William G. Harger & Associates, PLLC provides legal support for aircraft transactions, ensuring buyers, sellers, partnerships, and aviation businesses complete ownership transfers with proper documentation and regulatory compliance. You face multiple layers of federal requirements when buying or selling an aircraft, and missing even one registration step or failing to structure the agreement correctly can delay closing or expose you to future liability.



The firm handles purchase agreements, bill of sale preparation, FAA registration filings, security interest documentation, and entity structuring when partnerships or corporations hold title. Whether you are acquiring a single-engine piston aircraft or selling a turbine model, the transaction must align with FAA recordkeeping standards and federal regulations that govern conveyance instruments. Local context matters less than the federal framework, but working with counsel familiar with Texas-based aviation operations ensures smoother coordination with inspectors, appraisers, and escrow agents.

If you are preparing to buy or sell an aircraft and want legally sound documents that minimize future disputes, reach out to discuss how the transaction should be structured.

When you retain William G. Harger & Associates, PLLC, the firm reviews the aircraft history, confirms chain of title, and prepares or revises the purchase agreement to reflect accurate terms on price, contingencies, inspection periods, and delivery conditions. You receive guidance on whether to hold the aircraft individually, through an LLC, or in partnership, and what that choice means for liability and future resale.

After the transaction closes, you will have a fully executed bill of sale, updated FAA registration reflecting current ownership, properly filed security agreements if financed, and a clear record that can withstand audit or title search. The firm ensures each instrument uses the correct legal descriptions and meets formatting rules the FAA requires for acceptance, so your ownership is never delayed by paperwork errors.

The process includes verifying liens through FAA records, confirming airworthiness documentation is current, and identifying any outstanding compliance issues tied to the airframe or engine logbooks. The firm does not perform title insurance underwriting, but coordinates with title companies and escrow services when those are part of the transaction.

These questions come up often during aircraft purchase and sale transactions, and the answers clarify what happens between signing the agreement and recording the transfer.

What happens if the aircraft has an undisclosed lien?

You need a title search completed before closing, and the purchase agreement should include a warranty from the seller that the aircraft is free of encumbrances unless disclosed in writing and reflected in the price.

How long does FAA registration take after closing?

The agency typically processes registration applications within eight weeks, but you can operate under the bill of sale and temporary authority during that period if the documents are filed correctly.

Why does entity structure matter for aircraft ownership?

Holding the aircraft in an LLC or partnership can limit personal liability and simplify resale, but it requires additional filings and ongoing compliance that individual ownership does not.

When should the pre-purchase inspection happen?

The inspection should occur after the purchase agreement is signed but before the contingency period expires, so you retain the right to renegotiate or withdraw if the aircraft does not meet the agreed condition.

What documents must be on board the aircraft in Richmond after transfer?

You are required to carry the airworthiness certificate, registration or temporary authority, operating limitations, and weight and balance data, all of which must reflect current ownership and configuration.

If you are moving forward with an aircraft purchase or sale and need counsel to draft agreements, file federal documents, and confirm the transaction meets regulatory standards, contact William G. Harger & Associates, PLLC to begin the process.