NAFA member Amanda Applegate, Founding Partner at Soar Aviation Law, shares the importance of technical representation in aircraft acquisitions.
I have written many times about the importance of assembling the right team when acquiring an aircraft. This team typically includes the buyer, an aircraft broker, escrow agent, lender, aviation attorney, tax advisor, insurance broker, and a management company or flight department. One essential, but sometimes overlooked, member of this team is the technical representative. Too often, the technical representative is not brought in until the pre-purchase inspection. In reality, their role should begin much earlier – at the very start of the acquisition process. A technical expert can provide critical insights throughout the transaction, from market analysis to delivery.
Partnering with a technical representative at the outset allows for a more informed aircraft selection. Working alongside the broker, the technical expert can help evaluate aircraft options – not only based on mission and budget, but also through an early review of aircraft records. This initial technical review helps identify potential performance issues, maintenance concerns, or damage history – factors that should be understood before signing a purchase agreement. If the agreement is signed early, it should allow the buyer to terminate the transaction without penalty after this preliminary document and visual review, should the findings warrant it.
This article was originally published by Soar Aviation Law on June 18, 2025.