How do I know if the used airplane I want to buy has been in any major accidents or has any title problems?

Just like used car sales in the United States, there is a market of used aircraft sales as well.  There are many dealers who sell used airplanes and services that match sellers with potential buyers.  The used aircraft sales business is even conducted by the US military who sells surplus military aircraft that do not meet the stringent military standards set by the Federal Aviation Administration (“FAA”). 

You can do a title search on the FAA website and if you enter a plane identification number (i.e. an N-Number inquiry) that may not be suitable for use and operation, the FAA will inform you of the findings.  If the plane you are searching has been in any major accidents or has been compromised in any meaningful way, the FAA will have that information documented and available upon request.  Once you have completed your research and have participated in a used aircraft sales transaction, you must file a registration application at the Aircraft Registration Branch.