The aviation industry is at a turning point. With an ongoing pilot shortage and rising air travel demand, the need for highly trained pilots has never been greater. As experienced senior pilots retire or turn towards more competitive job offers, flight schools must adapt their strategies for single-engine flight training to set the foundation for future pilots.   Explore the significance of flight schools using single-engine aircraft to focus on teaching fundamental skills, real-world decision-making, and structured training for [...]

Generally, aircraft haven’t changed much in their design over the years. What has become more apparent is the need for advanced safety features that utilize technology for the benefit of pilots, passengers, other travelers, and the citizens on the ground below. Catch up with changes in general and single-engine aircraft safety features from across the world over 7 key areas: Emergency Autoland & Autothrottle Systems Electronic Stability and Protection (ESP) Enhanced Vision Systems (EVS) Flight Management System-Guided Visual [...]

Aircraft manufacturers are stepping up to deliver more aircraft as demand continues to increase. Embraer plans to deliver up to 18% more aircraft this year alone and just made a $7 billion deal with Flexjet to deliver 182 aircraft.  With contracts and orders signed, and money exchanged, the real question is how will aircraft companies navigate global supply chain shifts in aviation? Dive into recent findings to see how these shifts are reshaping the private aircraft market. Make [...]

Since the start of 2025, the news has seen an uptick in commercial and private aviation incidents and near disasters. While not all of those incidents can be attributed to weather, we do see how weather impacts single-engine aircraft performance regardless of the make and model you choose.  Extreme conditions continue to increase globally, directly correlating to risk when flying a single-engine aircraft. Of all general aviation accidents, an estimated 27% are attributed to adverse weather conditions. Explore [...]

According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) could contribute around 65% of the reduction in emissions needed by aviation to reach net zero CO2 emissions by 2050. So, what’s the deal with SAF, and why can’t it be used for every aircraft in the skies? Examine the complexities of SAF in aviation and how it can affect private aircraft performance. Explore VREF's aircraft appraisal services. What To Know About Sustainable Aviation Fuel & [...]

Don’t be fooled – owning a private plane versus chartering one requires completely different levels of responsibility for passengers, aircraft owners, and charter companies. From incident liability and insurance coverage to conducting routine maintenance and timely inspections, remaining proactive as an aircraft owner is critical to operating an aircraft safely and efficiently.  The best way to answer this question is by going back and asking what you need from a private aircraft. Ask probing questions to get to [...]

Getting an aircraft appraisal is an essential part of aircraft ownership. An appraisal is sometimes seen as an unnecessary expense or another item on your maintenance checklist, however, neglecting aircraft appraisals can have serious consequences beyond simple market value assessments.  Understanding the true value of your aviation assets is necessary for you to:  Meet aircraft insurance requirements Avoid being over or underinsured Provide reliable documentation for legal and insurance claim disputes Acquire financing and ensure smooth transactions Eliminate [...]

Complete, detailed logbooks are the only ones that matter in aviation. Some of the most common mistakes in aircraft logbook maintenance typically don’t result in major setbacks for aircraft owners.  However, some mistakes could impact your logbook credibility and overall aircraft value. Missing logbooks can cause a significant double-digit loss – anywhere between 40% and 60% of the total aircraft value. Avoid the most common mistakes aircraft owners make to ensure more accurate and reliable aircraft maintenance records [...]

When buying an aircraft, the importance of pre-purchase inspections cannot be overstated. This crucial step acts as a safeguard, better ensuring that your investment is sound and that you fully understand the aircraft's condition before finalizing its purchase. The importance of pre-purchase inspections in aircraft buying can be the difference between making an informed or bad financial decision. Regardless of the aircraft you end up with, getting a pre-purchase inspection puts you in a better buying position than [...]

In aviation, improper aircraft maintenance can cost owners more time and money in the long run. When safety is a priority, regular upkeep is essential for ensuring optimal performance and protecting the lives of passengers and crew.  Neglecting maintenance leads to dire consequences, ranging from safety hazards to unexpected financial burdens. When essential upkeep is overlooked, the risks escalate, potentially resulting in costly repairs and operational disruptions.  Want to talk to an expert? Contact VREF today. 8 Critical [...]