Coverage & Methodology
OakTree Aviation Services provides independent aircraft appraisal services for general and business aviation aircraft, with valuation reports prepared for reliance by lenders, legal counsel, fiduciaries, and owners. Our appraisal practice is structured around intended use, intended users, and scope of work, with assignments developed in compliance with USPAP and supported by PAAO analytical methodology.
How Our Services Are Organized
Aircraft appraisal assignments are most effectively understood when organized by intended use, rather than by aircraft type alone. Banks, attorneys, fiduciaries, and aircraft owners rely on appraisals for different purposes, each with distinct reporting and documentation requirements.
Primary intended uses include:
Bank financing, refinancing, and collateral review
Estate, trust, and fiduciary reporting
Divorce and marital property division
Litigation support and dispute resolution
IRS-compliant donation and tax-related reporting
Ownership planning, purchase decisions, and partner buy-outs
Appraisal Options and Standards
Depending on the assignment's requirements, we provide both USPAP-compliant aircraft appraisals and certified non-USPAP reports. USPAP-compliant appraisals are typically used for higher-reliance assignments such as lending, estate and divorce matters, litigation, and IRS-related reporting. Certified non-USPAP reports are used where a client does not require a full USPAP report but still needs a professionally prepared opinion of value supported by on-site inspection and market data.
In all cases, assignments are supported by PAAO analytical methodology. All assignments include on-site inspection and full records review — we do not provide desktop or no-inspection opinions of value.
Aircraft Categories Covered
Our appraisal coverage includes the following aircraft categories:
High-performance single-engine piston aircraft
High-performance multi-engine piston aircraft
Turboprop aircraft
Light, mid-size, and large-cabin business jets
Helicopters (piston and turbine)
Our practice is limited to general aviation and business aviation aircraft. We do not provide appraisal services for commercial airliners or airline fleet assets.
Valuation Risk and Market Considerations
Aircraft value is influenced by market behavior, liquidity, and risk factors that vary by aircraft category and condition. Valuation risk topics we routinely address include:
Damage history and diminution of value
Heavily modified or STC-equipped aircraft
High-time airframes and engines
Program participation (engine, APU, and airframe support plans)
Liquidity, time-to-sale, and buyer pool depth
When damage history is present, it is evaluated based on the nature of the event, the quality of repairs, the completeness of documentation, and the observed market reaction. Adjustments are supported by market evidence rather than generalized assumptions.
Discuss Your Appraisal Assignment
Each appraisal assignment is developed independently, with valuation conclusions supported by documented market evidence and professional judgment appropriate to the intended use and intended users. Contact us to discuss your requirements and receive a fee quote.