Patriot Aviation warns that there has been an increase in fraudulent aircraft sellers and online advertisements, particularly with regard to rotary aircraft.

Mark Souster, Patriot Aviation md, says: "These false adverts often feature aircraft advertised elsewhere by reputable dealers. The false adverts often show the owner's or broker's address but with a false email and phone number.

"The fraudsters normally advertise the aircraft at a much lower price than the official seller to encourage unwary buyers – and actual aircraft details vary as well as the aircraft hours and location. The phone numbers are premium rate and when contacted they will advise the buyer to transfer a sizable deposit to remove the aircraft from the market prior to a pre-purchase inspection."

Souster adds: "We advise buyers searching online for an aircraft to ensure they research the seller prior to committing to any purchase and where possible make use of the service offered by professional brokers and dealers."

Patriot Aviation is the UK's exclusive sales representative for the Cessna Caravan in the UK and Northern Ireland.

The warning comes as EBAN focuses on the critical role of bona fide aircraft salesmen featuring interviews from a wide range of industry figures ranging from Cessna Aircraft Company's vp Trevor Esling, to Avinco's helicopter expert Peter Dahm.

The daily routine can begin with an early morning telephone call and a flight of hundreds of miles to see a client who, at the last minute some weeks later, decides there is a better deal elsewhere.

The comments from those inter-viewed confirm that aircraft sales executives face stress and long working hours but can make good money and enjoy a lifestyle where they meet interesting people.

Bryan Johnston, president and ceo of Aviation World Services – AWS Lease Finance, points out: "Every part of the world operates differently, and out of 100 enquiries, you may do one or two, as the majority of people do not have a clue what is entailed in selling, financing or leasing an aircraft. They don't know what the costs are at all."

The sales executive has to cope with clients backing out and heavy maintenance problems being discovered during the pre-buy inspection. "A good sales rep earns lots of money as the commissions are very good, but as you are not on a salary, the stress is there. One good sale can keep you going for a few years."