How To Use VREF Online

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 understand why there may be some confusion, and we’re here to help.

VREF: The Aviation Blue Book

If you hear “book value” and immediately think about Kelley Blue Book®, you’re on the right track. Our book values for aircraft have similarities but are not intended to be viewed as a detailed appraisal.

A book value is nice to have but should not be the final say in whether or not you choose to purchase an aircraft. The amount shown for a book value assumes that everything is in good condition and in proper working order. It does not take into account renovations, updates, and technology improvements of any kind.

Where Does VREF’s Data Come From?

Data is updated on a continuous and regular basis. Deriving from our large aircraft online database, it is maintained in real-time by Accredited Senior Appraisers. This same database is used as an official value guide of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA). Additionally, it includes critical elements you might want to know, such as current and historical aircraft data.

How Is VREF Online Different From An Appraisal?

Other reports, such as valuations, may be as short as 4 pages. However, an appraisal goes into great detail and length covering a specific aircraft. Moreover, it determines an aircraft’s current and wholesale market value or historical market value.

VREF appraisals are conducted by Accredited Senior Appraisers. These experts have experience working with a variety of aircraft, including vintage aircraft and warbirds.

VREF Online is the database kept for all aircraft. However, it is not an individual appraisal and should not be used as such.

What About the Difference Between VREF Online and a VREF Book Subscription?

A book value is a jumping-off point of the true value of an item. A VREF book will provide quarterly insight on fixed-wing aircraft only. It does not give all of the information available in VREF Online. A VREF Book does not contain as much detail as an appraisal. But a VREF Book will be a good snapshot of fixed-wing aircraft if that is what interests you.

However, if you’re looking for more information, VREF Online is the best way to go.

VREF Online is a subscription-only, cloud-based software program full of features. It offers real-time online aircraft valuations using a vast aircraft value database, proprietary algorithms, and almost 30-years of historical data.

When you select one of our VREF Online subscriptions, you can immediately view our aircraft value database, including the latest updates on a full selection of aircraft.

VREF Online also includes:

Optional Equipment Lists
Modifications and STCs
Performance Data
Maintenance Expenses
Direct Operating Costs
Market Trend Data
Residual Values
Liquidation Values

1. Find The Aircraft Model You Intend To Buy Or Sell

Easy searchability makes finding an aircraft simple. You can search alphabetically by the manufacturer or from small to large airframe sizes. The search bar also allows you to look up any aircraft make, model, category, or serial number.

2. Track The Most Important Metrics

Examine our exclusive selection of aircraft valuation data, optional equipment lists, performance data, and so much more. Due to overwhelming demand, VREF Online has also published data on the operating costs for Pistons all the way through commercial aircraft. You’ll be able to craft your budget.

3. Explore Aircraft Listings

Learn what’s in demand or out of demand with market data trends. Easily track every single aircraft for sale on all the popular classified websites. Our staff of researchers sorts through every listing to provide you real-time updates – showing you how many are for sale, how many are in operation, along with the state of the model in terms of market demand.

4. Confirm Your Decision With Analytics

Once you have scaled into a particular model, it’s time to look at our advanced graphs and analytics. That will give you the bigger picture of the data already there. You’ll soon start to see tabled data as well as graphs for retail, wholesale, residual values.

VREF Online Is More Than a Reference Guide

Ideal for buyers, sellers, financial institutions brokers, and anyone from a single aircraft to a portfolio of hundreds, VREF Online, is the most value-packed database for the aviation industry.

We’re the ideal appraisal and valuation services business to stop by before you buy. With our appraisal services, you can get the detailed information you need to make a smart buying decision. You can also subscribe right away to VREF Online and receive immediate access to one of the largest aircraft databases in the world.