HangarVault

Terms of Service

Last updated: March 30, 2026

1. Acceptance of Terms

By accessing or using the HangarVault platform ("Service"), you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service ("Terms"). If you do not agree to these Terms, you may not use the Service. HangarVault reserves the right to update these Terms at any time, and continued use of the Service constitutes acceptance of any changes.

2. Platform Role — Facilitator Only

HangarVault operates as a marketplace facilitator connecting aircraft buyers and sellers. HangarVault is not a party to any transaction between buyers and sellers. We do not take title to any aircraft, inspect aircraft, or guarantee the accuracy of any listing information. All transactions are between the buyer and seller directly.

HangarVault does not provide legal, financial, or aviation-specific advice. Users are responsible for conducting their own due diligence before entering into any transaction.

3. User Accounts & Identity Verification

To participate in auctions or create listings, you must create an account and complete identity verification through our third-party verification provider (Stripe Identity). You agree to:

  • Provide accurate, complete, and current information
  • Maintain the security of your account credentials
  • Accept responsibility for all activity under your account
  • Immediately notify HangarVault of any unauthorized use

HangarVault reserves the right to suspend or terminate accounts that fail identity verification, provide false information, or violate these Terms.

4. Listing Types

4.1 Auction Listings

Auction listings are timed online auctions with defined start and end times. Bidding is binding, and the highest bidder at auction close is obligated to complete the purchase. Auctions may include a reserve price set by the seller. If the reserve is not met, the seller is not obligated to sell.

4.2 Classified Listings

Classified listings are fixed-price advertisements. HangarVault facilitates the listing but does not manage the transaction process for classified sales. Buyers and sellers negotiate and transact directly.

5. Buyer's Premium

A buyer's premium of 5% of the hammer price (capped at $5,000) is charged to the winning bidder on all auction transactions. The buyer's premium is non-refundable once charged, regardless of whether the underlying aircraft transaction is completed. The buyer's premium is HangarVault's fee for providing the auction platform and is separate from the purchase price of the aircraft.

6. Bidding Rules

  • Binding bids: All bids are legally binding offers to purchase the aircraft at the bid amount. Do not bid unless you are prepared to complete the purchase.
  • Anti-sniping: If a bid is placed within the final 2 minutes of an auction, the auction end time is automatically extended by 2 minutes.
  • Shill bidding prohibited: Sellers, their agents, and related parties are strictly prohibited from bidding on their own listings.
  • Bid retraction: Bids may not be retracted except in extraordinary circumstances at HangarVault's sole discretion.

7. Escrow & Payment

For auction transactions, the aircraft purchase price (hammer price) is facilitated through Escrow.com, a licensed escrow service. The buyer's premium is charged separately via Stripe. Both parties must cooperate with the escrow process in good faith.

Failure to complete an escrow transaction after winning an auction may result in account suspension, forfeiture of the buyer's premium, and potential legal action.

8. As-Is Sales & Pre-Buy Inspections

All aircraft listed on HangarVault are sold "as-is, where-is" unless explicitly stated otherwise in the listing. HangarVault strongly recommends that buyers:

  • Arrange a pre-purchase inspection by a qualified A&P or IA mechanic before finalizing any purchase
  • Review all available logbooks, maintenance records, and airworthiness documentation
  • Verify FAA registration, title status, and any liens
  • Conduct a title search through an aircraft title company

HangarVault is not responsible for the condition, airworthiness, or title status of any aircraft listed on the platform. Buyers assume all risk associated with the purchase.

9. Seller Responsibilities

Sellers agree to:

  • Provide accurate and complete information about the aircraft
  • Disclose all known material defects, damage history, and title issues
  • Have legal authority to sell the aircraft
  • Cooperate with the buyer and escrow process upon successful sale
  • Not manipulate bidding through shill bids or other deceptive practices

10. Comment & Community Guidelines

HangarVault provides a comment section on listings for aviation-focused discussion. Users must:

  • Keep comments relevant to the listed aircraft
  • Be respectful and professional in all interactions
  • Not post spam, promotional content, or off-topic material
  • Not harass, threaten, or defame other users
  • Not post personally identifiable information of others

HangarVault reserves the right to moderate, edit, or remove any comments at its sole discretion. Users who violate community guidelines may have their accounts suspended or terminated.

11. Dispute Resolution

In the event of a dispute between buyer and seller, HangarVault may, at its sole discretion, attempt to mediate but is not obligated to do so. HangarVault's role is limited to facilitating the platform and does not include arbitration or adjudication of disputes.

Any disputes between you and HangarVault shall be resolved through binding arbitration in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association, conducted in the State of New York. You agree to waive your right to a jury trial and to participate in class action lawsuits.

12. Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law, HangarVault shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages arising from your use of the Service, including but not limited to losses from transactions, aircraft defects, fraud, or misrepresentation by other users.

HangarVault's total liability for any claim arising from the Service shall not exceed the fees paid by you to HangarVault in the 12 months preceding the claim.

13. Intellectual Property

The HangarVault name, logo, and all platform content (excluding user-submitted content) are the property of HangarVault. Users retain ownership of their submitted content but grant HangarVault a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use, display, and distribute such content on the platform.

14. Termination

HangarVault may terminate or suspend your account at any time, with or without cause, with or without notice. Upon termination, your right to use the Service ceases immediately. Provisions that by their nature should survive termination will survive, including ownership, warranty disclaimers, and limitations of liability.

15. Governing Law

These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York, without regard to its conflict of law provisions.

16. Contact

For questions about these Terms, please contact us at legal@hangarvault.com.