MTS Journal

A special note from the Editor of ASA’s MTS Journal.

We are living in unprecedented times with respect to aircraft values.

After more than 20 years in service with a worldwide fleet in excess of 1,300 aircraft, the Pilatus PC- 12 is a pacesetting business aircraft offering unmatched value retention in its market segment.

The dearth of published knowledge and the lack of industry accepted methodologies for dealing with aircraft damage is unfortunate not only for the aircraft appraiser but also for the appraiser’s clients, insurance companies, and legal system.

Numerous fraud cases have affected the aviation industry—from widespread FCPA investigation to Dept of Defense contract fraud. How does one avoid flying blindly and becoming a victim of fraud? It’s all about the DUE DILIGENCE.

The author regales readers with his experiences performing aircraft field inspections. He advises-always know details of an aircraft you are about to inspect, and dress appropriately, maintain situational awareness, and never trust a surprise.

It appears that the business jet market is catching everybody by surprise once again.

This article will attempt to present how pedigree comparison may be used in the appraisal of business jets.

Is there a relationship between an aircraft’s maintenance condition and its value? Some maintenance events provide quantifiable value. Which events and how much value require detailed analytics, asset knowledge and current market trend information.

Aircraft owners need to realize that while they can’t control the market, they still retain much control over the value of their aircraft’s worth as it ages. It’s called Asset Management.

Valuing the 2007 G550 involved a complex review of equipment and records to include a cockpit environment capable of meeting future regulatory upgrades, engine components to reduce future financial exposure and mission utilization.

This article will focus on aircraft registration numbers which are the aviation industry's version of state license plates.

Appraisal of corporate aircraft has a unique consideration. Appraisers must consider an aircraft’s caliber of owners, its location, maintenance practices, documentation, and any damage. These items create the pedigree which has a material impact on value.

While a Desktop assessment is sometimes appropriate, to minimize risk and mitigate assumptions, a physical inspection of the aircraft and review of the certification and maintenance records is often mandatory. What is required for an inspection/survey?

Long-term service agreements (LTSAs) - the inside scoop on how they started, how they work, and how they have progressed.