Certified Aircraft Appraisals

A Certified Aircraft Appraisal begins with a thorough examination of the exterior and interior of the aircraft. Special attention goes to the condition of the airframe, paint, engines, propellers, and instrumentation. The avionics and related flight instruments are inventoried to ensure they are adequately accounted for in assessing the value of the aircraft.

The panel layout, optional systems, deicing systems, cabin, and interior condition are also evaluated. Airframe and engine modifications, as well as signs of present damage, are documented. Service Bulletin status and Airworthiness Directive (AD) status are reviewed, as is the state of any historical damage repairs. The condition of "wear items," e.g., tires, paint, interior, etc. are compared to comprehensive and detailed written PAAO standards.

The logbooks and paperwork are carefully reviewed because these document the historical care or abuse that was given to this particular aircraft. This review documents whether the maintenance has been adequately maintained to keep the plane in top condition, or maintained at a minimal level of airworthiness. 

Frequently what is not recorded is essential, e.g., missing annual inspections, missing or defaced pages, and undocumented modifications. Special attention is given to any incidents of past damage, as this may or may not have a significant impact on the aircraft's value.

After the aircraft inspection and paperwork examination are complete, the process of establishing the aircraft's value begins. 

Using the databases and proprietary software developed by the Professional Aircraft Appraisals Organization (PAAO), the information from your aircraft is entered into our database (this database is updated every month). After the detailed Aircraft Appraisal (typically 15 plus pages) is generated, it is reviewed by a Certified Appraiser for accuracy. Once the appraisal has been approved, it is signed and stamped as a PAAO Certified Aircraft Appraisal.