How to Purchase a Military Plane

Join a group. Because of the financial cost of a plane, and the difficulty dealing with the United States government trying to purchase a plane, many collectors form collectors groups and pool resources. A group is more likely to get an opportunity to purchase a plane than an individual. Joining a group is a good idea even if personal purchase is the goal. The group can collectively assist in the process and advise when hurdles arise.

Expect a grounded version of the aircraft. The United States government strips its planes of all its special equipment. This results in a non-functional, grounded plane. Don't expect to get a plane capable of performing in an air show or static display from the United States military.

Try to build a plane from scrap. The only way to get a working United States military plane is to find several scrap planes in junkyards and assemble a full plane from them. This is not an option for most people. However, if there's knowledge of plane mechanics and operations, it is a possibility.

Go foreign. Buying a plane from a European source is much easier than trying to purchase one from the United States. In rare instances, the United States has sold aircraft to European countries, who have then sold them to private individuals in the United States.

Have a foot in the door. The planes that the military have let go of have gone to ex-military men. The military does not sell its planes to those who have not served. Even retired military men have to jump through a lot of hoops to get a chance to purchase a military plane.