What should I check before buying an aircraft maintenance business?

Operators and owners hand over machines that must be right, so look closely at the people, the records and the reputation. That makes the review different from a shop that fixes cars. The checklist below follows the things a buyer can see in the documents, and flags the questions that belong with a lawyer.

Customers and where the work comes from

Ask for a list of customers with the type of work each one sends. If one operator or a few owners supply most of the work, find out how long they have been with the shop and whether they have agreements in writing. Speak, with the seller’s permission, to a few of them. Ask about their plans for their own fleets as well as the shop’s past invoices.

Technicians, tooling and records

Ask who holds which licences and ratings, how long each has stayed, and whether they would stay with you. Then review tooling and calibration records, and ask what equipment is owned, leased or financed. Gaps in calibration paperwork are worth understanding before closing, not after.

Parts, hangar and open work

Parts inventory should come with paperwork that shows where each item came from. Ask how stock is counted and who owns parts held for customers. Read the hangar lease for term and transfer rights. Finally, list every job in progress, along with any warranty claims or rework, so you know what you take on and what stays with the seller.

Approvals belong with your lawyer

A maintenance organization may work under approvals from aviation authorities. Whether and how those carry to a buyer is a legal question, so raise it with your lawyer before you sign a letter of intent. For a comparison, see our guide on how to check equipment condition and on PPSA searches for business assets.