How to buy an aircraft...

[mwwest2004]

Hello,

I am doing research that will hopefully lead to the purchase of a jet, and am not sure where to start. Are there any reputable websites with accurate information related to the direct operating cost of private jets? Also, does it make sense to look into hiring a broker to deal with the purchasing process? If so where would I find a good one?

Thanks in advance for all of your help.

 

[Publishers]

First there are many tools out there. Just off the presses is the Business and Commercial Aviation handbook. Second ref would be something like the Conklin and Decker program.
Yes it makes sense to hire someone, but that is also the biggest danger. Find someone who really knows the type of aircraft that you are interested in. Another aspect is the pre-buy inspection. Your purchase contract needs to specify clearly who is reponsible for what discovered during that pre-buy. Everyones cousin in an aircraft broker so spend as much time on that selection as you would on the aircraft itself. They should be able to prove a number of transactions in that type you are looking at. We as example know Gulfstreams, we know little about Westwinds. The fee may look like alot, but trust me the things that can go wrong, it is worth having an experienced eye.