It’s true. The aircraft market environment is in flux due to supply parts and manufacturing delays. However, people are itching to know which single-engine piston aircraft are in the most demand and why. Owning your own aircraft offers a number of benefits you can’t get from being a passenger in an airport without one. Aircraft ownership is a luxury. And it’s now becoming harder to come by with changes in the industry, fewer supplies available, and not enough [...]

Getting a loan for an aircraft of your choice can be an endeavor; however, financing is an available option (of course, depending on a few factors). You might first assume that obtaining a loan for aircraft is a similar process to buying a car. In reality, funding your plane through a lender follows more closely with buying a home. The time frame is longer. Lenders offer different rates depending on your net worth, credit history, and aircraft model. [...]

If you’re having trouble purchasing an aircraft or getting your aircraft in for regular maintenance, know you’re not alone. There are several factors that are affecting the aviation industry at the moment. However, there is a large emphasis on aviation supply chain challenges causing some trouble for aircraft owners everywhere. In other words, if you haven’t stocked up on parts for your aircraft now, you could be waiting for a while to get the maintenance you need. Unfortunately, [...]

Looking to buy a project plane? It seems easy enough, but is it something you should consider? If there is one thing a hot market will create is a lack of inventory. The fewer the aircraft available to the buying public, the more appealing project aircraft become. There are varying degrees of what some call a project aircraft, from the easy stuff like cosmetic updates to total restoration that can take years to complete. Keep in mind that [...]

Since COVID-19 caused worldwide shutdowns, international travel has taken a nosedive and left many airlines with unbooked flights. As time has passed, establishments are reopening, and businesses are eager to get back to the new normal of a post-pandemic life. Along with businesses, individuals are itching to hit those sandy beaches and bustling city streets to make memories with family and friends alike. In addition, companies are ready to get back to regularly scheduled business travel without a [...]

By Jason Zilberbrand, ASA, CAA, ISA AM, AOA AM, MRAeS Let’s talk about one of the most significant aspects that can depreciate an aircraft immensely. We call it aircraft corrosion, and it can stop a potential buyer from ever closing a deal. Any corrosion on a plane is severe and can cause an aircraft to fail during flight. Various levels of decay have caused fatal and non-fatal crashes, including an England Airbus A330 in 2013, a Georgia ASA [...]

Is your aircraft due for its annual inspection? What do you actually know about this critical part of airplane ownership? Annual inspections keep your aircraft in safe, airworthy condition. You can address any issues before they cause an accident. Your inspection records are important when you sell your plane too. Good record-keeping and a history of making any necessary repairs can increase the resale value of your aircraft. Find out more about required aircraft inspections. You'll be able [...]

There is no greater freedom than soaring among the clouds. Whether you are shopping for business or pleasure, shopping for an aircraft is often the antithesis of that freedom. Trying to figure out the maze of technical details and prices can be mind-boggling. It doesn't have to be hard, though! There are tons of ways to help match you with a perfect airplane. From accessing FAA records to negotiating lien dismissal, there are several ways to help you [...]

By Jason Zilberbrand , ASA, CAA, ISA AM, AOA AM, MRAeS Ever wish there was a database with everything you could want as a buyer or seller of aircraft? VREF Online offers a load of useful information to pilots, potential aircraft owners, financial institutions, and other companies. All of this information regarding aircraft appraisal services can easily become overwhelming. For example, you may be asking yourself, “What is the difference between an appraisal versus a book value?” We [...]