Following the outbreak of COVID-19, commercial air travel fell drastically. Currently, the United States is rounding a corner of the pandemic, and more people are free to fly around the country with little restriction.
However, with the temporary measures that restricted air travel in 2020, private air travel increased. Despite the lowering of commercial restrictions, more and more people have gotten a taste of flying private and don’t plan on stopping any time soon.
Read on to learn more about the top single-engine piston aircraft and the best locations for valuations in 2021, whether your search is international or domestic.
Top Single-Engine Piston Aircraft & Valuation Locations
For private aircraft owners, 2020 and 2021 have proven to be a seller’s market. The inventory is low or, in some cases, non-existent. That’s why VREF is sharing the top 5 single-engine piston aircraft to look out for in 2021. Furthermore, find information about the top cities, domestically and internationally, to get a trusted valuation for your new purchase.
Top 5 Single-Engine Piston Aircraft
With more people getting into the world of private aircraft ownership, single-engine piston aircraft are a popular choice. These small, lightweight aircraft are perfect for small groups traveling for business and leisure.
1. Cessna 182 Skylane
With 4 seats and a comfortable cabin, the Skylane has been a favorite since its introduction in 1956. With more STC’s and optional equipment available than any other model, the 182 is a proven performer and one of the best aircraft to appreciate over time. Among the various models, the Skylane 182 A through R models specifically kick off this list. This popular aircraft is also well known by mechanics, so repairs and maintenance are easy to come by.
2. Cessna 172 Skyhawk
Since its 1956 debut, more Cessna 172 Skyhawks have been built than any other successful aircraft in history. Needless to say, the Skyhawk is also well known by mechanics, making it quite simple to maintain. This trainer is the go-to for flight schools as well as many first-time owners.
As most pilots have flown a Skyhawk at some point, the consensus is that they are fairly simple to fly. Models I-M roll into 2nd place of aircraft to look out for in 2021.
3. Beechcraft Bonanza A36
Born in 1968, the A36 has now been in continuous production for over 50 years. Finding a mechanic familiar with the aircraft, as well as new and used parts, is not hard to come by.
With a cabin that seats 6, the large windows make even riding in an A36 memorable for everyone on board. Although the cockpit is slightly narrow, the height provides comfort even for taller pilots. With so many in circulation, finding comparables to the A36 is not difficult.
4. Piper Cherokee PA-28-180
Although not continuous, the Piper Cherokee Pa-28-180 has been produced for over 50 years. The versatility of the Piper Cherokee 28 allows either 2 or 4 seats. This light aircraft was designed to be used during air taxis, flight training, and personal use.
Some pilots claim this aircraft is one of the simplest to use. However, that opinion is debatable as most pilots claim the first aircraft they’ve ever flown to be the simplest.
5. Cirrus SR22
First built in 2001, the Cirrus SR22 has been the best-selling general aviation private aircraft since 2003. This single-engine performance aircraft created a new segment in the industry. Today the SR22 and its variants are some of the most in-demand aircraft currently in production.
With the safety measures, along with the comfortable cabin capable of seating 4 or 5, the Cirrus SR22 is a crowd favorite. According to Flying Magazine, the Cirrus SR22 “is the most sophisticated single-engine civilian aircraft ever built by a long shot.”
Are you in the market to buy or sell aircraft this year? The market is hot, and finding the perfect aircraft can be hard to come by. Don’t get caught up in the excitement of purchasing an aircraft you’re not sure about. VREF’s experts can guide you through the process by providing valuations, appraisals, and consulting you can trust.
Top 5 Domestic Valuation Cities
When buying an aircraft, it’s important to have trustworthy valuation services nearby. Because a physical examination of an aircraft will always be better than emailed (or mailed) photos, your valuation professionals can actually give you a more accurate estimate of a private aircraft’s value. If you are in the United States, then the following 5 cities are your best bet for purchasing quality aircraft backed by professional experts on the ground.
