postponing necessary maintenance procedures.
Several factors contribute to this behaviour,’ Strike says. ‘An initial – and common – mindset is, “I’m a good pilot, she’ll be right, nothing bad will happen to me”. It’s human nature to think that way, but that’s not how it works.
Other reasons owners skimp on maintenance
Financial constraints
Maintenance can be a big expense and owners may feel compelled to reduce costs wherever possible. ‘However, that’s a short-sighted approach that often leads to higher expenses in the long run,’ Strike says. Proper maintenance helps detect and address issues early, preventing them from escalating into more extensive and expensive problems.
Unqualified advice
With social media and a surplus of DIY online resources, often it’s easier to troubleshoot a problem with a friend on Facebook or jump onto social media and ask other pilots for a solution. Would you do the same if you or a loved one had a medical condition?
Lack of awareness
Not all aircraft owners are aware of the critical role of maintenance in aviation safety. Some underestimate the potential risks associated with inadequate check-ups.
Misguided priorities
In some situations, owners might prioritise cosmetic enhancements or luxury upgrades over essential maintenance tasks.
The must know about aircraft modifications
Do you want a new instrument or a glass cockpit? Maybe, it’s new seats; sadly, you can’t just do it, there’s a process. This often frustrates aircraft owners and some go ahead and do it without saying a word. This can add danger, and you may pay the price for another’s shortcuts.
Aircraft modifications must comply with industry regulations to ensure continued airworthiness and safety and must be based on their aircraft category.
Certified category
Owning a certified aircraft requires ongoing compliance with the certification basis to meet Australia’s airworthiness requirements.
A certified aircraft that continues to meet its certification basis and has been maintained correctly and in accordance with the relevant maintenance schedule, can provide confidence the aircraft is airworthy. In this category, only a LAME can do maintenance unless the work falls under Schedule 8.
Experimental category
Experimental aircraft, including kit-built aircrafts, operate under specific rules to ensure safety and compliance. These aircraft are not subject to the same stringent regulations as certified ones and allow for innovation and customisation. However, owners must assume full responsibility for their aircraft’s maintenance, repairs and inspections. Regular upkeep is vital to ensure airworthiness and safe operation.
While more people are flying experimental aircraft due to greater flexibility and often lower cost, other factors should be considered when buying a pre-owned experimental aircraft.
If you are the builder of an experimental aircraft, you are the manufacturer,’ Strike says. ‘If you sell your aircraft, the buyer is not the builder, so the aircraft will then be subject to the same rules as a certified aircraft – meaning a LAME will have to provide maintenance unless it’s Schedule 8.
A certificate of airworthiness is not issued for experimental aircraft, as is done for certified aircraft. Instead, experimental aircraft receive a special airworthiness certificate in the ‘Experimental’ category, outlining that they are subject to different regulations and restrictions. This certificate is granted after thorough inspections and tests to ensure the aircraft meets safety standards.
Light sport aircraft
In Australia, light sport aircraft are categorised as recreational aircraft and are administered by Recreational Aviation Australia (RAAus). To be considered a recreational aircraft, it must meet specific criteria, such as a maximum take-off weight, maximum stall speed and other limitations outlined in the regulations. The aircraft will be issued a special (recreational) certificate of airworthiness.
So, when can the modifications begin?
CASA has established a comprehensive process for approving and overseeing aircraft modifications. Before commencing modification work, owners must obtain a supplemental type certificate (STC) from CASA. This demonstrates the proposed modification has been rigorously tested, meets safety standards and is compatible with the aircraft’s existing design and systems.
Certified aviation engineers and design organisations are crucial in the modification process. They are responsible for designing the modification, carrying out necessary tests and submitting documentation to CASA for review. CASA’s regulatory specialists assess the design and safety aspects of the modification before granting the STC.
Aircraft owners must understand that installing unapproved modifications can render the aircraft not airworthy and may even lead to legal repercussions. CASA has stringent penalties for non-compliance, with regulations about modifications to maintain safety.
To assist aircraft owners navigate the complexities of aircraft modifications, CASA provides detailed guidelines, advisory circulars and educational materials. These resources outline the steps and requirements for obtaining the STC and the importance of engaging certified aviation engineers and design organisations for safe and compliant modifications.
It’s a complicated web of regulations depending upon where in the regulatory framework your aircraft is registered,’ Strike says. ‘Before modifying your aircraft, engaging with someone who understands the rules can help save time, money or even your life.
What’s your motive?
Understanding your motives for purchasing an aircraft is crucial in making an informed decision that aligns with your goals and aspirations. Which one is yours?
Recreational flying
For those drawn to the skies for the sheer joy of flying, recreational aircraft ownership offers a fulfilling and liberating experience. You may wish to go wherever and whenever, to explore scenic routes, have weekend getaways or participate in aviation events and gatherings.
Business use
Business aircraft owners often prioritise convenience, timesaving and flexibility in travel schedules. A well-chosen aircraft can improve productivity, expand business opportunities and strengthen connections with clients and partners. A really useful business aircraft would have IFR capability which requires either investment in another licence or use of a pilot.
Investment
Investing in an aircraft requires a strategic approach, and potential investors should seek advice from financial experts and aviation consultants to make informed decisions. It could be for private hire, to start a flying school or another flying venture. Educate yourself before taking the plunge, so you go in with eyes wide open.
Making it yours
While there’s a lot to take in before you buy your wings, remember aircraft ownership is very much about the thrill of flying – and simultaneously a commitment to safety and compliance.
It’s a very personal decision that varies among people, but if you like to walk into the hangar and the headsets are where you left them and the seatbelts are exactly in the right place – you need to own an aircraft, Strike says.
And I say, if you’re going to look back in life and say, “I wish I’d bought the aircraft”, say “yes” and find a way to make your dream come true.
Resources
For resources and information on aircraft maintenance and regulations visit CASA’s website.
See Paul Strike’s video on where to find maintenance data at youtube.com/@breezylog8420
