How to Evaluate a Leaseback Operator
The operator you choose will determine whether your leaseback works or fails. This checklist covers what to verify, what to ask, and what should make you walk away.
Important: This checklist is educational guidance, not legal advice. We strongly recommend hiring an aviation attorney to review any leaseback agreement before signing. The single most effective thing you can do to protect yourself is independent legal counsel — it prevents the vast majority of leaseback disputes.
The aviation community has aptly nicknamed leasebacks "fleece-backs" — and the difference between a good outcome and a bad one almost always comes down to the operator. A busy, well-run Part 141 school with a proven track record of treating leaseback owners fairly is a fundamentally different proposition than a struggling Part 61 school that needs your airplane to keep the lights on.
Before you sign anything, work through every section below. The time you invest in due diligence upfront is nothing compared to the cost of extracting yourself from a bad arrangement later.
Ready to evaluate your options?
Use this checklist alongside our ROI calculator and contract guidance to make an informed decision about your leaseback.