Buying a Gulfstream? Here’s Why a Pre-Buy Inspection Could Save You Millions

Picture this: You score a Gulfstream for a great deal—only to realize months later it needs millions in unexpected repairs.

It happens more often than you’d think. And according to Andrew Gulsrud of Prime Jet, most of these disasters are preventable with the right pre-buy inspection.

“When people buy a jet, they’re often focused on the purchase price. But what really matters is the maintenance history and who’s worked on the aircraft,” Gulsrud explains.

What Makes a Jet a Good Buy?

When evaluating a used Gulfstream, Gulsrud emphasizes three key factors:

🔎 Pedigree – Who has maintained the aircraft? Has it been under a reputable operator or a shop known for cutting corners?

🔎 Major Upcoming Costs – Are there expensive engine overhauls or landing gear replacements on the horizon?

🔎 Inspection Quality – Not all pre-buy inspections are created equal. The best ones are conducted by specialists who know the aircraft inside and out.

“We’ve seen cases where an owner skips a proper pre-buy and ends up with a $2M maintenance bill when a better inspection could have saved them hundreds of thousands, if not millions.”

The Secret to a Smart Purchase

Prime Jet’s leadership team, including CEO Cheryl Janky and Director of Maintenance Jason Mann, has spent decades working with Gulfstreams. They know which aircraft have recurring issues, which maintenance shops can be trusted, and where hidden costs are likely to pop up.

For buyers looking to invest in a Gulfstream, the takeaway is clear: Buying the right jet isn’t just about the aircraft—it’s about the team inspecting it.

Want to avoid costly mistakes?

Listen to Andrew Gulsrud on the Ironbird Podcast with Daniel Harris as he dives deeper into the do’s and don’ts of Gulfstream ownership. Stream the episode here: https://buff.ly/QqqWZtb

Brought to you by Ironbird Partners—your trusted source for navigating the complexities of private aviation.