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Appraisals - Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Can my A&P do a pre-purchase inspection to determine the value?
A. Any IA or A&P can do a pre-purchase inspection. That will usually determine the condition of the aircraft, but not necessarily the value. The value is determined by many factors, not all of which are available to the technician that inspects your aircraft. That is where a Certified Appraiser (National Aircraft Appraisers Association) can get up to the minute data on the value of the aircraft.
Q. What is the NAAA (National Aircraft Appraisers Association)?
A. The National Aircraft Appraisers Association (NAAA) is the Trade Association for professional aircraft appraisers. Since the 80’s the NAAA has been the Certification entity and has established the standards and Code of Ethics for professional aircraft appraisers. Please visit the NAAA Website.
Q. Should I have the shop who has been working on the aircraft do the pre-purchase inspection?
A. It is always better to have a fresh set of eyes do a pre-purchase inspection. We have seen many instances where the same things get overlooked time and time again by the same set of eyes. Whether you are buying or selling it is better to discover problem areas now than after the sale. Lawsuits after the sale can result from what one party thought the other party should have or could have known prior to the sale.

 
Examples:

E1. One of our customers bought a newly painted Piper Apache back east from an IA (inspector of Aircraft). The IA told him that all AD’s were up to date and that there was no damage history on the plane.

It wasn’t till he brought the plane back from Wisconsin and brought in into the shop for a minor problem that we discovered that 6 out of 8 cylinders had cracks and that both propeller hubs were due for and AD inspection that would require their replacement.

Needless to say, have a Certified Appraiser determine the value of any aircraft and a qualified shop do your pre-purchase inspection before you consummate any deal.
E2. A customer, new to us, brought his plane in for an annual inspection. The last several annuals had been performed at a different airport.

The first thing we discovered was that the propeller bolts did not protrude through the crankshaft housing. Normally they should protrude by several threads. That led to the discovery that the propeller was not certified on that airplane.

Most of these situations can be avoided by careful planning. If you are an aircraft seller make sure your buyer is getting his money's worth. If you are a buyer make sure you are getting your money's worth. Avoid problems after the sale. Use a Certified Appraiser. Call us for more information.

 

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Paine Field
10300 28th Ave W.
Everett, WA 98204

Phone: 425 355-4088
Toll Free: 866 355-4088
Fax: 425 355-4288
 

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