History

Aircraft Sales Inc was started by Gary Rosenwinkel in the early 1960's. Gary had a love for aviation and started the business with what few dollars he had available. It took a few months and nerves of steel but soon things started to move. Airplane sales quickly grew to as many as 60 sales a year. At that time you could buy a very nice pre-owned Cub or Champ for $2500.00.

As the years have rolled by the types and cost of aircraft have changed but the base business has remained the same. Passionate pilots are still looking for exceptional aircraft. Aircraft Sales has prided itself on creating a business that brings these two dynamics together.

Leo Smith acquired Aircraft Sales in early 2006. Leo is an avid pilot and shared Gary's love for the aviation industry. To add his personal flare Leo added PlaneSmith to the company name in 2007.

PlaneSmith (click for overhead view) is located on the air field at Flying Cloud airport just outside Minneapolis, Minnesota. Two large hangars and an attached office provide us with an opportunity to offer our clients the advantage of showing and storing aircraft within easy reach of the office. When prospective buyers have questions it is as simple as a stroll into the hangar to find the answer, send a picture or research the logbooks. We find quick answers make for quick friends when it comes to selling aircraft.

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Services

At PlaneSmith our only business is helping our customers buy and sell pre-owned aircraft. By not being involved in other typical FBO type activity we can stay focused on what we do best. Our goal is to try and keep things simple and make both sides of the aircraft transaction smooth for our customers.

Brokerage Services

Successfully selling an aircraft requires aircraft knowledge, market savvy and familiarity with regulations and paperwork. But the number one reason that aircraft owners contract to sell their aircraft through a Broker is time.

Selling a plane is a big commitment of time. Time to make the plane ready for the sale. Time to research an evaluation for the aircraft. Time to create and publish advertising for the plane. Time to take phone calls, both day and night and weekends, and be available to answer all questions. Time to take and send incremental photos and copies of logs when requested. Time to coordinate on-site and pre-buy inspections. Time to demonstrate the aircraft. Time to negotiate and close the transaction, sometimes between multiple buyers. Time to deliver the aircraft if required.

When a typical buyer decides to purchase an aircraft they scourer the web and trade magazines to identify potential candidates for purchase. Some may be very focused and methodical in their approach and some can't wait to get into their first airplane. In either case when they call they expect to find someone available to talk to about the plane. Most may not call back if you are not available and they will simply move on to the next aircraft on their list.

At PlaneSmith we understand the time commitments and dedicated effort required to successfully sell an aircraft. The process to sell an aircraft is not simple but we strive to make the process easy for our customers. Our goal by doing so is to return time back to the seller to spend time doing what they enjoy whether it be family, friends or business.

Here is what you can expect when contracting with Aircraft Sales to broker your aircraft:

Ø Honest and fair representation

Ø An initial consultation to understand your goals

Ø Analysis in terms of the "readiness" of the aircraft for sale including completeness of logs, condition of aircraft, compliance with airworthiness requirements and optional Title Search.

Ø Valuation of the aircraft by reviewing condition of aircraft, market data, industry trends and past experience.

Ø Advertising using any number of web online aviation marketplaces and worldwide recognized paper publications which best fit the profile of the aircraft for sale. Review of current customers looking for an aircraft that meets the profile.

Ø Imaging of pertinent aircraft logs and certifications to be made available through the PlaneSmith website to serious buyers.

Ø Assistance in relocation of the aircraft to PlaneSmith at Flying Cloud Airport if required

Ø Handling of all phone calls, emails and fax inquiries from potential buyers seven days a week

Ø Document and present all serious offers to the seller

Ø Coordination of Pre-buy inspections and flight demonstrations as required

Ø Drafting of Purchase Agreement, FAA Bill of Sale and FAA Registration documentation

Ø Coordinating escrow account if desired by seller and buyer

Ø Coordinate delivery of aircraft if required by buyer

For a quote on selling your aircraft please click here

Acquisition Services

Buying a quality aircraft is not overly complicated for the individual who is experienced in doing so. For the majority of buyers however, the challenge is ensuring that the aircraft that they are purchasing meets their flying profile, is fairly priced, is insurable, has a clear title, has a well documented and complete history in the log books, is compliant and current with all certifications, registrations and airworthiness directives (AD's), has had a thorough pre-purchase inspection and is functional as advertised. A mistake in any one of these areas could result in a costly and disappointing experience.

The majority of affordable aircraft that are on the market were manufactured before 1990. As a result there is a wide spectrum of aircraft that are available for purchase in varying degrees of condition. It is very unlikely that the buyer will find a pre-owned aircraft that has every single attribute that is important to them. The trick is to understand what the basic essentials are specific to the buyers needs and then find an aircraft that covers the must haves. Other upgrades and cosmetic items can always be added and figured into the total cost of ownership scenario once the basics are covered.

Engines and Avionics will be the major driver of incremental costs, and adjustment to retail price, associated with aircraft ownership. These two items along with the Total Time on the Airframe (TTAF) and Damage History will for the most part determine the market value of an aircraft compared to its average retail price. A solid plane with mid or high TTAF, a run out engine close to Time Between Overhaul (TBO), and outdated avionics may still be a great purchase if the price is set accordingly.

At PlaneSmith we understand the steps required to find and fairly assess quality aircraft for our customers. Here is what you can expect when you retain PlaneSmith to help find you a quality aircraft:

Initial consultation to define your flying profile

Identification of aircraft models that meet your profile

Search of currently available aircraft that meet your basic requirements

Initial screening of qualified aircraft data

Ordering an optional title search on selected aircraft if needed

Coordination of Pre Purchase inspections

Preparation and coordination of all required Purchase and Registration paperwork

Help in coordinating aircraft insurance

Optional coordination of post purchase Avionics Upgrades, Engine, Paint or Interior work

Delivery of Aircraft if required

For a quote for help in purchasing an aircraft click here

For any questions/comments please click here

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