How To Buy Planes, Helicopters, and/or Spacecraft in South Africa

Getting your pilot’s license is just the first step to becoming an aviator. To actually fly, you need an aircraft. But how do you get one? There are different ways of acquiring a plane, helicopter, or even space shuttle as a private individual in South Africa. Whether you’re new to the world of aviation or looking for a different aircraft after getting your pilot’s license, there are many options available when it comes to buying planes and helicopters in South Africa. Here is some information about where and how to buy them.

What is the Difference Between a Plane, Helicopter and a Spacecraft?

There are many types of aircraft out there, from small private planes to heavy and large commercial airliners. The main difference between them is their size and intended purpose. For example, a small private plane might seat two or four people, while a large commercial airliner might seat up to 500 passengers. Private planes are generally smaller and used for personal travel and leisure, while commercial planes are used for passenger and cargo transport. Helicopters and airplanes can both be used for commercial purposes, but helicopters are smaller and better suited to travel in and around cities. When it comes to spacecraft, they are larger and used for more specialized activities such as space tourism and commercial space research.

Buying New

Buying new is generally seen as the best option when it comes to purchasing an airplane or helicopter. There are several advantages to buying a new plane or helicopter, including lower maintenance costs and a long service life. There are a number of reputable manufacturers in the aviation industry that produce high-quality new airplanes and helicopters. Buying new is often cheaper than buying used, and you will generally get a warranty from the manufacturer as well. This is particularly true when buying from a South African dealer. The only downside to buying a new plane or helicopter is the upfront cost. You will have to pay for it in one go and in full. A new aircraft can cost over R100 million, so financing is often necessary.

Buying Used

Buying used is the cheaper option when purchasing airplanes and helicopters. However, it’s important to know what to look out for when buying a used aircraft. The best way to spot a good used plane or helicopter is to examine the aircraft’s logbooks and maintenance records. If the aircraft’s logbooks are clean, it means the aircraft has been maintained regularly. This will likely reduce maintenance costs in the long term. Another important thing to look out for is the aircraft’s age. Generally, the older the aircraft, the more expensive it will be to maintain. There are many types of aircraft for sale in South Africa, and there are generally some great deals to be found. But make sure you know both the positives and negatives of each type of aircraft before buying. When buying used, you may be able to negotiate a lower price with the seller. This is particularly true if the aircraft has been for sale for a long time.

Types of Airplanes for Sale in SA

– Light jets: Light jets are also known as private jets. They are smaller, faster aircraft used for both private and commercial flights. Light jets generally have a passenger capacity of two to five people and are used for VIP transport. They can be fuelled with jet fuel or avgas. – Super-light jets: Super-light jets are the fastest private jets in the industry. They are generally small aircraft with a passenger capacity of two to six passengers. Super-light jets can be fuelled with jet fuel or avgas, and they can fly at a very high speed. – Mid-size jets: Mid-size jets are larger than light jets but smaller than super-light jets. They generally have a passenger capacity of 10 to 19 passengers and an extended range. – Large jets: Large jets are commercial aircraft designed to transport up to 500 passengers. They are generally larger than mid-size jets and can be fuelled with jet or avgas. – Very large jets: Very large jets are the largest commercial aircraft in the aviation industry. They are used for long-haul routes, such as between continents.

Types of Helicopters for Sale in SA

– Light helicopters: Light helicopters are generally used for private and commercial flights, and they are smaller and slower than heavy helicopters. Light helicopters have a passenger capacity of two to five people. They can be fuelled with avgas and jet fuel. – Medium helicopters: Medium helicopters are larger than light helicopters and generally used for commercial flights. They have a passenger capacity of six to 10 people and they can be fuelled with avgas and jet fuel. – Heavy helicopters: Heavy helicopters are larger than medium helicopters and generally used for commercial flights. They have a passenger capacity of 11 to 15 people, and they can be fuelled with avgas and jet fuel. – Very heavy helicopters: Very heavy helicopters are the largest helicopters in the aviation industry and used for commercial flights. They have a passenger capacity of 16 to 20 people, and they can be fuelled with avgas and jet fuel.

Buying from a Dealer

If you decide to buy a new plane or helicopter from a dealer, you will generally get a warranty and an inspection report from the dealership. You can either pay in full or finance the aircraft from the dealer. When buying from a dealer, you may be able to negotiate a lower price than if you buy privately. Keep in mind that dealers generally sell new and used aircraft and helicopters. When buying a used aircraft or helicopter, it’s important to check it thoroughly and make sure it has a clean maintenance report.

Confirming the Seller’s Identity and Reputation

When buying an aircraft privately, it’s important to confirm the seller’s identity and reputation. You can do this by checking the seller’s identity and reputation online. You can also check the seller’s public record and criminal history at the South African Police Service website. Another way to confirm the seller’s identity and reputation is to request the seller’s credit report. You can do this through the National Credit Regulator website. When purchasing an aircraft, it’s important to get everything in writing. This includes aircraft details, the sale price, and any additional fees or charges. It’s also a good idea to get assistance from an aviation lawyer when finalising the purchase.

Conclusion

Buying a new or used airplane or helicopter is a big investment, so it’s important to do your research. You can find a list of dealers in South Africa on the South African Aviation Society website. Remember to confirm the seller’s identity and reputation before making a purchase. Once you buy an aircraft, you will need to get a license to fly it. For more information on how to get your pilot’s license, check out the SA Pilot website.