I Tried To Sell My Airplane... What Could Possibly Go Wrong 

Your integrity is way way beyond reproach . Yes you crack jokes but that is all part of your sense of humour BUT your ethics towards safety are exemplary.

You did the right thing Jimmy. It sucks the guy was mad, it sucks the deal was off, but at least he was alive to take his check back.

I think this experience perfectly illustrates the dangers of being “overqualified” as a pilot. Yes he was a 747 pilot but he wasn’t a GA pilot. Gotta know your equipment and conditions. His experience in big jets kept him from aborting in a little Sierra….just my opinion.He’s obviously a great pilot but there is no room for error as you put it Jimmy!

Jimmy you know you can't tell a commercial pilot how to fly a small plane ..They know it all

I spent many years as an FAA inspector for the Big Orange helicopter company. My stamp number is on thousands of parts flying and still in stock and will be flying someday. When you put your stamp on a part you better be sure it's GTG and measured out to print and had the proper certs with it. Because although I no longer work there I can still be held Civililly Liable for a part failure. I think about that everytime I see one flying.

I wouldn’t hesitate to buy an airplane from you because of how thoroughly you go over them. Love what you’re doing! Stay safe.

I flew back from St. Augustine to our base in West central Florida with an airline pilot, in his airplane. I was flying, he was the passenger. Yeah, it was 4 pm, in August, we had storms all around, but managed to dodge them easily. I do remember how uncomfortable he was, and realized, they fly mostly above the nasty stuff.

Jimmy, your requirement to have the buyer ride with you on a flight is spot on. That way, the buyer can see and understand the peculiarities of the airplane, if any. Great video lesson for everyone.

All I can say is where did you find this guy. For an experienced Commercial Captain it appears he was asleep during class at some phase during his training. I mean no.1: as a pilot he should know that in that sort of heat with that load (full tanks extra passengers) would impact performance and no.2: a less than expected performance at run up,should have caused him to abort. He should have never started down the runway in that case. You're right sounds like he was lucky that he didn't end up in the trees. It is also fortunate that your character is such that you refunded his money. You weren't required to do that.

Great story teller! Thanks for sharing that.

G'day Jimmy, I Love you're channel. I enjoy watching those videos you have talked about of ppl finding old automotive gems in barns that have been sitting for years and get them running as I love cars, but I also (more so) love aviation, and to watch you do with planes is so awesome. I am always waiting eagerly to see what you do next.

Not All Airline pilots are that way. I had a friend who was and he also owned a mom n pop airport. His hobby was rebuilding old cubs. One of the better GA pilots and mechanics I ever knew.

Jimmy I have heard this same story more than once about "I'm an Airline pilot, I can fly anything" attitude. I have also seen the mangle aftermath of the same attitude off the end of a runway or up in the mountains. I don't care if you have a million flight hours, you always take advice of those who know the area, conditions, and aircraft type. You always go through the AFM to verify the performance of the aircraft and to figure out if you can go or not. As the old saying goes, "Flying is inherently dangerous" especially if you don't pay attention and are arrogant.

Jimmy your idea to do takeoffs and landings is a great idea may also make the new owner more confident.

Appreciate your integrity Jimmy.

Interesting story, I've heard similar stories before about pilots coming from big iron to little planes and having problems. Example I have a friend that flies an Embraer for one of the regional airlines and also flies my Aztec, if he hasn't flown the Aztec in a while he'll ask me to come along to get himself comfortable again in the airplane.

You did everything by the book. The guy was not listening.

Definitely thankful for you and everyone involved, that's some scary stuff man. I love the channel and wish all the success

Great episode Jimmy! Hearing these real life stories A+.

I enjoy all your videos And I applaud your dedication to getting it right. And standing behind the brand

Thanks for the very heartfelt video, Jimmy. I have a feeling things will work themselves out.

Nice one. I love your openness and honesty.

EXCELLENT take on this. And thanx for sharing your experience!

