Frequently Asked Questions

Damage History – A Closer Look

When considering an aircraft for purchase, the easy thing to do is just avoid those with any damage history.  This is an easy choice to make but would you really reject a perfectly good aircraft that had everything you were looking for – and more,

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Should an Aircraft Appraisal be Accurate?

Before getting too far into this topic, credit needs to be given to Tim Andersen of The Appraiser’s Advocate who released a podcast on this topic albeit more directed at real property appraisals versus aircraft appraisals. In the past, Tm has instructed aircraft appraisers on

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What happened to the National Aircraft Appraiser’s Association?

The National Aircraft Appraisers Association (NAAA) ceased operation on 12/31/18. The Professional Aircraft Appraisal Organization, LLC (PAAO) was established in December 2018 to provide certification, aircraft appraisal best practices, and professional development for aircraft appraisers. More information about the PAAO be found on their website

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Aircraft Appraisals 101 (Updated January 2020)

A version of this article was written by Mike Simmons, President of Plane Data, Inc. and originally published in the January 2016 edition of The Aviation Consumer. Since that time, the NAAA ceased operations in late 2018. A new aircraft appraisal began operations in January 2019

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How to Set a Fair Buying or Selling Price for your Aircraft?

This article was written by Mike Simmons, President of Plane Data, Inc. and originally published in the February 2002 edition of The Avaition Consumer. One of the most heated debates in ownership circles— involving both veteran owners and wannabes—is how to determine a fair market value

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Are There Dangers in Over-Insuring an Aircraft?

Many of us have had the misfortune of dealing with a damaged automobile and experiencing first hand the way automobile policies handle physical damage. Auto policies are generally written on an Actual Cash Value basis, which means the payment made in the event of a

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