Following the outbreak of COVID-19, commercial air travel fell drastically. Currently, the United States is rounding a corner of the pandemic, and more people are free to fly around the country with little restriction. However, with the temporary measures that restricted air travel in 2020, private air travel increased. Despite the lowering of commercial restrictions, more and more people have gotten a taste of flying private and don’t plan on stopping any time soon. Read on to learn [...]

Most people who want to find an aircraft with no inventory find that non-stop searching is necessary in finding something valuable. Whether listings show up on social media and auction platforms like Facebook, eBay, or Craigslist, there may not be a viable aircraft for purchase. This means that while sellers may list a ton of aircraft, only a select few are truly, genuinely for sale. In the current market, people are having a hard time finding planes as [...]

By Jason Zilberbrand, ASA, CAA, ISA AM, AOA AM, MRAeS When it comes to selling an aircraft, most people are above board, fully transparent, and open about the condition and pedigree of the plane. But with a super hot market, many owners with problematic aircraft find the perfect environment to get rid of the "lemon." So what can you do to protect yourself when no one else will? What do unscrupulous sellers do to lure you into a [...]

By Jason Zilberbrand, ASA, CAA, ISA AM, AOA AM, MRAeS Most first-time buyers and potential aircraft owners want to know whether money can be made by buying a private jet. After all, who wouldn't want to fly for free and flip that plane for a profit? So, is it possible to make a profit by buying a private jet? No, for the most part, you can not make money on a private jet purchase. Just as it is [...]

by Jason Zilberbrand, ASA No online likes surprises – especially expensive ones. As a potential aircraft owner, you want to make the most informed decision when purchasing an aircraft. If you are a current aircraft owner, then you might be looking to organize your assets for estate planning. No matter which side you stand, the one thing both of these groups have in common is the eventual need for a trustworthy and accurate aircraft valuation. 10 Insider Tips [...]

Determining the market value of an aircraft is a process that involves many different steps. You want to do things like get an appraisal and understand the fair market value for your aircraft. One of the most important steps in selling or buying an aircraft is its valuation. Aircraft valuations are critical to making sure you are getting the best price. If you are considering buying or selling an aircraft, knowing where to start can be helpful. So, [...]

For private pilots, owning a plane is often viewed as something of a status symbol. It allows for quick, easy access to traveling like no other means of transportation; but, does it have to come with a high price? Is owning your own plane worth the cost? As with many things in life, that depends. Today we're here to help you answer that very question with a helpful collection of points that should guide your decision. Do [...]

There are over 14,000 private airports in the United States. That is almost triple the number of public airports that come in at around 5,000. Owning a private plane allows you access to the vast majority of landing-strips nationwide. Whether you are an experienced pilot or have recently earned your wings, a light-sport aircraft offers many advantages that other planes lack. If you are considering purchasing a plane, don't overlook the light-sport aircraft category. This guide will [...]

Whether you're buying or selling a plane, one of the most important aspects to know is the airplane's value. You won't truly know what a plane is worth and could end up with a major loss. As a buyer or a seller, you must be looking out for your best interests as a broker will not. That is why you need to hire an aircraft appraiser who has no bias, no ownership, and no financial gain from [...]

The pre-owned aircraft market has seen the number of first-time buyers double in the second half of 2020. Whether you're buying your first aircraft or you have years of experience in the market, you need accurate information to help you make the best purchasing decisions. VREF has been providing aircraft valuations and appraisals since 1994. VREF is the official valuation guide and appraisal company for the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA). You can get your VREF [...]