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 [...]

For luxury helicopters, it’s all about high-end convenient air travel. But, which helicopters stand out from the crowd? Helicopters have come a long way since the Sikorsky’s VS-300, American’s first practical helicopter, hit the scene. From just another form of transportation, choppers have evolved into situation savers in the military, medical, and cargo fields. And, of course, their designs continue to vary. Some makes are well suited to perform the above functions efficiently, but for some, it’s all [...]

Did you know that the Federal Aviation Administration provides services to 2.7 million airline passengers in the USA each day? If that reminder of airport overcrowding brings you out in a cold sweat, you may want to consider getting your own wings. Whether a private plane or a single-engine plane, more people are getting into personal air transportation than ever before. If you are one of these, take a look at the 10 best single-engine planes you can buy in [...]

Sometimes, everything that can go wrong will at least according to Mr. Murphy. And sometimes, that lands you in litigation. The trouble is that the people responsible for hearing out your case don't have the context or experience necessary to make an informed decision. This is when a VREF expert witness can help you. Here's what they do and how they can further your case. What is a VREF Expert Witness? A VREF expert witness is someone who can help [...]

The number of private jet service providers is estimated to increase by 4-7% over the next 12 quarters. Consequently, the customer base is expected to increase by 12-19% over the same period. As more flyers opt for private aviation services, those who have used private services in the past work towards cultivating a relationship with their previous service provider. If you’re planning on buying private jets for your aviation business, remember to adjust your customer acquisition dynamics to [...]

Having an aircraft appraisal completed depends on many factors, like  whether the aircraft appraiser will conduct a desktop or physical evaluation. The importance of an aircraft appraisal can’t be overemphasized, especially where there’s a financial transaction involved. Hiring an Accredited appriaser is important, and locating an appriaser with the knowledge base is just as important. Be sure to read on to learn more! What Does an Appraisal Entail? An aircraft appraisal is an objective opinion about the value [...]

The Federal Aviation Administration estimates that over 2.7 million people fly in and out of American airports each day. Successful airlines are going to need to appeal to customers if they want to stay on top. And the easiest way to look appealing to customers is to have the most advanced services and benefits possible. There are plenty of airline industry trends that show that flights are only going to get more efficient and innovative. Are you interested [...]

The Private Jet news has been on the front pages of business news and promises to continue with the streak for the rest of the year. Issues such as safety standards, valuation appraisals, Brexit, and the looming pilot shortage promise to be the significant events in the private jet news in 2019. Below are the top biggest private jet news to be aware of in 2019. 1. Aviation Appraisal The issue of ethics and transparency in private jet [...]

If you're thinking about buying your first private airplane, you're probably full of questions about the process. How much does a personal use aircraft  cost? What should I expect in the form of operational costs? What is the difference between fixed costs and variable costs? It can seem a bit overwhelming at first, but we're here to answer those questions! How Much Does a Personal Use Aircraft  Cost? The cost or value of an aircraft depends on a [...]