Skip to content
Contact us
All posts

Auditing Your Aircraft Logbooks Before a Sale: A Crucial Step to Maximize Value

Picture of J. Allison By   ·  2 minute read

When it comes time to sell your aircraft, appearance and performance certainly matter—but few things weigh as heavily in a buyer’s decision as the aircraft’s logbooks. These records provide a detailed maintenance history, compliance with Airworthiness Directives (ADs), modifications, and overall care of the aircraft. An organized, complete, and transparent logbook can significantly enhance your aircraft’s market value, while a missing or messy one can raise red flags and delay or derail the sale entirely.

Here’s why and how you should audit your aircraft logbooks before listing your aircraft for sale.

Why a Logbook Audit Matters

  1. Proof of Airworthiness
    Logbooks document compliance with FAA regulations, including required inspections, ADs, Service Bulletins, and STCs. Any gaps or inconsistencies can cast doubt on the aircraft’s airworthiness and legal status.

  2. Builds Buyer Confidence
    Buyers (and their mechanics) want to know what they’re getting. Clear, complete logbooks tell the story of a well-maintained aircraft and help justify your asking price.

  3. Smooths the Pre-Buy Inspection
    A clean logbook audit minimizes delays during the buyer’s pre-purchase inspection. Discrepancies can become negotiation leverage—or worse, deal-breakers.

  4. Prevents Surprises
    A self-audit may uncover issues you weren’t aware of—like a missed AD, undocumented repair, or incorrectly logged modification. It’s better you find it before a buyer does.

What to Look For in Your Logbook Audit

Start with these key areas:

✅ Completeness

  • Are all logbooks present (airframe, engine(s), propeller, APU, avionics)?

  • Is there a clear record of 100-hour and annual inspections?

  • Are life-limited parts tracked accurately?

✅ AD and SB Compliance

  • Have all applicable Airworthiness Directives (ADs) been complied with?

  • Is there documentation showing how and when each AD was addressed?

✅ Major Repairs and Alterations

  • Are Form 337s included for major repairs or modifications?

  • Are STCs documented and accompanied by proper installation records?

✅ Consistency

  • Are the entries chronological with no unexplained gaps?

  • Do dates, times, and technician credentials match the aircraft’s use?

✅ Legibility and Condition

  • Are handwritten entries clear?

  • Are any pages missing, water-damaged, or hard to read? Consider having key pages scanned or transcribed for preservation and clarity.

Tips to Prepare Logbooks for Sale

  • Digitize the entire set. This adds value, provides backup, and simplifies review.

  • Organize entries with tabs or dividers (e.g., annuals, engine overhauls, ADs).

  • Correct errors if possible—have your current A&P/IA clarify or re-certify if there are mistakes.

  • Consult a professional—an experienced maintenance manager or aircraft broker can help with the audit.

  • Highlight value—use logbook entries to emphasize upgrades (e.g., new avionics, paint, interior, engine overhaul).

Final Thoughts

Think of your aircraft’s logbooks as its resume. A neat, complete, and transparent record can add thousands of dollars to your sale price and speed up the transaction. Invest the time to audit and prepare your logbooks before you list the aircraft—you’ll be in a stronger negotiating position and avoid the stress of last-minute surprises.

If you’re unsure where to start, consider working with a maintenance professional or aircraft sales expert who can guide you through the audit process.

Need help getting your aircraft ready for market? Contact us for logbook auditing, aircraft appraisal, and sales preparation services.