Jimmy, I have taken off from that same field (Lakeland South) several times in peak summer with my Mooney 180 HP and never had a problem like I see in your actual footage, slow initial roll. Also you should be seeing redline RPM's (2700) with your brakes on or at the very least, once you hit 20 or 30 MPH with that constant speed prop. Sounds like you were not getting that from your description or maybe I'm wrong? Also check your tach against an optical or tach. Not unusual to see a mechanical tach off by a couple of hundred RPM's . If you think you are hitting 2700 RPM's when you are actually only making 2500, there would be a big difference in ground roll. Especially on a Hot Florida Humid Summer Day. Love your videos.

The take off and landing requirement is an excellent idea

Keep making videos like this and I'll gladly buy merch to support you. This is big time what RU-vid is about. Small guys sharing stories and experiences. No glitz needed.

I’m so impressed with the care you take over the prep of these aircraft, your concern for next owner is the reason you are a success.

This is why I love your stuff Jimmy! You actually seem to care about people and where your planes go!

Jimmy some ppl just don't get it Had a Mil.Pilot (f14) 3 in seats in a 172 DA 8700 ! Nope no burners in this model..Know your limitations AND the Airplanes!!!

jimmy your a professional. you take the time to make sure everything is up to snuff... i commend you on keeping people safe and sound. i agree with alot of these comments that your doing everything possible to make sure all is safe.. keep the mustache... tom selleck is jealous.. lol

Just wanted to commend you and thank you for your honesty and integrity. I just wish more people - not just in this arena, but when selling a car or a baseball card - would bring this kind of thoughtful consideration to what they’re doing. Granted, you’re dealing with life and death situations, but there are many others who would not have been as accommodating. Good luck with the sale and thanks for keeping us posted.

You are a good man Jimmy. Integrity is everything and you have it.

Love your videos. We all have to take responsibility for ourselves. You are a good guy

Reminds me of a flight my brother and I did out of Prescott, AZ (in an Archer, if memory serves). Hot day and high elevation. We ended up getting it in the air and flying to Sedona for lunch, but there was a moment when we were both saying “uhhhhh, those buildings at the end of the runway are starting to look big.”

First of all. One you also turn a plane over to a new owner on a long paved runway. Only turn over on soft field if there is no other option. You should have taken the plane to a good Airport that was your responsibility if my point of view. Especially when you know that soft runway takes some know-how and practice to get good speed on. When I heard you explain the take-off procedure I knew right then this was going to go bad. For anyone selling a plane never release it to a new owner on a soft field or short runway ever. Unless you live in an area where there is no paved runway for 50-100 miles. That is just not a responsible thing to do. even when the new owner states he can fly that soft field, no problem. Nope never. Also, you should never sell a plane without flying the plane a few times with the new owner going over everything over and over. GA gets a bad name because people do not make good decisions on the buyer and seller side. Make sure you do what is best practice not what is in the rule book, and go above and beyond for safety.

Hi Jimmy excellent video You are so right in everything you have said about this deal

Jimmy. Great life lesson. Agree 100% that they do a few patterns with you to get the hang of it.

Thank you Jimmie your the man,sometimes people need training and they will not admit it,all you can do,you bet on the refund and the test rides

Thank you for the video Jimmy.

That's a great attitude to have for selling anything, you don't want anybody to get hurt by your product. Good job Jimmy!!!

Truly enjoy your videos very educational and humorous to watch. I appreciate the sincerity of quality and reliability you show in your skills as an A&P and pilot. Will continue to watch your videos. Best of luck hope to meet you one day.

Jimmy, good video. Pitfalls of the GA industry are numerous. 100% agree with your comparison between the Tesla and the Model T. Us older fellas remember when your car had a clutch, rotary phones were the norm and seat belts were optional. Going from 747 to an old GA prop plane is the same thing. I believe your honesty and sincerity is commendable. Thank you.

Really like your idea of going up with the new buyer just for the sake of familiarization. Not the same as a car.

Love your channel!!!

Jimmy is the shit. Keep up the great work bother

Well Jimmy I'm glad you're such a stand-up guy God bless you I love your Channel I think with you and your kids do is awesome can't wait to see Pastor Jimmy again

Helluva story, Jimmy. I’m glad ya figured it out.

