Jason Zilberbrand, aircraft appraiser and expert witness.

26 07, 2019

*NTSB Safety Alert: PREVENT DEF CONTAMINATION

By |2019-07-26T20:08:04-05:00July 26th, 2019|Educational|

Diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) is a urea-based chemical that is added to ground vehicle emissions systems to reduce nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions. DEF is not designed, nor approved, for use in jet fuel. If it is inadvertently added to jet fuel, as has happened in several incidents over the last 2 years, DEF will react with certain chemical components to form crystalline deposits in the fuel system. The crystalline deposits can then accumulate on filters, engine fuel nozzles, [...]

26 07, 2019

How to Buy an Airplane for the First Time: A Buyers’ Guide for Beginners

By |2019-07-26T16:58:50-05:00July 26th, 2019|Educational|

Have you ever had the dream of owning an aircraft? Does the thought elicit fantasy-like imagery of you soaring above the clouds as you jettison off to some Carribean island? If it's always been your dream to own a plane, it might be more financially viable then you thought. There are not only several ways you can potentially afford the aircraft of your dreams, but also some creative ways to get in the air quickly. Today, you don't [...]

22 07, 2019

5 of the Most Expensive Luxury Airplanes In the World

By |2019-07-22T19:53:39-05:00July 22nd, 2019|Educational|

A penthouse with an incredible view, a fleet of expensive cars, and a sophisticated, stylish wardrobe are all ways to show off your wealth. The ultimate sign that you've got the bank account to back it up is much bigger than all of that. We're talking about luxury airplanes. A jet-setter who's set on having their own jet has an average worth of $1.5 billion. It's not easy to secure a loan, go through the right channels to [...]

22 07, 2019

Why (USPAP) Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice Compliance Is So Important

By |2019-07-22T16:53:05-05:00July 22nd, 2019|Educational|

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 [...]

18 07, 2019

How to Get Your Best Deal When You Buy a Helicopter

By |2019-07-18T18:57:27-05:00July 18th, 2019|Educational|

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 [...]

18 07, 2019

Understanding Ethics and Transparency in Appraising Aircraft

By |2019-07-18T15:19:28-05:00July 18th, 2019|Educational|

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, [...]

17 07, 2019

Helicopter Price Guide: The Best Way to Find the Price of Helicopters

By |2019-07-17T14:49:09-05:00July 17th, 2019|Educational|

There are over 31,000 piston and turbine-powered helicopters in the United States alone. If you want to own one of these exceptional machines, you may be wondering about the purchase price and your overall budget. After all, helicopters aren't cheap and keeping them airworthy cant get pretty expensive. VREF is lucky to have on its staff one of the most knowledgable helicopter appraisers in the world, Dick Hart. Dick is a Senior Accredited Appraiser with the ASA and ISA, [...]

16 07, 2019

What You Need to Know About the Aircraft Loan Process

By |2019-07-16T14:21:56-05:00July 16th, 2019|Educational|

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 [...]

9 07, 2019

Fly High With These 7 Must Know Airline Industry Trends for 2019

By |2023-01-22T14:40:40-06:00July 9th, 2019|Educational|

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 [...]

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