Shopping for an aircraft engine can feel overwhelming, especially when you're doing it online. You want to make sure you're getting a quality product from a seller you can trust, but how do you know who's legit? The good news is that buying engines online has become much safer and more common than it used to be. 

More and more general aviation parts transactions now happen through online platforms, making it easier than ever to compare options and find the right fit for your plane. 

From brand-new Lycoming and Continental powerplants to certified used units, the options are out there if you know where to look. Before you start browsing aircraft engines, understanding what makes a seller trustworthy can save you thousands of dollars and countless headaches.

Key Takeaways

The best places where to buy aircraft engines online include established distributors like Flying 411.com, Air Power Inc., Controller.com, AircraftSpruce.com, Preferred Airparts, Signature Engines, eBay Motors (Aircraft category), and Trade-A-Plane. These platforms offer verified sellers, detailed engine histories, warranties, and customer support. Always verify logbooks, ask for documentation, check seller ratings, and confirm return policies before making a purchase. New engines come with factory warranties, while used or overhauled engines offer cost savings but require careful inspection of maintenance records.

FactorWhat to Know
Best PlatformsFlying411.com, Air Power Inc., Controller.com, AircraftSpruce.com, Preferred Airparts, Signature Engines, eBay Motors, Trade-A-Plane
Safety ChecksVerify logbooks, check seller ratings, confirm warranties, review maintenance history
Price RangeNew: $25,000-$60,000+; Overhauled: $15,000-$35,000; Used: $8,000-$20,000
Documentation NeededEngine logbook, yellow tag (overhauled), 8130-3 form (new), maintenance records
Red FlagsNo paperwork, suspiciously low prices, seller won't allow inspection, unclear history

Why People Buy Aircraft Engines Online

Buying an engine online has become the go-to choice for many aircraft owners. Why? Because it saves time and money. Instead of calling around to different shops and waiting for callbacks, you can compare dozens of options in one afternoon.

Here's what makes online shopping so popular:

When you shop online, you also get access to sellers who specialize in specific brands. Looking for a Lycoming O-360 or a Continental IO-520? You can find specialists who know these engines inside and out.

Many airplane owners are surprised to learn that online marketplaces now offer the same level of service as traditional dealers. You can contact sellers directly, ask technical questions, and even arrange for pre-purchase inspections. Some platforms connect you with certified mechanics who can evaluate the product before you commit.

The aviation community has also become more transparent online. Buyers share reviews, post about their experiences, and warn others about questionable sellers. This community feedback helps everyone make smarter choices.

For builders working on kit aircraft or experimental projects, online shopping opens up access to engine parts that might not be available locally. You can order everything from a complete powerplant to individual components like a cylinder or accessory without leaving your hangar.

The convenience factor is huge. You can browse listings at midnight, save your favorites, and take your time researching before making a decision. When you're ready to buy from a trusted aircraft marketplace, having all the information at your fingertips makes the process smoother and less stressful.

What Makes an Aircraft Engine Safe to Buy?

Safety comes down to paperwork, history, and verification. A safe aircraft engine isn't just one that looks good in photos—it's one that comes with proper documentation and a clear maintenance record.

Here's what separates a safe purchase from a risky one:

Complete Documentation

The logbook tells the engine's life story. It shows when the factory built it, every time someone changed the oil, when components were replaced, and if any major work happened. Without this record, you're buying blind.

Transparent Seller

A good seller wants you to feel confident. They'll send additional photos if you ask. They'll explain why the price is what it is. They won't pressure you to buy quickly or discourage you from having a mechanic look at the engine.

Physical Condition Indicators

Even if you're buying a used engine for parts or supply to your rebuild project, you want to know it was stored properly. Engines that sat outside or in humid conditions can have internal corrosion even if they look okay on the outside.

When you're evaluating safety, think about whether you'd feel comfortable putting this powerplant on your plane. If you're following an aircraft purchase checklist, the same principles apply to engines. Documentation, inspection, and seller reputation matter just as much as the hardware itself.