Excellent solution! Get the buyer in the plane, show them how to do it and that it works fine, then if they can't do it, walk away. Another great episode. Oh yeah, must add that after watching you for more than a year, my wife has finally gotten interested in Jimmy's World...HOWEVER...she say to say that the "pornstar mustache" needs to go...please. Now remember that's her not me so aim appropriately...fly safe.

I feel the same way Jimmy!! But, I’m not sure if I can get used to that fuzzy thang above your lip thou! 🤣🤣🤣🤦🏻‍♂️🙏🏻❤️

One of your best videos yet Jimmy! You definitely did the right thing. Hope the new sale goes smoothly. Looking forward to the new Aztec video series, you certainly have the parts to make it a real work horse. I think you will be using it a lot in your future aviation adventures. IMHO it flys way better than a 310. ( Ducking head for Cessna rocks thrown)

Better to err on the side of caution and safety n qualify potential buyers/flyers...Ty brother for this...

I think you handled this situation perfect! I've sold plenty of computer and vehicles in my time and have the same thought process as yourself. I'm going through ground school to get my PPl and seeing your videos and how you troubleshoot planes, handle people is great to see.

Jimmys World, "Note to self, take my forsale airplane to a paved runway to sell it."

Good story and learning opportunity.

😳😳😳😳 Thank good they brought it back and you had the prop rechecked!

an honest sincere and no joking Jimmy, I like it.

Great video, Jimmy. I appreciate your candor about what happened here and the concern and care you're putting into the sale of this. In Flying Magazine, the contributing columnist Les Abend, who is a recently retired 777 American Airlines captain has written a lot about the vast differential between flying "big iron" and flying GA airplanes - as he puts it, in a "Big Iron" you're more of a systems technician and manager than a stick and rudder man, and the decision trees for EVERYTHING is different than for a small/light/piston GA plane. You're still flying, the radio calls, navigation, etc. are similar (but not same), although you never fly VFR in a big dog, but that's about it for similarity. Yup, sell that pup to an experienced GA pilot who can demonstrate they can get home in one piece.

You're absolutely right Jimmy

Yes I know that ride wood be fun to fly in, keep on flying jimmy see ya next time great video see ya bye.

Yeah! This is tough. Responsibility for lives can ruin you. Be careful JUMMY.

Hi Jim, I fix scissor lifts and cherry pickers, I also carry out the ^ monthly inspections. Some customers really get annoyed when you fail a 135 ft cherry picker because something is not correct and could cause it to in the worst instance fall over. They don't think of the thousands of £'s or $'s spent on training and insurances to make sure when you certify something they know they are not going to get injured on it. Also, the same as you, no one will admit that they don't know how something works, even when you offer to show them, my friend has a fault code for that, he call it an ( ID 10 T ) Fault, I asked him what it stood for and then he wrote it close together ID10T ? Great Video, have you found out what was up with the Magnetoes yet ? Regards to you all Richard 🇬🇧

I worked as an inspector at a company that built wiring harnesses for Boeing jets. I still have a list of tail numbers that my inspection stamp was used on. Every time I see where one has gone down I start looking at the list... And I work for them 30 years ago. You might seem a little wild and crazy. Even a little bit silly on these videos but at the end of the day. You're still a pilot. The old addage of don't do the work if you wouldn't use it yourself comes to mind. You're not going to do anything with a plane that would make you afraid to take your own family up in it. Keep the videos coming I love watching them! "Can I get a clear prop!" And have a good day!

Jimmy, we love you. Period.

Smart thinking your a good honest pilot

You're a good man Jimmy!

I did flight training many years ago c.1986 when I was in my early 20s. At that time the owner of the flight school who had many years of training and many hours behind the yoke flew into a thunder storm killing himself and many members of his family. It occurred to me at that time if some one like him could make a mistake that cost him his life as well as many of the people he loved their lives, what are the chances of me doing something similar? I quit flying shortly after that. I still miss it. This is why I watch your channel. Just goes to show that someone with gobs of experience can still do something stupid. Keep up the good work Jimmy. Love your channel.

