Gauntlet Warbirds offers warbird and aerobatic aircraft consulting services along with initial and recurrent on-site instruction. Let us assist with evaluating aircraft, arranging insurance, coordinating a prebuy inspection, ferrying your new aircraft, and getting you checked out in your aircraft.

Purchase Process

Buying a warbird or aerobatic aircraft can be a daunting process, and it is critical to not assume that this process is the same as purchasing another general aviation aircraft. These aircraft can be difficult to value, and Vref and other publications do not cover warbirds. Gauntlet Warbirds can help to assess the value of a given aircraft by comparing it to past sales, the rest of the market, and can assist in negotiations with the seller to get the best aircraft at the right price. Gauntlet is in a unique, unbiased position because we don't sell aircraft. Other companies are brokers with a training operation, Gauntlet is completely focused on training and consulting.

Prebuy Inspection

Once a preliminary deal has been reached getting a prebuy inspection is a must for any purchase. It can be difficult to find a mechanic who is an expert in your type of aircraft. Sending your normal A&P to do an inspection on a warbird is not productive and may not spot extant issues. Gauntlet can tap a deep network of mechanics and type experts to make sure that you get the best person available to do your inspection. Be prepared to fly the mechanic to the aircraft; it is extremely unlikely that the best person for the job will be local to the airframe you are evaluating.

Insurance

Once the deal is made and the prebuy is done you need to get your new aircraft insured. It can be costly to simply call the broker that you have used for other aircraft and now ask them to quote your warbird or aerobatic aircraft. It is crucial to get a speciality insurance broker involved. You need to be aware that if you get a quote on an N-number from one insurance agent all other agents are locked out of that business and cannot quote it, so shopping around is difficult. Gauntlet can use our repeated interactions with insurance agents and underwriters to steer you to the best value on your first phone call.

Aircraft Ferrying and On-Site Instruction

The paperwork is done, the insurance is in place, and now you want to get your airplane home. This is best accomplished by a ferry pilot who can bring your aircraft to you and then conduct your training, or if you are already checked out at least fly with you for a few hours to learn the quirks (and there are always some) of your specific airframe. With experienced instructors and examiners on staff, Gauntlet will come to you for training at your location either in the US or overseas with approval from local aviation authorities.

For more information on consulting services or on site instruction call Greg Morris at 312-339-6348 or e-mail greg@gauntletwarbirds.com.