Working for four decades as a professional aviator doesn’t necessarily make one an expert in GA flying. I’ve purchased only three airplanes in my lifetime, but stumbled through the trials and tribulations of ownership like everyone else.
Part of the lesson learned is that thorny issues can be addressed before your name is ever printed on the registration certificate. But since that isn’t easy in the high-stakes game of buying used airplanes, here’s what I’d consider as the top five blunders you should avoid.