Aircraft purchase agreements, lien review, FAA registration filings, and closing coordination with outside title and escrow companies for aircraft buyers and sellers.
Aircraft transactions are complex, high-value deals that require specialized knowledge of registration requirements, tax planning, and the unique commercial dynamics of the aviation market. Lawyers help aircraft buyers and sellers navigate the transaction process with confidence — drafting and negotiating the agreements from letter of intent through closing, and coordinating with outside aviation title and escrow companies on title searches and escrow. Whether you are purchasing your first aircraft or managing a fleet acquisition, your lawyer provides the practical legal counsel that protects your investment.
Drafting and negotiating aircraft purchase agreements with appropriate representations, warranties, inspection provisions, and closing conditions.
FAA registration and international registry filings, lien review, and closing coordination with outside aviation title and escrow companies.
Working with your tax advisors to structure aircraft acquisitions for optimal tax treatment, including sales tax and depreciation considerations.
Creating aircraft ownership entities — LLCs, trusts, and holding structures — that provide liability protection and operational flexibility.
Core practice areas that support aircraft sales & acquisitions businesses.
A typical aircraft purchase involves a letter of intent, purchase agreement negotiation, pre-purchase inspection, a title and lien search performed by an outside aviation title company, escrow arrangements handled by an outside escrow company, FAA registration, and closing. Your lawyer handles the agreements and filings and coordinates each step with those outside providers to protect your interests throughout the process.
Aircraft can have liens, encumbrances, and title defects that are not immediately apparent. A thorough title search through FAA records — performed by an outside aviation title company your lawyer coordinates with — reveals any issues that need to be resolved before closing. Skipping this step can result in purchasing an aircraft with undisclosed obligations.
Most aircraft owners benefit from LLC ownership for liability protection, privacy, and tax planning flexibility. The LLC structure separates the aircraft asset from personal assets and can facilitate future sales or transfers. Your lawyer helps set up the right ownership structure.
Key considerations include federal depreciation (including bonus depreciation), state sales and use tax, personal use vs. business use allocation, and ongoing operating expense deductions. Your lawyer coordinates with your tax advisors to structure the acquisition for optimal tax treatment.
Schedule a consultation to discuss your aircraft sales & acquisitions business needs.