Aircraft are maintained under

• CFR Part 43 Maintenance Rebuilding and Alteration.   

 A Certificated repair station works under

• CFR Part 145 Repair Stations

in order to maintain aircraft.   To these must always be added

• CFR Part 91 General Operating and Flight Rules  

I am an industry veteran with 29 + years experience approving aircraft for return to service just under my signature alone, in compliance with these regulations, and in addition I also have experience in

• CFR Part 121 Subchapter G Air Carriers for Compensation or Hire: Certifications and Operations
• CFR part 135 Commuter and On-Demand Operations.

All of these Parts represent a large number of pages of CFR regulations governing how an aircraft can be approved for return to service after maintenance.

I have been approving and releasing aircraft and engines for return to service for 29+ years, and so I know the subtleties.  I know what to look for when reviewing aircraft documentation and I know how to relate what I find in the aircraft records to the actual physical condition of the aircraft and vice versa.  I regard pilots with utmost respect for their flying skills and their ability to operate the aircraft, but of course they are not trained nor certified in Maintenance or Inspection.  I have tested all types of systems on all types of aircraft and have performed the maintenance in the records for these aircraft.  This is what enables me to accurately detect warning flags, and this can mean large savings for potential buyers, or it can mean an increase or reduction in value for appraisal purposes.

Here’s a simple test:

Suppose that you want to determine the condition of an aircraft so that it can be accurately appraised, and you have to choose one of: 

A)         An Airframe and Power plant Mechanic with FAA Inspector Authorization and 30 years of industry experience and who has been valuating Turbine and piston aircraft since 2001.

B)        A highly qualified pilot with years of experience flying all types of aircraft.  (Pilots are nice fella's, and I have a standing banter with most of them)

C)      An experienced appraiser with no FAA Airframe and Power plant Mechanic and Inspector Authorizations, no hands-on maintenance experience or training and no pilots ratings.

 (Let me recommend that you choose A)!!! 

I look forward to hearing from you. 

Please Contact Me!!

When Selecting an Aircraft Appraiser Consider the following:

Experience

Only with appraisal experience comes a keen awareness of the dynamics and complexities of an aircraft valuation.  This hands-on experience goes beyond textbook examples and provides an appraiser the ability to interpret each unique circumstance associated with an aircraft’s value.  Therefore, experience is a key component when selecting an appraiser.  Whether needing a value for buying, selling, refinancing, tax purposes, or legal issues, an appraiser who can properly evaluate one of your most valuable assets is a necessity.  
 

Background

In addition to appraisal experience, an understanding of the aviation industry is important.  An appraiser with aviation experience has a deeper understanding of the aircraft, the components, maintenance, restrictions, regulations, and the industry in general.   A background in aviation gives an appraiser the awareness of the variables, both externally and within the industry, that effect the business aviation, and ultimately, your aviation asset’s value.   

Accreditation

Accredited appraisers are considered experts in their disciplines. An appraiser who is affiliated with a non-profit professional association is required to comply with education, often on-going, and adherence to generally accepted technical and ethical standards. Most associations offer special designations for professionals who have demonstrated a higher level of education, experience, and dedication to the profession.  This process ensures the appraisal user that the accredited appraisers work is accurate, impartial, and credible.  However, it is important to note that not all organizations are the same.  Verify that accreditation associations are from worthwhile affiliations.

USPAP Compliance

For industry recognition, valuation reports should follow the USPAP guidelines, which outline generally accepted standards for professional appraisal practice. Enforcement of USPAP standards is imposed by regulatory agencies, professional appraisal associations, and client groups. Required by professional appraisal associations and many client groups, USPAP standards are also endorsed by dozens of federal, state and local agencies. 

Resources

There are a number of resources an appraiser can utilize during the appraisal process.  There are books, publications, software and other printed media that are popular within the appraisal industry.  The Aircraft Bluebook Price Digest and Vref’s Aircraft Value Reference Guide are two well-known and utilized resource books.  However, printed materials are delayed publications of a free market.  An appraiser evaluates the free market along with other available resources for past, current, and in some cases, future market conditions.  

An Understanding of:

» The Aircraft Product Line

Each aircraft has its own unique set of characteristics that define its value.  Product lines change over time with the addition of new models and the phasing out of obsolete model aircraft.  Sometimes manufacturers change hands or an aircraft’s name, which adds a level of intricacy to the historical development.  And with the addition of modifications and individual alterations, one can create a seemingly unique aircraft.  An appraiser should have an awareness of each aircraft, along with their classification and differing value points.

» Competitive Product Lines

Many aircraft manufacturers produce aircraft that compete for the same operational niche.  For example, Boeing and Airbus compete for the ultra long range, large aircraft market.  An appraiser that understands what makes each aircraft popular in regard to distance, speed, and comfort can help determine the value points for each aircraft.  

» Technical Implications

The appraiser you choose should have an understanding of the technical implications that pertain to your aircraft.  Each aircraft, along with the installed engines and components, has a maintenance schedule to comply with.  There are expensive life-limited parts that require replacement, which can significantly impact value.  The difference in an aircraft having a fresh maintenance inspection and one that is immediately due can amount to hundreds of thousands in dollars for a large business jet.  In addition to maintenance, compliance with Airworthiness Directives, Service Bulletins, and Alert Bulletins can influence the aircraft’s value.

» Operational and Regulatory Considerations

Depending on where the aircraft flies, regulatory guidelines can be either domestic or international.  Some important regulations that an aircraft appraiser must consider are Noise Mandates, Far 36 & ICAO Annex 16, RVSM, Navigational and Communication requirements, and notice of Proposed Rule Making (NPRM).  The effect of certain regulations or upcoming regulations can mean the difference between selling your aircraft to a willing buyer or selling your aircraft for salvage or scrap.  A knowledgeable appraiser can help you avoid a costly mistake in dealing with these issues.

» Market Implications

There are numerous factors affecting aviation markets. Among them are: manufacturer backlogs and inventories affected by rapid changes in demand; fluctuations in domestic and foreign economies; global political instability; burgeoning foreign markets appearing in formally undeveloped nations; the state of the global airline industry; oil prices; and even contagious diseases. Because the market is dynamic, with many influencing factors, it is important for the appraiser to have an understanding of the current market trend, a fundamental knowledge of past markets, and an awareness of future possibilities as they impact value.