What does a records check cost?

The federal record is free (TailLookup merges FAA and NTSB data at no cost). The FAA's full CAPS records file costs about $10; title searches and pre-purchase inspections are paid professional services.

What are the biggest red flags in aircraft records?

Serial-number mismatches between the ad and the registry, an NTSB accident the seller didn't mention, missing logbook years, and fresh 'replacement' logbooks.

Should an old accident kill the deal?

Not automatically. A properly repaired and documented accident aircraft can be a fair buy at the right price — point the pre-purchase inspection at the repair and verify the paperwork.

Buying a used aircraft: the records to pull first

TailLookup · updated Jul 7, 2026

Before buying a used aircraft, pull records in this order: the free federal record (FAA registration + NTSB accident history by tail number), the FAA's complete aircraft file via CAPS, a title search for liens, the aircraft's logbooks, and finally a pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic you choose.

Records are cheap; inspections and mistakes are expensive. Pull the paper in this order and you’ll spend your inspection money on the right airplane.

1. The federal record (free, one minute)

Look up the tail number on TailLookup: confirm the registration is active, the serial number matches the ad, see the NTSB accident history, and check how many times the aircraft has changed hands. Verify anything important against the linked FAA and NTSB source records.

2. The FAA aircraft file (CAPS)

The FAA sells a copy of the aircraft’s complete records file — every registration form, bill of sale, and recorded lien document — through its CAPS system. It takes a few days and is the authoritative title-adjacent paper.

3. Title search

A title company search surfaces liens and encumbrances that a registry lookup won’t. Lenders file against aircraft just like real estate.

4. Logbooks

Airframe and engine logbooks live with the aircraft, not in any database. Gaps, missing years, or a fresh “replacement” logbook are the classic red flags — especially paired with an NTSB record.

5. Pre-purchase inspection

Nothing above replaces a mechanic you chose (not the seller’s) opening the airplane up. If the federal record shows an old accident, point the inspection at the repair.

Frequently asked

What does a records check cost?: The federal record is free (TailLookup merges FAA and NTSB data at no cost). The FAA's full CAPS records file costs about $10; title searches and pre-purchase inspections are paid professional services.
What are the biggest red flags in aircraft records?: Serial-number mismatches between the ad and the registry, an NTSB accident the seller didn't mention, missing logbook years, and fresh 'replacement' logbooks.
Should an old accident kill the deal?: Not automatically. A properly repaired and documented accident aircraft can be a fair buy at the right price — point the pre-purchase inspection at the repair and verify the paperwork.

Cite: TailLookup, “Buying a used aircraft: the records to pull first”, https://taillookup.com/guides/buying-used-aircraft-records (updated 2026-07-07).

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