In this episode of Hanger Flying, Gabe Muller speaks with Matt Hutton from Airspace Auctions about the innovative approach to selling aircraft through online auctions. They discuss Matt's journey into aviation, the importance of community in the aviation sector, and the detailed process involved in aircraft auctions. The conversation highlights the unique lifestyle of aviation enthusiasts and the potential for building community spaces at airports. Matt shares insights into the challenges of hiring in the aviation industry and the innovative strategies Airspace Auctions employs to connect buyers and sellers effectively.

Takeaways:

• Airspace Auctions provides a comprehensive aircraft sales process with no upfront costs and a 92% success rate.

• Their documentation includes 150 photos, walk-around videos, complete logbook scans, FAA documentation, and NTSB reports when applicable.
• The auction process includes a 30-60 day publication period followed by a 7-day live online auction.
• All sales are completed through AIC Title with required funding within 7 days and aircraft pickup within 14 days.
• The company has expanded to include FBO services at 3F2 (Cisco, TX) with fuel services coming in 30-45 days.

Sound Bites:

• Ag Aviation's not just a job - it's a lifestyle."
• "About 10 to 15% of the people that buy from us actually do a pre-buy inspection. They buy these airplanes sight unseen."
• "We're transforming the way people transact their aircraft."
• "We're trying to add a level of transparency that's never happened in aircraft purchasing before."
• "We sell more airplanes on Facebook marketplace than anywhere else."

Chapters

00:00 Welcome to Hanger Flying

01:27 Introduction to Airspace Auctions

02:46 The Journey into Aviation

04:44 Building a Community at the Airport

06:51 The Auction Process Explained

09:56 Innovations in Aircraft Sales

Links:

https://bids.airspaceauctions.com/

https://www.smokehousepilots.com/