Frequently Asked Questions?
How much does it cost to own a private plane?
Maintenance costs depend on the intensity of use and the aircraft class. When purchasing an aircraft, consider the following regular expenses:
- Crew and service personnel;
- Aviation fuel and navigation fees;
- Maintenance and insurance;
- Hangar storage and airport fees.
How to choose an aircraft when buying an airplane?
Choosing the right aircraft to purchase is based on key parameters:
- Capacity and comfort of the cabin;
- Flight range and route characteristics;
- Acquisition and operating budget.
Our specialists will offer the best business jet options with a detailed comparison of characteristics.
What should be considered when choosing a used aircraft?
When deciding to buy a private used aircraft, we recommend checking:
- Operation and maintenance history (Service bulletins (SB), Airworthiness directives (AD))
- Availability of complete documentation and certificates (See forms (Logbooks))
- No serious incidents in the past (See Logbooks)
- Quality of used spare parts and components (We check during the pre-sale inspection (PPI))
Where and how to register the aircraft?
Aircraft registration is typically carried out in international jurisdictions (Europe, the United States), which allows for tax optimization. The owner can independently choose the country of registration when purchasing a business jet.
Where and how to store the aircraft?
Regular piston-engine, inexpensive aircraft can be stored directly on the street, but business jets and expensive turboprop aircraft must be stored only in an airfield hangar.
How does an aircraft purchase transaction work?
The transaction includes aircraft selection and inspection, signing of a letter of intent (LOI) and contract, a pre-purchase inspection (PPI), payment through an escrow agent, and aircraft delivery. JetHunter assists at every stage and protects the buyer's interests.
How does the transaction proceed: the stages and timeframes from the deposit to the aircraft delivery?
The standard process takes 6-10 weeks. Step 1: Letter of Intent (LOI) with price and terms — 3-5 days. Step 2: Deposit of 5-10% into escrow and signing of the sales contract. Step 3: Pre-sale inspection — 1-3 weeks. Step 4: Addressing issues and negotiating the resulting deal. Step 5: Closing — simultaneous transfer of funds, title, and risks, technical acceptance, and aircraft delivery.
What is a pre-sale inspection and who pays for it?
A pre-delivery inspection (PPI) is an independent check of the aircraft at a certified center for airframe, engines, corrosion, documentation, and compliance with airworthiness directives. It takes from three days for a turboprop to two to three weeks for a heavy jet; the cost is $15,000–100,000 rubles, and the buyer pays for it. According to market practice, the seller pays for the repair of any defects found that affect airworthiness. A seller's refusal to perform a PPI is grounds for abandoning the deal.
What taxes and duties are involved in importing and registering an aircraft?
The import budget depends on the jurisdiction. In the EAEU, the main items are import duties (most business jet codes offer preferential rates, sometimes even zero), and VAT in the importing country: 12% in Kazakhstan, 20% in Russia. Registration in the registries of Aruba, San Marino, or the Isle of Man when operating outside the EAEU allows for temporary import. An accurate calculation should be made before signing the LOI—an error here can cost millions.
What to do after purchasing an airplane?
After purchasing the aircraft, you need to put it into operation: select a registry (Aruba, San Marino, Isle of Man, or the Eurasian Economic Union), enter into a management and maintenance agreement with the operator, program the engines (ESP/JSSI), arrange insurance, hangar, and crew, and schedule the first maintenance. We support you through all these steps. Submit a request—we'll prepare a proposal, calculate the cost, and analyze options tailored to your needs.










