Page 26 - Volume 15 Number 8

that everything up to now has been done properly. Systems that worked great on the ground might behave differently in the air. Most importantly, some things can only be checked accurately in the air. Be prepared for squawks to crop up at the 11th hour.
The Case for a
(Good) Broker
When my wife was a realtor she learned that if buyers and sellers meet, it usually kills the deal. Personality conflicts, offhand comments, preferences on appearance – the silliest things can ruin an otherwise good deal. Aviation is no different. That’s why there are brokers. A buffer between the interested parties can be very helpful. Are you required to have a broker? No. Many deals go through without one. But buyers without a broker will sometimes try to rely on me for things outside my purview. Purchase agreements come to mind. I may have plenty of ideas on what should be incorporated into one, but I don’t draw them up. Also, you need a title search and you might need help from the seller to clear any clouds. A good broker can drive this through and then some.
Caveat Emptor!
No one has a crystal ball. Whether you own a King Air already, or are thinking of buying one, there is no guarantee of perfection. It’s an airplane; they break. If you or someone you know is in the market to buy one, please listen to Chip. Don’t buy a King Air without a pre-buy. Do your homework. Hedge your bet. The prepurchase actions discussed here are your best shot to ensure you are making a prudent decision. Caveat emptor! Do your due diligence! KA
Dean Benedict is a certified A&P, AI with over 45 years of maintaining King Airs. He’s the founder and former owner of Honest Air Inc., a maintenance shop that specialized in Beech aircraft with an emphasis on King Airs. Currently, with BeechMedic LLC, Dean consults with King Air owners, operators and maintenance shops on all things pertaining to King Air maintenance. This includes troubleshooting, pre-buys
and maintenance management. He can be reached at dr.dean@ beechmedic.com or (702) 524-4378.
24 • KING AIR MAGAZINE
AUGUST 2021