Appraisals and appraisers are not all the same, and once you realize that accreditation is optional, how can you protect yourself from a lousy evaluation? The need to hire an appraiser is never apparent until you need one. For example, say you want to figure out how much great grandma's diamond ring is worth for your new insurance policy? Or maybe you need to figure out the value of another pricey item you'd like to sell, such as [...]

With the average helicopter costing anywhere from $250,000 to $1,700,000 you better bet finding a deal is worth the effort. But how do you shop savvy, and how do you recognize areas you can cut back on without risking the quality and safety of your new aircraft? Not to worry, here's a simple guide on how to get the best deal when you buy a helicopter. Finding a Deal When You Buy a Helicopter Freedom, adventure, convenience, what more [...]

You know the adage if it's in print it must be true! Well, when it comes to the internet and aviation information, most of what you read is not only inaccurate but severely outdated. When it comes to the transparency of data, most of what you find available on the world wide web is anything but factual. Rarely do you find a source cited, or a so-called expert backing up a claim. With aviation values and market demand, [...]

If you’re an airplane enthusiast and been flying in other people’s aircraft or renting a plane, then you’ve likely considered buying your own. Unlike buying a house or car, buying an airplane, whether it’s a single-engine Cessna or a private jet, is more complicated than you think. Amongst several factors, it can be difficult to find a lender to finance the plane of your choice. Here is what you need to know! The good news is you can [...]

No business exists in a vacuum. Social trends, economic shifts, and technological advancements can have a major impact, and the aviation industry is no exception. Whether you're primarily focused on freight or passengers, knowing what's ahead can help you keep up and plan for a successful future. Here's a peek into the airline industry trends we expect to continue throughout the rest of 2019. Airline Industry Trends in 2019 Whether you're trying to keep up with your competitors or find [...]

VREF provides appraisal services to thousands of aircraft owners on an annual basis, and every once in a while we come across a story worth sharing. Aviators are passionate to a fault, and one of the many things the staff at VREF enjoy are interacting with clients that have amazing stories and backgrounds to share. While conducting research we may uncover tidbits about an owner, or the history of an aircraft that is interesting.  When you are doing [...]