User Guide

Introduction

Aviation professionals have turned to Aircraft Bluebook Products and made them the number one choice for accurate aircraft valuations.

Over 7,000 specific year models of general & business aviation aircraft and helicopters are thoroughly researched each quarter.
A comprehensive avionics section covering equipment from the basic to the highly complex.
A guide to covering engine maintenance programs.
Values for aircraft paint and interiors.
Values for de-ice equipment.
Values for sea-plane floats.
A section devoted to hundreds of companies that provide a myriad of conversion and modifications

Prime Condition Aircraft (PCA™)

In today’s complex market, a “Prime Condition Aircraft” may impact value.

The Aircraft Bluebook – Price Digest classifies as PCA an aircraft based on its superior characteristics when compared to an identical aircraft with normal wear and tear. PCA factors may include but are not limited to: brand new, high quality paint and interior, significant airframe and avionics upgrades/modifications, a high level restoration if older than 35 years, and an unblemished history with excellent (and complete) records. A PCA will have extraordinary attributes that will contribute to its reliability, comfort, appearance and performance.

Ultimately, it is left to the discretion of the Bluebook user to adjust an aircraft’s value using the PCA definition. Real time market conditions must always be considered. In the final analysis, a conclusion of value should always be supported by a consensus among parties involved in the transaction of a PCA aircraft.

Damage History

It is commonly accepted that when two identical aircraft are offered for sale, the undamaged aircraft will be the buyer's choice. Beyond that statement, a myriad number of factors can come into play, any of which prevent calculating a fair market value for a particular damaged aircraft without adequate research.

Due to its subjective nature, the appropriate method of determining the fair market value of an aircraft with a damage history/event is for an experienced appraiser to compile all available information concerning the damage (including in many cases an on-site inspection of the Subject Aircraft and logbooks) and then analyze any impact to value in context of the current market for that particular aircraft.

Avionics Depreciation Chart

This chart may be used to estimate the value of avionics upgrades* or avionics not listed on the "Add-for" line of the particular aircraft you may be appraising.

Research conducted by the Aircraft Bluebook staff indicates that this chart is correct for most systems most of the time. However, some brands or types of avionics will retain more or less of their original value than others due to popularity, technology, type of aircraft in which they are installed, etc.

It is important to consider all of the variables when pricing an aircraft. The avionics package and its quality are areas that should be evaluated carefully. Please apply your own good judgment when using this chart.

The chart below lists the percentage of new values corresponding to equipment age. After determining equipment age, add percent of new list price (found in the Avionics Section) to the aircraft's value.

 

 

Pricing Information

Prices and other data in the Aircraft Bluebook are editor opinions, which are based on information derived from sources that our editorial staff believes to be reliable. The publisher and editors do not assume any responsibilities for the accuracy of the source material.

Standard Price: This "FACTORY NEW LIST" price assumes an aircraft with the minimum equipment as specified by the manufacturer. This price for most aircraft includes paint, interior and minimal VFR instruments.

Average Equipped: The second "FACTORY NEW LIST" price reflects the way most aircraft of a particular type left the manufacturer or completion center. It generally includes the equipment listed in the BASE AVG.

Average Retail: This column is the retail market price for an average (mid-time) used aircraft. This price is not a forecast. It is a report from the end of the previous quarter. Use the Bluebook as a guide, then check the current market.

BASE AVG: Aircraft in the Bluebook are priced with the equipment listed in the BASE AVG. This equipment (and set of conditions) is normally how the average aircraft of a particular type is configured. For example, if most of the Learjet 35 fleet is equipped with trust reversers, then the Bluebook will include thrust reversers in the BASE AVG of Learjet 35s. Another example is engine maintenance programs, if the majority of a fleet is enrolled on an OEM engine maintenance program, then the BASE AVG will note the engine program as base equipment and the aircraft value reflects this enrollment.

Wholesale: Component of Average Retail resulting in lower value.

Damage History: Many factors affect the market value of a damaged aircraft. To properly assess the fair market value of a damaged aircraft, an experienced appraiser should be engaged to assess the damage and evaluate the current market for that particular model.

Avionics: Space does not permit listing prices for every piece of equipment. If the avionics package is of higher or lower quality than average, an adjustment should be made. Avionics prices in the Supplemental Pricing section of the Bluebook should be used to estimate the values of equipment not found on the "Add for" line. Avionics listed in the BASE AVG and "Add for" line usually are the equipment found on that type of aircraft.

ADs: Airworthiness Directives listed herein are selected and edited with great care. They are presented only as a guide and are not to be relied upon as conclusive evidence of AD applicability. Liability rests with the purchaser of the aircraft. AD applicability should be determined by a competent FAA authorized mechanic.

Serial Numbers: Where available, the serial numbers in the Aircraft Bluebook for any given model year are generally determined and provided by the OEM. Model year may be determined differently from manufacturer to manufacturer, but usually model year is determined either by the Entry Into Service date (EIS) or the year of manufacture date. Ultimately the OEM alone determines model year for any serial number produced and the Aircraft Bluebook defaults to the OEM's serial number/model year assignment.

Engine Time: Research indicates that most piston engines need to be overhauled at approximately 100% of TBO. Turbine engines normally achieve 100% of TBO if hot sections and other recommended maintenance are accomplished. Bluebook prices are based on mid-time engines (unless otherwise specified, such as where enrollment on an engine maintenance program is relevant), using these percentages. Average overhaul costs are estimated average field costs, which do not include prop overhauls and other extras. Helicopter rotors, blades and gear boxes are not included in engine overhaul prices. Associated costs for new or reman engines will normally be greater than the average field overhaul costs. An additional point for valuation purposes, Aircraft Bluebook does not support deducting value beyond 100% TBO amount, in other words, run-out is run-out and a deduction for a runout engine should not exceed the 100% TBO amount.

Modifications: Historically, most modifications fall far short of their original cost in the resale market. However, many modifications and conversion add value to an aircraft. These should be evaluated based on perceived worth to the end-user or actual performance improvement.