Confession: Guilty feelings of a pre-purchase

[dan]

Today I helped a guy do a pre-purchase inspection on an RV-7 that he was looking to buy. I left the experience having mixed feelings, but mostly feeling guilty.

There I was, trying to help this potential buyer determine if the plane was worth the asking price. My "role" was to be critical, to find a showstopper or at a minimum help the buyer ensure that he was buying a SAFE airplane. I can do that -- I can be critical and still be objective. But what it translated into was that all afternoon, I was going over this very nice guy's work (the builder) with a fine-toothed comb.

Long story short, I just feel odd now. I know I did the buyer a service and exposed some key items that need attention, but to pick over another guy's pride and joy...ugh...it leaves me feeling uneasy.

[osxuser]

It becomes easier when you become employed by the buyer, but it still is an odd feeling. I've done a few, and some people are completely cool about it, but others have tried to intimidate me or later question some of my comments. Prebuys can be really wierd, i'll give you that.

[robertahegy]

I would not feel wierd about it as long as you were being objective. Exposing serious safety or maintenance problems is what you are set out to do and the seller/builder has to realize and accept that. If you are merely criticising methods, things that are inconsequential, and differences of opinion without a sound basis, then I would think guilt could be in order. But spotting things that are clearly poor workmanship, defective, wearing out, or needing some form of attention is a service to both the buyer and the seller.

I sold an airplane that I built, so I know what it is like to have your blood sweat and tears scrutinized. My plane was an EAA award winner and it was clearly in fine form, so there was little criticisism. Be objective and fair to both the buyer and the seller and don't cast aspersions that are unfounded or unwarranted. That could lead to your buyer missing out on a good airplane, too.

JMHO,

Roberta

[Mr. Mikey]

One man's treasure...

Not everyone is as talented as you, Dan. If you told me my work was junk, I'd never want to fly it.

I'd scrap it and start over.

I'm sure it's the same with this builder.

[dan]

Originally Posted by Mr. Mikey

One man's treasure...

Not everyone is as talented as you, Dan. If you told me my work was junk, I'd never want to fly it.

I'd scrap it and start over.

I'm sure it's the same with this builder.

Mr. Mikey, I'm kinda offended. I'm not criticizing the guy's work, just trying to make sure it's safe. Leaking fuel tanks, loose stop nuts on pushrods, wires chafing on controls, control surfaces not smoothly hitting the stops. These are items that I feel compelled to point out. It's not about treasure vs. trash. But thanks for helping me not feel as guilty toward builders like you.

[szicree]

Originally Posted by dan

Leaking fuel tanks, loose stop nuts on pushrods, wires chafing on controls, control surfaces not smoothly hitting the stops.

Dan,

These items aren't minor cosmetic things like orange-peeled paint or a smilie. This kind of stuff can bring a plane down. You done good.

[Mr. Mikey]

Originally Posted by dan

Mr. Mikey, I'm kinda offended. I'm not criticizing the guy's work, just trying to make sure it's safe. Leaking fuel tanks, loose stop nuts on pushrods, wires chafing on controls, control surfaces not smoothly hitting the stops. These are items that I feel compelled to point out. It's not about treasure vs. trash. But thanks for helping me not feel as guilty toward builders like you.

Sorry, Dan. No offense intended.

I was trying to imply exactly what you said here - No need to feel guilty for what you see that could be improved. Indeed, your pointing out some flaws that a builder missed is actually a big favor for all parties involved.

What I meant by the "treasure and trash" comparison is that another point of view can make all the difference. Ok, bad example. I meant no offense to anyone and I apologize.

[jcoloccia]

Originally Posted by dan

Leaking fuel tanks, loose stop nuts on pushrods, wires chafing on controls, control surfaces not smoothly hitting the stops.

Leaking fuel tanks? Come on, Dan...stop picking nits. It's not like the guy used the wrong kind of primer, or something like that

In my line of work, I have to do this sort of thing all the time...looking at someone's concept that they've slaved over and then tearing it to shreads with a few swipes of the mighty red pen. And I'm on the wrong end of the pen sometimes too. In the end, though, it's always for the best and you should never feel bad about being honest. The laws of physics don't change because a builder wills it to be so, and all you're doing is reporting what you see.

The way I see it, you did BOTH of these pilots a service. The fact that one of them may not be so appreciative is beside the point. I for one would be more than happy to have you fly up to Lancaster and give MY stack of airplane parts a FREE inspection anytime you'd like.

[LettersFromFlyoverCountry]

oh oh, here we go. Before this degenerates to a flame war, anyone listen to Sean Tucker's account of his bailout. Did it make you want to examine the condition of the rod end bearings on your plane. Would you want someone to point it out to you before you end up needing to bail out, without a parachute?

I'll take me an overly-thorough inspection before a casual one anyday. If there's something wrong with my construction or with the condition of the plane, I need to know about it and if it hurts my feelings, that's a small price to pay.

I don't think it's a mine-is-bigger thing. I think 99% of us have built the same number of RVs in our lifetimes - one.

[dan]

Originally Posted by Mr. Mikey

What I meant by the "treasure and trash" comparison is that another point of view can make all the difference. Ok, bad example. I meant no offense to anyone and I apologize.

Thanks. My bad...misinterpreted what you were saying. Gotta love the internet, people's tone is always perfectly clear...not!