New vs. Used Aircraft Engines: What Should You Pick?

The choice between new and used depends on your budget, your plane's mission, and how long you plan to keep flying. Both options have their place, and neither is automatically better than the other.

New Engines New engines come straight from the manufacturer with zero time on them. You get a complete warranty, typically for two years or until a certain number of hours. Every component is fresh from the factory, and you know exactly how it was assembled.

Advantages:

The main downside? Price. A new Lycoming or Continental can cost $30,000 to $60,000 or more depending on the model. That's a big investment, especially for a plane you only fly occasionally.

Overhauled Engines An overhauled engine has been completely disassembled, inspected, and rebuilt to factory specifications. Good overhauls come with a yellow tag and should include replaced cylinders, bearings, and other wear items.

Advantages:

When buying overhauled, the shop's reputation matters. Some facilities do exceptional work. Others cut corners. Ask who did the overhaul, what their process includes, and what warranty they order with the engine.

Used Engines Used engines are removed from other aircraft and sold as-is. They might have 500 hours since overhaul or 1,500 hours. They're the budget option, but they require the most careful evaluation.

Advantages:

Disadvantages:

The smart approach? Match the engine to your situation. If you're building an experimental plane as a long-term project, a used engine might work great. If you're flying a Mooney or Piper for business travel and need reliability, new or freshly overhauled makes more sense. If you want to learn more about making smart choices with parts, check out this comparison of used vs. overhauled parts to see how different options stack up in real-world scenarios.

7 Best Places to Buy Aircraft Engines Online Without Risk

Finding aircraft engines for sale online is easy. Finding trustworthy sellers? That takes a bit more work. Here are seven platforms where buyers consistently have good experiences, complete with what makes each one stand out.

1. Air Power Inc. Air Power Inc. specializes in factory-new and overhauled aviation engines for general aviation aircraft. They carry both Lycoming and Continental models and have been in business for over three decades.

What they offer:

Their website lets you browse available engines by model and see detailed specs. Each listing includes time since overhaul, serial numbers, and current condition. They ship worldwide and can coordinate with your mechanic for installation.

Customer reviews consistently praise their responsive support team. When you call with questions, you talk to people who understand the technical side. They won't sell you the wrong engine for your plane.

2. Controller.com Controller is one of the largest marketplaces for aviation sales. While they're known for whole aircraft, their engines and parts section connects buyers with both dealers and private sellers.

Benefits:

You can find everything from small four-cylinder engines for ultralights to turbine powerplants for business aircraft. The platform includes detailed photos and lets you contact sellers directly through their messaging system.

One smart feature? You can save searches and get alerts when new airplane engines for sale match your criteria. This helps if you're looking for something specific and want to know immediately when it becomes available.

3. Aircraft Spruce & Specialty Co. Aircraft Spruce is legendary in the aviation industry. They started as a supplier for homebuilt aircraft but now serve everyone from weekend pilots to commercial operators.

Their engine department offers:

What sets them apart is their knowledge base. Their website includes installation guides, compatibility charts, and technical articles. If you're a builder working on a kit plane, this information is gold.

They maintain strong relationships with manufacturers, which means they can often get parts faster than smaller shops. Their customer service team includes A&P mechanics who can answer technical questions about flight systems and equipment.

4. Preferred Airparts Preferred Airparts focuses on used aircraft engines and aircraft parts with an emphasis on value. They inspect everything before listing it and provide honest condition reports.

What makes them reliable:

They specialize in piston engines for general aviation aircraft like Cessnas, Pipers, and Mooneys. If you're looking for a mid-time engine at a reasonable price, they're worth checking.

Their listings include photos of data plates, cylinder compression readings, and any accessories included. They'll tell you upfront if an engine needs work or if it's ready to install and fly.

5. Signature Engines Signature focuses on premium overhauled engines with extensive warranties. They're not the cheapest option, but they deliver highest quality rebuilds.

