Challenger 605 BUY OR STAY CLEAR.
 

Hi,
Pilots out there I urgently need your help please. So I am abit green in the private aviation sector, However we just set up a base in Lagos and we want to purchase a jet for mainly local and regional flights in Africa for our company snr. execs.

I have just come across a 2008 Challeger 605 on distress sale, Beautiful machine. We have checked out ownership etc and it all above board, We are being offered considerately below market price.
However it hasn't flown or serviced since 2016. I will be in touch with Bombardier but wanted to get a pilots opinion on this. Should the fact that it has been grounded for over 2 years be a worry?

Also anyone have an idea of ball pack figure to service and get it back in the air? I know its almost asking how long is a piece of string, but If you don't ask, you never know. Thanks in advance.

Not sure what it will cost to get it airworthy, or what it will cost to get it to the point of ferrying for all of the missed checks, however if you offer very below market value I would assume you know that money will have to be put into it, also whether it was in a hangar for 3 years makes a difference than it sitting on a ramp for corrosion. All things considered you wouldn’t make a mistake buying the machine for the right price

Hi Jeff, Thanks for your prompt reply. I am understanding this better as I just spoke to Someone at Bomberdier who has given abit more insight. however no numbers. We will be getting an inspection done by bomberdier locally.

I am going to inspect the Jet in a couple of days and will be requesting a full maintanance log. I believe it was abandoned and doubt even the minimal service has been done on it. Anything to watch out for? for those of you with experience on the Jet please?

Although you might get a good deal. Make sure there is not a 96 month inspection due on that plane. If it is you make the seller include that in the price. That is a 2 month down time at least for the 605. I manage one and that was the first thing that was done before we took delivery. Also always ask about spare wheel assembly's main and nose. On every other tire change Bombardier makes you do a complete tear down and inspection of the wheels and if they dont pass you have to replace them and they run anywhere from 20-40 thousand a piece. Make sure the brakes are in good shape, look for corrosion as previously stated. If you need any information feel free to message me and I will send you my personal email maybe I can answer some questions.

Rick

Hopefully hangared, that long outside, water intrusion is likely and can expensive to repair. Ditto the 96-month inspection. Get an experienced tech shop to do a fill pre-buy after any work required for ferry is done.

GF