Comments on: Used aircraft prices attract attention, few sales; Dealers can’t move new aircraft or jets

By: William E. Horn

William E. Horn — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 19:08:25 +0000

Aircraft finance, like sales, has suffered greatly through this period. Having said that and notwithstanding the additional scrutiny that banks are demanding, there are plenty of funds available to finance piston, turbine and jet aircraft at the traditional terms and fixed interest rates in the mid-5% range for a well-qualified buyer. .

By: nick danger

nick danger — Sat, 16 Oct 2010 04:36:47 +0000

Aircraft sales have been hampered by individuals like Jim Lafferty of Lafferty Aircraft Sales in San Jose who are crooks and do a dis-service to the honest guys out there.

By: Richard Estes

Richard Estes — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 15:26:48 +0000

I agree with Clinton. Our mind set can not remain on expanding value for the hardware we call an airplane. During the time I have been interested in aviation, the value of a used aircraft kept pace with the cost of the aircraft when it was new. Today, we are seeing a decent in price that is reflecting the value Today. Be realistic in pricing your aircraft. It will still sell. Don’t look for a home run on pricing. Lower your expectations.

If we have a need to sell our airplane, we will have a new price set point. This is all supply and demand. Fewer are demanding. Over time, more owners are wanting to sell. Long wait times to sell have also reduced the price. The supply tube of used aircraft just keeps getting fuller with little coming out the other end. Thus, the decrease in value of the current stock.

Bottom line, if you currently don’t need to sell your aircraft, good for you. If you do need to sell your aircraft, look carefully at what the current market looks like, then price accordingly.
Another problem is the Government. If they start to tax every use of our pride and joy, that will also have a downward effect on pricing as well.

By: Clinton Bersuch

Clinton Bersuch — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 20:49:49 +0000

This is probably a case of semantics but I have to chuckle at the use of the word “should” in this post as it relates to the price of an airplane. “Cessna Skylane that should sell for $305,000 instead costs $269,500.”

No, the airplane “should” sell for whatever the market can bear. In this market, that Skylane is worth $269,500 (or maybe even less) and that’s exactly what it “should” sell for. Same with those Citation examples.