This was a great video and a step in the right direction. I watch every video you make and enjoy them very much. Your “schtick” has the air of a haphazard operation and apart of your routine. When it comes to aviation..only top notch professionalism is acceptable. Your channel is entertaining for sure but I’ve cringed on more than one occasion. This particular aircraft has had issues and still had one that thankfully has been rectified. You need all RPM and if your not getting it then you have to find out why. The aviation environment can be terribly unforgiving and we train personally for that eventuality and maintain our aircraft to that high standard. If I were you I’d use this as a learning event which turned out favorably and bring your game to another level. Make Jimmy Aircraft the envy of General Aviation and not a potential risk for someone somewhere down the road. I’ve been involved in aviation a long time with over 30,000 hours mostly in commercial jets but also small aircraft. Best wishes to you Jimmy..all the best.

Nice video Jimmy. Lessons Learned, You need to put a back drop behind the Citation windows to make it look like the outside sky?

Glad you sold it or will your a good man and true aviator

Mr Jimmy you are a class act!

Excellent stuff bro

This episode Jimmy is a lesson on complete thoroughness. It has saved many life's. Enjoy your humor and expertise. Keep your eyes out for the ET spaceships. Thanks Jimmy and catch you next time and God bless, bye now.

We had a Rockwell 114B that crashed shortly after we sold it due to a faulty fuel valve. Thankfully we hadnt undertaken any of the works ourselves but still felt dreadful! Then a few years later we sold a 210 turbo that also crashed on approach....!!!

Bought two of your shirt. Love your videos!

Back in the 80's when I was flying my ultralight in the Homestead Fl area I would witness, several times, where a pilot of HEAVY aircraft would just hop into a ultralight and think that they knew everything......... Wrong in so many ways, just like you said. Density Altitude? Nahhh I have plenty of power in my big birds....What could possibly go wrong with this tiny little thing .... ;-)

Wow. What an honest, great video. Good luck selling it. And yeah, take em up first!

Jimmy! You are AWESOME!!! I am not a pilot but have flown many small and large RC airplanes and I have witnessed many RC pilots takeoff with engines that were not running properly. Usually followed by a dead stick landing or crash. The engine on those do not magically fix themselves either. I am so glad that this 747 pilot got back in one piece. Love your channel. Ric

There I was, on the golf course when my JIMMY’S WORLD alarm went off. My golf game (which is bad to start with) went totally off the rails in anticipation of getting to visit with my hero. But this time it was a sobering reminder that aviation requires a level of attention to detail, a familiarity with your equipment and humility when assessing your skills. What could possibly go wrong? A lot. I think we could all see the concern in your face and hear the fear for that couple in your words. You are my hero and I do hope that pilot watches this video.

I am glad an accident was prevented. Maybe the flying skills of the 747 pilot saved the initial rushed decision. We have a hero pilot in Greece that saved an Olympic 747 from crashing in Athens downtown, when an engine failled after take off. Again it was in August with a fully loaded aircraft. All planes big and small fly on the same priciples. Thank you for the videos Jimmy we learn a lot from them.

Hello Jimmy, great video…as a marketing and sales guy …suggest think ahead in the sales function and try to head off problems before they kill your deal or kill your customer… You have an easy bird to sale….good luck and safe flying.

I understand your concerns. These aircraft are passing inspections. Sell your planes with a clear conscious. If the purchasers want perfect they would buy new with a warranty. Even then, no guarantees something won’t go wrong. Just my opinion.

Your right Jimmy, these are old planes but age has nothing to do with the numbers not adding up. If in doubt keep it on the ground.

My buddy was an A&P he put helacoil on a spark plug set on an old Cessna and the plane went down killing the two people aboard it. NTSB found the helicoil was part of the cause for the crash so my buddy got a $141K fine. Maybe I will tell you about his two other poor choices that played a role in a serious crash and loss of life. AS an A&P you must not take short cuts but you can do the best job possible and some stupid pilot will destroy your work in no time at all.

I like your comment at the end of the video about going with them at least three take offs and landings before you finalize a sale. It's definitely not like you're selling an old used car. Good luck on future sales Jimmy!

