The business aircraft market is ever changing. What does this mean for you, the aircraft owner? If you are interested in monitoring the value of your aircraft, whether for financing, refinancing, or sale—or to verify hull value for insurance coverage, you will need to have your aircraft appraised. This will ensure that you have the most accurate and lender-acceptable valuation.
After the savings and loan crisis in the 1980s, and again in 2008, the banking industry responded with new rules and additional safeguards for better risk management. One of the most significant changes involves aircraft appraisals.
Prior to 2008, a simple market valuation by a resale broker, often with just a quick look at the current edition of the Aircraft Blue Book, was sufficient to secure as much as a 90% loan-to-value ratio for a pre-owned aircraft. That is no longer so. The lender is required to have a certified appraisal. Today, most banks, leasing companies, and insurance underwriters require that all loan collateral, including business jets, have an aircraft valuation performed by a qualified, certified appraiser before financing is approved. Those appraisers must comply with the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP), which was created in 1989 by the Appraisal Foundation, and is the generally accepted standard in Canada and Mexico as well as the U.S..
Expect an appraisal to take about one week, with the physical inspection process usually taking one full day on-site, with the remaining time reviewing records. The appraiser will conduct a systematic inspection of the interior and the exterior of the aircraft including: engine, airframe, avionics, instrumentation, and other systems; as well as provide a methodical review of your aircraft’s flight and maintenance log books, FAA registration, title, and owner’s documentation. We avoid “desktop only” appraisals because the inspection and review of the records is extremely important. The desktop version of an aircraft appraisal is likely not a USPAP Certified Appraisal.
The average cost of a Certified Business Jet Appraisal is between $3,500 and $7,500 depending on the project, plus expenses. Be aware however that a standard appraisal is not the same as a pre-buy inspection for purchase, which can run between $10,000–$50,000 depending on the size and scope of the work. The USPAP Certified Value is a reliable opinion of value.
Rules for lending have changed dramatically in the past six years. If you have not been in the market recently, know that a proper appraisal will ensure that you secure the right equipment at the right price.
If the aircraft has encountered an event that requires the insurance to come in and pay for the damage it may very well impact value. Without an appraiser looking at the repair, one may never know if the claim or work will impact the value. We are experts at looking at all types of repairs and how it was repaired to determine if a diminution of value will occur. If appraising a damaged aircraft, the cost of he appraisal may vary.
Our Citation was extensively damaged. We needed an expert appraiser, Bloom understands the diminution value issues and provided a comprehensive appraisal report. we’re very satisfied with the results!
–EVP California Car Dealer
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