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4 02, 2025

What Are The Actual Costs Of Owning A Private Plane Versus Chartering?

2025-02-04T11:00:17-06:00February 4th, 2025|Educational|

Don’t be fooled – owning a private plane versus chartering one requires completely different levels of responsibility for passengers, aircraft owners, and charter companies. From incident liability and insurance coverage to conducting routine maintenance and timely inspections, remaining proactive as an aircraft owner is critical to operating an aircraft safely and efficiently.  The best way to answer this question is by going back and asking what you need from a private aircraft. Ask probing questions to get to [...]

2 01, 2025

LearJet 60 & 60XR

2025-01-02T16:30:03-06:00January 2nd, 2025|VREF Learning Center|

Bombardier Aerospace Before the LearJet 60 took to the skies, its story began with Bill Lear's pioneering vision in business aviation. The original Learjet legacy started in the 1960s, revolutionizing private air travel with the first purpose-built business jet, the Learjet 23. By the late 1980s, Gates Learjet Corporation (which had acquired the company from Bill Lear) wanted to evolve its successful Learjet 55 series into something more powerful and efficient. In 1990, Gates Learjet was acquired by [...]

2 01, 2025

Piper Lance PA32R 300

2025-01-02T16:06:19-06:00January 2nd, 2025|VREF Learning Center|

Piper Aircraft Founded in 1927 by Clarence and Gordon Taylor on the edge of the Great Depression, Piper started as the Taylor Aircraft Manufacturing Company. Their straightforward goal was to build reliable and innovative aircraft. However, just a year later, Gordon died in an aircraft accident. After this tragedy, businessman William Piper encouraged Clarence to keep the company going in Pennsylvania. The Taylor Brothers designed the Piper Cub, which was found to be successful early on. However, after [...]

2 01, 2025

Top 10 Single-Engine Planes That Are Best For Beginners

2025-06-24T16:41:35-05:00January 2nd, 2025|Educational|

The single-engine aircraft market is expected to grow as it attracts an entirely new generation of aspiring pilots. Single-engine aircraft sales have slowed since reaching their peak in 2020 and shortly thereafter. Yet, single-engine aircraft still offer an ideal combination of accessibility and performance, making them perfect for those just starting in aviation. On top of emerging pilots and aircraft owners, the industry continues to progress with continuing technological advancements to enhance safety, operational efficiency, and the overall [...]

2 01, 2025

What Happens When You Neglect To Get Your Aircraft Appraised?

2025-06-24T16:42:19-05:00January 2nd, 2025|Appraisals|

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 [...]

6 12, 2024

The Impact Of Market Trends On Aircraft Values In 2025

2025-06-24T17:14:54-05:00December 6th, 2024|Market Trend Report Newsletter|

What a year it’s been for aviation, artificial intelligence (AI), and countless other advancements in technology and engineering. In fact, the global private jet market is projected to reach $35.5 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 5.6% from 2021 to 2028.  As airlines and manufacturers adapt to evolving consumer demands and sustainability goals, new models are emerging that prioritize efficiency and environmental responsibility. Also, advancements in air traffic management and safety protocols have enhanced operational reliability, [...]

8 11, 2024

The Importance Of Pre-Purchase Inspections In Aircraft Buying

2024-11-08T11:33:06-06:00November 8th, 2024|Educational|

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 [...]

8 11, 2024

What Can Go Wrong With Improper Aircraft Maintenance?

2024-11-08T11:28:33-06:00November 8th, 2024|Educational|

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 [...]

8 11, 2024

Piper Cherokee PA-28-160

2024-12-02T14:52:09-06:00November 8th, 2024|VREF Learning Center|

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 [...]

8 11, 2024

Mooney M20R Ovation

2024-12-02T14:52:27-06:00November 8th, 2024|VREF Learning Center|

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 [...]

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