Utterances and opinions we’ve noticed from greedy and unqualified share-traders as well as Tiger’s competitors’ patsies are unhelpful with talk of “a permanently damaged brand” and so-called “pilot training deficiencies”. Australian skies are among the safest (and least-dense) airspace in the world today. This brand provides the opportunity for air travel to many who would otherwise not travel or would endure inherent risks on Australia’s roads.

It’s competitors don’t like it, but what’s new. Tiger provides competition even if it only holds 6 percent of the domestic market. Australia needs competition in many industries, not the phony-wars we see in banking, petrol and grocery retail to mention but a few.

The aviation industry in our country, prior to the two-airline duopoly, was built by great entrepreneurs and adventurers. Where have they gone?

Good luck to Tiger – may they roar again.

The light jet market for the private owner is alive and well and we recommend all buyers look closely at the performance and value for money of the three flying contenders being Cessna’s Mustang, Embraer’s Phenom 100 and the Total Eclipse 500.

1. Get independent advice from an industry professional
2. Use an agent or a broker who works for you. Good ones are well connected and can light the way. Even if you are buying factory new or locally, have someone on your side
3. Ask the salesman, agent or broker how they get paid. 4. Insist on an independent pre-purchase inspection for any pre-owned aircraft, as well as log book verifications and a report with pictures.
5. Obtain clear title on the airframe and engines. There is no REVS check for aircraft.
6. Have your funding set and be ready to swoop. Even small deposits are a powerful negotiating tool
7. Clear the decks for your support team. We’ve seen good deals lost, while the buyer tries to talk their family, their partner, their accountant or colleagues around
8. Never import an aircraft yourself or buy from a private individual in another country
9. Be wary of internet listings. All is not what it seems.
10. When in doubt, see Rule 1

OPTION ONE
The Factory Remanufactured Engine. The “born-again” engine. Strictly speaking this isn’t an overhaul at all, as it results in a zero-timed engine (engine with no hours on it, just as it would be new, for example). Your time-expired engine “core” is sent to the factory, either Continental or Lycoming, and you get back an engine that is built to new engine standard. Some parts are re-used such as crankshafts and cases, but the top end parts are generally replaced with new parts. Since the factory does the work, they can certify the engine as “zero time” and it counts as a brand new engine as far as the logbook times are concerned.
This option is the gold standard for high performance singles and twins and a ‘factory reman’ has a noticeable effect on demand and resale. A factory reman is also the most expensive option with the least flexibility in terms of options and finish. It’s a good choice however, if you’re planning to keep your aircraft for some time.
Visit Lycoming or Continental websites.

OPTION TWO
The Factory Overhauled Engine. The factory overhauls the engine, but the engine is not zero timed. In theory a modern factory overhaul, where the factories have begun using newer parts, will result in exactly the same engine as a reman. The key differences are lower price but lack of a zero-timed logbook entry and the warranty is backed by the factory.
As an expert in the US recently stated “I think factory overhauls are hardly worth it, because you pay a premium, don’t get a reman’s patina of goodness, and you don’t get a lot of flexibility in finish. If you’re looking for a non-reman overhaul, I’d go with a name-brand shop”.
One downside of factory overhauls and remans is that you generally won’t get your own engine parts back. You’ll get somebody else’s used crankcase and crankshaft. If you know yours are no good, this can be advantageous because the factory will replace your worn-out parts, but if you have good parts, then you may want to keep them because you know the service history (since you flew them). A factory reman or overhaul does not give you the option to keep your original parts. You may or may not care.

OPTION THREE
The Overhaul Shop. Probably the most common in Australia. These are specialists in engine overhauls and should be the best you can find outside of the factory – some would argue they know more than those inside the factory! Local examples include Scone Aircraft Maintenance and Hawker Pacific Blue Seal (now known as Bilyara).

The cheapest overhaul from a custom shop is nowadays about the same price as a factory overhaul because the factories have been aggressively competing for overhaul business. The custom shops usually offer value-added services and customisation flexibility that the factory does not offer. Examples include in-house accessory overhaul, customised matching of parts by weight or fit to tolerances that are tighter than factory tolerances, dynamic balancing, specialized paint schemes and use of non-OEM parts sources such as Superior Air Parts. If any of these services are important to you, or you want to have more control over how your engine is built up, then a local overhaul shop is a good choice. These shops usually have staying power, with support and have a national reputation, which is good for warranty claims and later resale value for your aircraft..

Regardless of aircraft size, all customers receive our expert attention and onsite attendance at pre-buy.

Purchasing your aircraft internationally is good practice for sheer choice and quality and for the economic advantages given fluctuating exchange rates and market conditions. The local market is very limited in aircraft types and indeed their quality and age. By using SM Aviation you’re accessing the widest variety of aircraft across the US, Europe and elsewhere.

 Regardless of the size or type of aircraft, what remains constant is the need for sound assessment. Given the US economy for example, many more aircraft are now on the market, but with that comes increased risk for buyers; therefore it’s more important than ever to ensure what you purchase, is what’s represented.

 The solution is a thorough, independent and trustworthy on-site, pre-purchase inspection. It’s one of the benefits of using our company because unlike many, we have our own representative office in the US. Our on-site experience provides you with the best information and enables us to confidently recommend aircraft. For buyers, that’s peace of mind.