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 [...]

Piper Aircraft Established in 1927 on the brink of the Great Depression by Clarence and Gordon Taylor, Piper initially operated under “Taylor Aircraft Manufacturing Company”. The founders aimed to create dependable and innovative aircraft. Tragically, just a year after the company's inception, Gordon died in an aircraft accident. After Gordon’s death, prominent businessman William Piper persuaded Clarence to keep the company thriving in Pennsylvania. They found early success with the Piper Cub, a model designed by the Taylor [...]

Mooney Founded in 1929 by brothers Albert and Arthur Mooney in Wichita, Kansas, Mooney International Corporation has navigated a tumultuous history marked by economic challenges. The onset of the Great Depression in 1930 led to bankruptcy for the fledgling company. During this difficult period, the Mooney brothers took on various jobs while Albert continued to nurture the vision of Mooney Aircraft Incorporated, eventually attracting financial support from bankers Charles Yankey and W. L. McMahon. Mooney's inaugural aircraft, the [...]