FAQs And Resources
When selecting an aircraft appraiser, look for someone with extensive aviation industry experience and accreditation from the American Society of Appraisers. A qualified appraiser should understand how maintenance, damage history, upgrades, aircraft, and market conditions affect value, while also being able to thoroughly analyze records and assess an aircraft's condition.
The best appraisers combine technical expertise with professionalism, transparency, and effective communication, ensuring clients receive an accurate, unbiased opinion they can confidently rely on for transactions, financing, insurance, or legal matters.
https://avriosav.com/what-to-look-for-in-an-aircraft-appraiser/
I am a 40+ year aviation professional. I started my career in aviation as a bush pilot in Central and South America. Since then, I have spent the majority of my career with two corporate/business aircraft OEMs, focusing on aircraft Field Support and Pre-owned Aircraft Management, primarily involving turboprops and business jets with a focus on Business Jet Values and Pre-Owned Market Research.
I hold a Commercial Pilot certificate with instrument and multi-engine ratings, as well as an A&P Technician license with Inspection Authorization (IA). In addition, I am accredited by the Am. Society of Appraisers as an Accredited Senior Appraiser (ASA) in aircraft.
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Choosing an ASA-accredited appraiser ensures your aircraft valuation is credible, objective, and professionally defensible. ASA appraisers are required to follow recognized standards like USPAP, have verified experience and credentials, and adhere to a strict code of ethics that promotes independence and transparency. Their work is widely trusted by lenders, attorneys, insurers, and regulators, which can help streamline transactions and support valuations in audits or disputes. Overall, an ASA appraiser provides confidence that the value is accurate, unbiased, and supported by established methodology.
USPAP (Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice) is a set of guidelines governing how appraisals are developed and reported in the United States. It establishes requirements for ethics, methodology, and transparency, ensuring that valuations are independent, clearly documented, and based on a consistent framework. In aircraft valuation—where factors like maintenance status, configuration, and market conditions can significantly impact value—USPAP provides a structured approach to determining and communicating a credible opinion of value.
USPAP standards ensure the results are defensible and reliable for financing, insurance, tax reporting, and legal matters. By requiring disclosure of assumptions, data sources, and any potential conflicts of interest, USPAP enhances trust and transparency, giving lenders, courts, and other stakeholders confidence that the valuation is accurate, unbiased, and professionally supported.
https://avriosav.com/why-uspap-compliance-matters-in-aircraft-appraisals
A desktop appraisal can typically be completed in 1 week, provided the aircraft information is readily available. For a full on-site appraisal, I typically plan for 2 weeks, including 1 day on-site to review the airplane.
It may be possible to expedite the process under certain circumstances. I will do my best to work with you to complete the appraisal to support your timeline while still maintaining standards and accuracy.
A desktop aircraft appraisal uses information provided by the client, market data, and assumptions about the aircraft’s condition rather than a physical inspection. In contrast, a full (onsite) appraisal includes a direct inspection of the aircraft and records. The key difference is the level of verification—a desktop appraisal is more assumption-based, while a full appraisal validates those assumptions with firsthand observation.
While both include the same level of market analysis, a desktop appraisal is typically faster and more cost-effective, while a full appraisal provides a higher level of accuracy, credibility, and defensibility.
https://avriosav.com/the-importance-of-a-full-aircraft-appraisal/ https://avriosav.com/understanding-desktop-appraisals-evaluating-aircraft-value-without-a-physical-inspection/
The aircraft appraisal process begins with defining the purpose and scope of the assignment, followed by gathering detailed data on the aircraft’s condition, maintenance, and history. The appraiser then conducts market research and analysis, comparing the aircraft to similar models and applying adjustments to determine value. Finally, the appraiser prepares and delivers a formal report with a supported value conclusion, including certifications and required disclosures.
While my primary focus is on turboprops up through mid-size business jets, I have appraised a wide range of aircraft, from piston singles such as the SR22 and Air Tractor agricultural aircraft to super-midsize business jets including the Challenger 604 and Falcon 2000LX. I have also conducted appraisals on Robinson helicopters.
No! I do not use artificial intelligence in analyzing aircraft sales data or developing aircraft values. Doing so can conflict with several USPAP requirements, including the Competency, Transparency, and Confidentiality rules. However, AI may be used in a very limited capacity for drafting non-analytical sections of an appraisal report, provided it does not involve valuation computations or the use of confidential information.
Every airplane is unique. Pricing guides rely on assumptions and often lag real market conditions. Pricing guides ignore the differences in avionics, maintenance quality, usage, total time, component status, programs, and damage history that can significantly impact value.
Since the advent of AI, new online appraisal services have emerged. While some may provide valuations that improve on basic price guides, their accuracy and consistency still fall short of what you receive from a desktop or full onsite appraisal performed by an ASA-accredited appraiser. And more importantly, those appraisals will not stand up in court.
Desktop and Onsite appraisals incorporate the specific details of your aircraft along with in-depth analysis of current market conditions and recent sales data to determine value—resulting in a more accurate, well-supported, and credible appraisal.