1. Houston, Texas
Houston, we don’t have a problem if you’re searching for experts to guide you through the aircraft purchasing process. With NASA, 2 major airports, and several smaller airports in the area, Houston is among the top 3 homes to the highest number of private aircraft owners and aircraft experts of all kinds. This means when looking for repair, maintenance, storage, valuation, and appraisal services, the experts are nearby and not hard to find.
2. Pensacola, Florida
There’s nothing like beachcombers and a wide-open sea to attract pilots and aircraft professionals. When looking for the best place for valuations in the Southeast United States, you’ll be in good hands in Pensacola.
3. Minneapolis, Minnesota
With a long, impactful history in aviation, it’s no wonder Minneapolis is a top valuation spot in the United States. In 1927, famous Minnesotan Charles A. Lindbergh was the first to complete a nonstop, solo transatlantic flight.
Home to several aviation museums, Minneapolis is full of aviation enthusiasts and experts. When looking to buy or sell aircraft, you’ll find no shortage of professionals to guide you to make the best purchase.
4. Boca Raton, Florida
For most of the year, Florida pilots can enjoy favorable flying conditions with sunny skies. In the top 3 locations of aircraft owners, Florida’s aircraft professionals and experts are plentiful. When it comes to needing a valuation of an aircraft to buy or sell, Boca Raton won’t let you down.
5. Denver, Colorado
The Rocky Mountains host beautiful attractions that make flyovers in private aircraft a memorable experience. A long way from its mining roots, Denver is now one of the top locations in the United States for private aircraft ownership. With the number of aircraft, owners come professionals who can keep busy. When looking for repair, maintenance, valuations, and appraisals, the Mile High City is sure to provide the experts.
Before you embark on your aircraft purchasing journey, give us a call. Contact VREF today for professional and trustworthy valuations, appraisals, and expert consulting. We’ll make sure you land the best deal.
Top 5 International Valuation Locations
If you’ve been keeping up with our blogs, you’ll know that we do not recommend purchasing aircraft from a different country than you are currently. Furthermore, restrictions in place make it almost impossible to make the transaction. However, if you are not located in the United States, the following locations are the top places to get an aircraft valuation.
1. Johannesburg, South Africa
The Johannesburg International Airport is the busiest in all of Africa. Catering to international and domestic travel, Johannesburg is home to plenty of aircraft experts to provide trustworthy valuations.
2. Toronto, Canada
As the most populous metropolitan area in Canada, Toronto is home to the largest airport in the country. Toronto Pearson International Airport is easily the busiest airport in all of Canada. With the many aviation professionals in the area, finding an expert to perform a quality valuation is not difficult.
3. Calgary, Canada
Notably the busiest airport in Alberta and the fourth busiest in Canada, the Calgary International Airport attracts many aviation professionals. If you are looking for a valuation to buy or sell aircraft, Calgary is a great location to be.
4. Tokyo, Japan
With its dense population, Tokyo boasts two major airports. Today, Narita is known for international travel, while Haneda is key to regional and domestic travel. With these two airports and the high number of privately owned aircraft in the area, Tokyo is a well-known aviation hub. When it comes to buying and selling aircraft, Tokyo is plentiful of experts to perform valuations to help you through the process.
5. Paris, France
The Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport is not only the largest international airport in France but also one of the busiest in all of Europe. As a popular destination for both business and leisure, Paris holds an old-world romance, any pilot would love to fly into. The high number of private and commercial aircraft in the area means there are quite a several aviation experts. Paris is an aviation destination and a great place to find an expert to perform a valuation before buying or selling.
Ready To Buy or Value an Aircraft?
With almost 30 years of experience in the aviation industry, VREF offers reliable aircraft appraisals, valuations, and aviation expert witness consulting services for clients who need someone they can trust.
If you’re in the market to buy or sell aircraft, don’t go at it alone. Our expert professionals can guide you through the process to ensure you make the best decision for your investment. Contact us today for more information.