Their process:

Every engine gets new cylinders, bearings, and seals. They update older models with approved modifications that improve reliability. If you want an overhauled engine that performs like new, their reputation for excellence in engineering and rebuilding makes them a strong choice.

They work with both individual owners and repair shops. Their team can help you understand the differences between models and recommend the right fit for your airplane.

6. eBay Motors (Aircraft Category) eBay might seem risky, but their aircraft section has improved dramatically. Many established distributors and suppliers now list there alongside private sellers.

Advantages:

The key is vetting sellers carefully. Look for:

Many sellers offer "Buy It Now" pricing, so you don't have to wait for auctions. Some will arrange third-party inspections if you're serious about purchasing. The platform's message system creates a paper trail, which helps if any issues come up.

7. Trade-A-Plane Trade-A-Plane has been connecting buyers and sellers since 1937. Their listing service includes complete engines, engine parts, and accessories.

Why buyers trust them:

Their search tools let you filter by manufacturer, hours, condition, and location. If you prefer talking on the phone, most listings include direct contact numbers. Many sellers are mechanics or shop owners who know exactly what they're selling.

The platform attracts serious buyers, so listings tend to include thorough documentation. Sellers know that Trade-A-Plane customers ask detailed questions and want complete information before making offers.

For guidance on the overall engine buying process, this article on how to purchase an aircraft engine walks through additional considerations that apply across all these platforms.

Simple Tips to Stay Safe When Buying Online

Smart buyers protect themselves with research and verification. Here's how to avoid problems when shopping for aircraft engines for sale.

Verify the Paperwork First Never buy an engine without seeing the logbook. Ask for photos of key pages before you commit. Check that:

If a seller hesitates to provide these, walk away. Legitimate sellers have nothing to hide.

Research the Seller Google their business name and look for reviews. Check if they're registered with the Better Business Bureau. See if they're active in aviation forums or communities. An established supplier will have a digital footprint.

Call their listed phone number and verify they're real. Ask how long they've been selling engines. A new seller isn't automatically bad, but experience matters in aviation.

Ask Technical Questions A knowledgeable seller can discuss:

If answers are vague or the seller gets defensive, that's a red flag. Honest sellers want informed buyers.

Request Additional Photos Good sellers will send extra images if you ask. Request photos of:

Compare serial numbers in photos to the listing. Make sure everything matches.

Use Secure Payment Methods Avoid wire transfers or cryptocurrency for large purchases. Use methods that offer buyer protection:

Aircraft escrow services protect both parties by holding funds until the engine is delivered and verified. For a $30,000 engine, the small escrow fee is worth the security.

Arrange Pre-Purchase Inspection Hire an independent A&P mechanic to inspect before you finalize the deal. Most sellers will accommodate this if you're serious. The mechanic can:

This costs a few hundred dollars but can save you from buying a problematic engine. It's similar to protecting yourself when buying an aircraft—independent verification is your best defense.

Get Everything in Writing Before money changes hands, confirm:

Email works fine. Just make sure you have documentation of what was promised.

How to Choose the Right Seller for You

Not every reputable seller fits every buyer's needs. Here's how to match your situation with the right supplier.

Match Seller Type to Your Experience Level New to aircraft ownership? Work with established distributors who offer support. Companies like Aircraft Spruce or Air Power Inc. have teams that guide first-time buyers through the process. They'll explain what you need and why.

Experienced owner or mechanic? You might be comfortable buying from private sellers or through auctions. You know what to look for and can spot issues in listings.

Consider Your Timeline Need an engine quickly? Focus on sellers with stock on hand. Some manufacturers and large dealers have engines ready to ship within days.

Planning ahead for a winter overhaul? You can take time to find the perfect deal. You might negotiate better with sellers who've had listings up for months.

Evaluate Support Services Some sellers just sell the engine. Others offer:

If you're working on an experimental or homebuilt project, having access to technical advice can save you from costly mistakes. Some sellers specialize in kit aircraft and understand the unique challenges builders face.