First of all Jimmy, kudos for taking the higher ground. That being said I fly for one of the major US carriers and I came from GA and do own a small plane and in his defense I’ll share a story from when I was looking a few years back for a plane to train my sons in. Summer of 2017 both my kids had taken a few lessons and really wanted to learn, so I figured the best way was to get a small plane they can share and after awhile sell it, and hopefully all I have in it is gas, ins. and some maintenance. The three of us are tall (all over 6’6”) so only a few varieties of plane would work and through a work connection I’m was told of a fellow Captain who is selling a Socata Tampico for a good price and they are considered “roomy.” So in Aug. I hop down from my home to DFW to check out the mighty Tampico. Now again I built time flying jumpers, pipeline patrol, night freight, the regional turboprops, the nasty 19 seaters with no flight attendant. Lots of time in 182s, Beech-18, C-400 series Cessnas, C-310’s! Beech Baron, Duke, 99’s, piper Lance, Navajos. In short I think I know my stuff when it comes to GA, but I’ve never flown a Tampico much less on a 95* Dallas afternoon. Anyhow my fellow Capt picks me up, we go to some small Dallas field and jump in. My first thought, the only calm thought I would have in the next 30 min., was looking at the wing I recall thinking how small it looks and only powered by 150 tired, at TBO ponies, hmmm. We taxi out, run up, line up and launch! Well, started rolling. Underwhelming doesn’t do it justice, especially considering when your use to throwing the spurs to 170,000 lbs of thrust. Finally at some speed he tells me to rotate, ha! I nudge the stick back, nose comes up, stall horn blares, and that’s about it. The main wheels still on the ground! I will not bore you with the rest but we did fly for about 15 min. The only thing that I recall is the VSI never really moved. Came back in and said thanks but no. Flying home I pondered was I that out of touch or was that thing a death trap? In the end I realized it was a bit of both and our arrogance of not thinking about density alt. and we were both big men was certainly a factor. In the end I got a 182, bit of a fuel hog for the speed you get but it is roomy, and on the days that I fly it I find great comfort in its solid, leaving-the-planet now climb rate, not to mention the comfort of that great hulking wing…

LOVE your backdrop for this vid🤩

I have had enough of these sort of people and now send my for sale items to the auction. Advice-Make sure you read the auction contract. They will point where to sing and date it hoping you don't read it. They can be very one sided in the auction place's favor.

I’m sitting here nodding my head as you go through this near disaster! Getting in over your head kills lots of people, glad it did not happen.

Jimmy, you are one of the few I would even consider buying from, you're very trustworthy

Glad it’s all working out!

Shows how big your heart is

Sierra's are notoriously under powered. I flew one for a while, other than the lack of power, and taking precautions for its limitations an awesome airplane!

You’re a good guy Jimmie

I'm glad you 100% that safe. I've enjoyed all your videos and the reason why I stayed watching your videos isn't because your funny and crazy at times but it's because your 100% safe. Thank you for everything I've learnt allot from your repairs and one day I'll be up and flying. I've been cleared from my doctors and the FAA doctor so I just have to get up the funds to get this training done and to see y'all at fun n sun next year. But I'm surprised your wife would have the grey hair as much worrying on everything you do. (Just saying ) lol. Take care be safe and GOD BLESS y'all

You did the right thing dude, GA is a very different deal to heavy commercial stuff.

Sludge inside the propeller? An explanation for us novices would be helpful. Thought is flew fine when you handled it... ?

Jimmy you need to put that on one of your T-shirts, if you haven’t already (what could possibly go wrong) I love it when you say that

1970 just got my private license and took , my dad flying - Piper Cub. My dad was a UAL Captain in DC-10s. The airport was a dirt strip anything but flat. To land you lined up with the runway and waited for the ground to come up to meet you. I was ready to give my old man lots of leeway. He flew it like that was the only thing he’d ever flown. His landing was one you’d cheer for on a DC-10. Surprised me for a second but then I realized who was flying it. MY DAD!

Jimmy,my life is similar. The only difference is the fact that at 56 I have no one answer to.I’ve spent a a lot of money on crappy looking old aircraft.spent most of my life in a hanger restoring things that should never fly again,and then it does.most fulfilling. I watch your show on utube,you are amazing!Keep it going,!

excellent video.... you did everything right... and those should be your sale restrictions on all the planes you sell !!!