What's My Plane Worth?

How Aircraft Valuation Works

Aircraft values are determined by a combination of fixed and variable factors. The base market value comes from recent comparable sales for the same make and model, typically organized by decade of manufacture. From there, five key adjustments determine where a specific aircraft falls within that range: year of manufacture, total airframe time, engine time since major overhaul, avionics equipment, and overall condition.

Engine Time: The #1 Value Factor

Engine time since major overhaul (SMOH) is the single most important factor in determining an aircraft's market value. Buyers calculate the “overhaul reserve” — the proportional cost of the next engine overhaul based on hours remaining until TBO (time between overhaul). A freshly overhauled engine adds significant premium, while a run-out engine effectively deducts the full overhaul cost from the aircraft's value.

For multi-engine aircraft, this effect is multiplied. A twin-engine piston aircraft approaching TBO on both engines could see $50,000-$80,000 deducted from its value — often more than the airframe itself is worth.

Avionics and Their Impact on Value

Modern avionics can add 10-25% to an aircraft's value. A full glass cockpit upgrade (Garmin G500/G600 or Aspen Evolution) with a GPS navigator (GTN 650/750) and coupled autopilot represents $30,000-$80,000 in installed equipment value. Original “steam gauge” panels with no GPS typically reduce value by 5-10% below the average market price. ADS-B compliance (mandatory since 2020) is now a baseline expectation — aircraft without it face additional deductions.

Professional Appraisals vs. Online Tools

Online valuation tools like this one provide a useful market range based on publicly available data, but they cannot account for every factor that affects a specific aircraft's value. Damage history, logbook completeness, STC modifications, corrosion, paint condition, interior wear, and geographic market conditions all play a role.

For insurance valuations, estate planning, partnership buyouts, or transactions over $100,000, consider a certified appraisal from a member of the National Aircraft Appraisers Association (NAAA). Desktop appraisals typically cost $300-$1,000, while on-site inspections run $500-$2,500. Industry pricing guides like VREF and Aircraft Bluebook offer subscription-based detailed valuations used by dealers, lenders, and insurers.

Tips for Maximizing Resale Value

1. Keep engine logs meticulous — complete, continuous logbooks with all AD compliance documented are critical. Missing logbooks can reduce value by 20-40%.
2. Time your sale around engine time — sell within the first half of TBO for maximum value. Selling at or near TBO means the buyer deducts the full overhaul cost.
3. Invest in avionics strategically — a GTN 650Xi with ADS-B can return 60-80% of its cost at resale. Full glass panel conversions return less per dollar but dramatically expand the buyer pool.
4. Fresh annual inspection — selling with a recent annual gives buyers confidence and eliminates a common objection.
5. Quality photos and documentation — professional listing photos and a detailed equipment list attract serious buyers and support asking price.