Check Warranty Coverage New engines typically include two-year warranties from the manufacturer. Overhauled engines might have 6-12 month warranties from the rebuild shop. Used engines are often sold as-is.

Understand what's covered:

A shorter warranty from a reliable shop might be better than a longer warranty from an unknown rebuilder. The shop's reputation matters more than warranty length.

Consider Location and Shipping Engines are heavy. Shipping a Continental IO-550 can cost $500-1,000 depending on distance. Some sellers include shipping in their price. Others charge separately.

If you're in the USA and buying domestically, delivery is straightforward. International purchases add customs, duties, and complexity. Factor these costs into your budget.

Local sellers offer advantages. You can inspect in person, arrange pickup, and potentially build a relationship for future parts needs. Some airplane owners prefer supporting local aviation businesses.

Read Between the Lines Good sellers are specific in their listings. They include serial numbers, exact hours, known issues, and clear photos. They respond to questions quickly and thoroughly.

Sellers who use vague language ("good condition," "recently serviced," "low time") without specifics might be hiding problems. Sellers who pressure you to buy quickly ("this won't last long," "other interested buyers") might be more interested in closing sales than customer satisfaction.

The best seller for you is one who makes you feel confident. They answer your questions, provide documentation, and support your decision-making process without pressure. When you find that seller, hold onto their contact information for future needs.

If you're also considering affordable personal aircraft options, applying these same vetting principles will help you make smart choices across all your aviation purchases.

Conclusion

Finding trustworthy places where to buy aircraft engines online doesn't have to be stressful. Start with established platforms, verify everything, and don't rush the process. Your engine is the heart of your aircraft—it deserves the same careful attention you'd give to buying the plane itself. 

When you're ready to browse engines or need help with your search, Flying411 connects you with verified sellers and provides the resources you need to make confident decisions about your aviation purchases.

Frequently Asked Questions

What documents should come with a used aircraft engine purchase?

You should receive the complete engine logbook showing all maintenance and overhauls, a bill of sale transferring ownership, any applicable yellow tags or 8130-3 forms for overhauled components, and records of all airworthiness directives completed. Some sellers also provide storage preservation logs if the engine wasn't recently in service. Without these documents, the engine has limited value and may not be legal to install on a certified aircraft.

How can I verify an aircraft engine's serial number is legitimate?

Contact the manufacturer directly with the serial number and request verification. Lycoming and Continental both maintain databases of engines they've produced. You can also check the FAA registry if the engine was previously installed on a U.S.-registered aircraft. Compare the serial number on the data plate to what's listed in the logbook—they must match exactly. Any signs of tampering with the data plate are serious red flags.

Should I buy a zero-time engine or one with mid-time since overhaul?

Zero-time engines (newly overhauled) offer maximum remaining life but cost more upfront. Mid-time engines with 500-1000 hours since overhaul can be excellent values if they've been well-maintained and properly documented. Consider your flying plans—if you fly 50 hours annually, a mid-time engine might outlast your ownership. If you fly 200+ hours yearly, the additional cost of zero-time provides better long-term value and fewer interruptions.

Can I finance an aircraft engine purchase separately from the airplane?

Yes, several lenders specialize in aircraft component financing including engines. Companies like AOPA Finance, NavyFed Credit Union, and specialty aviation lenders offer loans for engine purchases, overhauls, and upgrades. Terms typically range from 3-10 years with rates based on creditworthiness. Some sellers also offer in-house financing or payment plans. Financing can help preserve cash flow while getting your aircraft back in service quickly.

What's the difference between a factory new engine and a factory rebuilt engine?

A factory new engine has never been operated and comes directly from the manufacturer's production line with zero time. A factory rebuilt engine (sometimes called remanufactured) has been completely disassembled, inspected to new engine specifications, and rebuilt by the original manufacturer using a mix of new and serviceable parts. Both carry full manufacturer warranties and are considered "zero time" engines, but rebuilt engines typically cost 20-30% less than new while meeting identical standards.