FAQ:
1. Do you need an invitation to attend?
2. What is the procedure for bidding on the aircraft?
3. Can you bid via phone?
4. Is there a minimum or starting bid?
5. How is payment to be made?
6. What is the history of this aircraft and why are you selling it?
7
. What records (airframe / engine logs) are available with the aircraft?
8
. Is the title clear?
9. Can I see the airplane in advance of the auction?
10
. I also didn't see a photo of a tail wheel. Is it on a dolly because the tail wheel is flat?
11. Is there a hangar available to rent until the aircraft could be disassembled and trucked out?
12. What other aircraft parking options are there?
13. How soon does it have to be moved after sale?
Do you need an invitation to attend?
No - the auction is open to the public. Please come by.
What is the procedure for bidding on the aircraft?
The event will be handled like most other live auctions you have attended only the auctioneer will be the Sheriff.
Can you bid via phone?
Bidding can be done in person or over the phone but you will probably need a legal proxy here on site to handle your call and the paperwork. We don't have sufficient phone line access to provide this service to all potential bidders. There are likely a number of aircraft brokers in the area that could provide this service for much less than the cost of a trip to San Jose
Is there a minimum or starting bid?
No, there is no minimum or starting bid.
How is payment to be made?
A minimum of ten percent (10%) of the purchase price must be paid in cash at the time of sale. The remainder must be paid within seven (7) days in the form of cash, certified check or money order. Failure to pay the remainder due within seven days or backing out of the sale will result in forfeiture of the 10% deposit.
The new owner will be responsible for storage fees from the date of sale until the aircraft is removed from the facility. These fees will be paid directly to the airport and must be either a cash, check, or money order.
What is the history of this aircraft and why are you selling it?
This Stearman was purchased directly from the government in the early 50s by the current owner. It was flown to Reid-Hillview Airport after purchase, and to the best of anyone's knowledge was only flown sporadically in the early 1950s. It then sat in the owner's hangar until he became delinquent several years ago. After protracted but unsuccessful efforts to resolve the issue with the owner, who is currently in his 80's, County staff took the legal steps necessary to arrange the auction to recover the unpaid rent and taxes. The Santa Clara County Sheriff has taken possession of the aircraft and have set up a public auction for March 15th. The highest bidder will receive paperwork from the Sheriff showing legal ownership and we will help the new owner file for a registration change with the FAA based on that paperwork. The aircraft hasn't flown in over 50 years but still retains its original markings and most of the original equipment including the original engine. Its never been used for any other purpose than military training and a personal aircraft. We assume it is a very low time airframe but we have no logbooks or records to go with the aircraft.
What records (airframe / engine logs) are available with the aircraft?
Unfortunately we have no aircraft or engine logbooks for the aircraft. We have it on good authority that the aircraft hasn't flown for over 50 years and was only flown sporadically after the current owner bought it from the government in the early '50s. It is doubtfully that the current owner has any logbooks either...he's in his '80s and has not been responsive to requests for the past year.
Is the title clear?
Aircraft do not have a title, however the County Sheriff will provide the highest bidder with the legal paperwork needed to file for a new registration with the FAA and our airport staff will help with that transaction.
Can I see the aircraft in advance of the auction?
We will try to have the aircraft available for viewing at least 1/2 hour prior to the beginning of the auction. If you would like to see the aircraft sooner you may contact Chris Nucci at (408) 592-2686 or chris@countyairports.org to arrange for a visit.
I also didn't see a photo of a tail wheel. Is it on a dolly because the tail wheel is flat?
The tail-wheel is there but it is flat.
Is there a hangar available to rent until the aircraft could be disassembled and trucked out?
There is a temporary hangar available for $35.00 per day. Outside transient parking is available for $8.50 per day. Permanent outside parking is $115.00 while a permanent hangar will require putting your name on the hangar waiting list and cost between $327.00 - $1,356. Putting your name on the RHV hangar waiting list usually results in a hangar within 1-2 years. There are permanent hangars available at the South County airport, 20 miles south of RHV.
How soon does the aircraft need to be moved.
The temporary hangar would be available for up to 60 days. After that you would need to move the aircraft onto the transient line or sign up for a tie-down account. Putting your name on the hangar waiting list usually results in a hangar within 1-2 years.
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