Podcast: The Truth About the Market
 Host: Jason Zilberbrand, President & CTO, VREF
 Length: ~45 minutes
 Theme: The global engine crisis—what caused it, how it’s reshaping aircraft values, and what every operator needs to do next

Episode Overview

In this episode, Jason Zilberbrand breaks down one of the biggest challenges facing aviation today: the engine shortage. From skyrocketing overhaul lead times to the myth of “guaranteed coverage,” he exposes how years of labor attrition, supply chain collapse, and OEM monopolization have created the perfect storm.

If you’ve struggled to schedule an overhaul, find a loaner engine, or even order basic components, this episode connects the dots—showing why downtime is now the single biggest driver of aircraft value and why traditional engine programs may not protect you the way you think they do.

With real-world data, case studies, and practical guidance, Jason walks through how operators, brokers, and lenders can survive the shortage and plan ahead in a system stretched to its limits.

In This Episode

  • How the “engine crunch” happened: COVID’s ripple effect, early retirements, supply chain failures, and OEM consolidation
  • Why your engine program isn’t a safety net: The difference between cost protection and availability
  • The CF34 crisis: How one accident triggered a massive industry-wide service bulletin
  • Loaner engines and logistics: Why they’ve become nearly impossible to find
  • How downtime destroys value: Why a fresh overhaul now adds more resale power than a program contract
  • The top-overhaul trap: Why partial rebuilds hurt appraisals and financing
  • The new engine economy: Scarcity, premiums, and a secondary market for “ready-to-run” powerplants
  • Predictive maintenance: How real-time analytics are reshaping the future of reliability

Key Takeaways

  • Downtime is the new currency. The aircraft that fly are the ones that hold value.
  • Coverage ≠ availability. Engine programs manage cost, not capacity.
  • Fresh engines win every time. Overhauled powerplants drive sales, liquidity, and lender confidence.
  • Transparency matters. Maintenance forecasts and SB compliance now make or break deals.
  • Plan a year out. Reserve slots, pre-order parts, and read the fine print—before it’s too late.

Jason’s Truth

“Coverage doesn’t equal availability. The smartest operators aren’t just paying their hourly rates—they’re planning ahead. Because in this market, downtime kills deals.”

Mentioned in This Episode

  • CF34-3B & Challenger 604/605/650 fleet
  • HTF7000 family (CL300/350/3500, G280)
  • Lycoming TIO-540 and Continental IO-550 engines
  • Rolls-Royce CorporateCare, GE OnPoint, Pratt & Whitney ESP, Honeywell MSP, JSSI, and EAP
  • Predictive maintenance systems: Smart Services, FAST, FalconCare, AHEAD-PRO, ProAdvantage

What Smart Operators Are Doing Now

  1. Book early: Secure your overhaul slot 6–12 months ahead—deposits help lock it in.
  2. Bundle downtime: Pair engine work with paint, interior, and avionics upgrades.
  3. Pre-buy parts: Order long-lead items early and check tariffs or freight surcharges.
  4. Audit coverage: Know exactly what your program excludes—especially FOD and corrosion.
  5. Track paperwork: Keep detailed service records, logbooks, and SB documentation.
  6. Model your options: Compare the real cost of staying on a program vs. self-insuring.
  7. Think resale: Highlight fresh overhauls and compliance to protect future value.

Key Statistics & Trends

  • MRO turnaround times: Up 150% for new-gen engines
  • CF34 SB 72-0347 impact: Thousands of affected engines
  • Overhaul costs: +40% since 2020; inflation and labor lead the surge
  • Used engine premiums: 2× pre-pandemic averages for documented, ready-to-run units

Brought to You By

VREF — The Trusted Name in Aircraft Valuations and Appraisals.
 Whether you fly a piston single or manage a business jet fleet, VREF keeps you grounded in data that matters. Know what your aircraft is really worth before you buy, sell, or finance at vref.com.