Airframe and Equipment Options

Airframe improvements and modifications which have a substantial influence on the retail value are included in the airframe options value adjustment.  These include such items as de-icing boots, hot props, known ice capability, etc..  Equipment options such as fuel flow totalizers or standby vacuum systems also appear in this total, as well as specific aircraft modifications (such as Uvalde gear door mods).  Select any item for more information:

Air Conditioning 	 Annual Inspections 	Boots/Known Ice

Fuel Capacity  	Logbooks  	Serial Numbers


Airframe times and warnings.
Total Airframe Time

As the entire general aviation fleet ages, total time on the airframe is becoming an increasingly important factor in aircraft values.  The average airframe time for any production year entered appears onscreen, and is compared to your airframe time.  Special Aeroprice algorithms compute additions or deductions for the difference, however, extremes at  either end may require additional adjustment.  Aeroprice does not add or deduct for airframe times that are close to normal.

If the airframe time exceeds 133% of normal, a warning will appear next to the estimated retail value.  While an airframe deduction is calculated and totaled, this warning indicates that the time is too high to be correctly calculated using the normal deduction scale, and should be appraised with this in mind.  Aircraft with a total airframe time below 75% of average will trigger a similar warning, for the same reasons.

See also:Average Retail Values


Air conditioning on single and twin engine aircraft.
Air Conditioning

Single-engine aircraft-  Air conditioning is not included on single engine aircraft, because its effect on the value can be either positive or negative.  In the Northeast US, air-conditioned singles are less desirable, due to the decreased useful load and increased maintenance, and an A/C equipped aircraft would sell for less than a similar one without it.   This airframe option is in higher demand in the southern states, where buyers are willing to pay for it.

Twin-engine aircraft-  This option appears on twin-engine aircraft.  Enter a "y" or "f" for factory A/C, or a "j" for JB units.  For obvious reasons, the higher value is assigned the JB units.


Annual Inspections

It is impossible to predict or calculate the cost of an annual inspection.  The Average Retail Value for every aircraft assumes that the aircraft is "in annual", and will continue to be so for six months.  When examining an aircraft, always be sure to ask when the next annual inspection is due.


Allowing additional value for upgraded autopilots
Autopilot Upgrades

Check the onscreen list of avionics included in the average retail value.  Compare the autopilot in your aircraft to the one in the list, and enter a "y" if it is considerably better.  (Example: a Century 2 autopilot may be more modern than a Piper Autoflite, but is still a single axis autopilot.  Your entry would be "n", but you may wish to increase the overall avionics rating to add some value.)

If it is common to an aircraft and/or autopilot, the Yaw Damper option will appear on your screen.  If the addition of a yaw damper is the only improvement to the autopilot, you should answer "y" the yaw damper option, but "n" to the autopilot upgrade.  If the autopilot has been upgraded, do not include additional value for a yaw damper.  The same procedure applies to Flight Directors.  NOTE: If you add a flight director, the software assumes the presence of an HSI: it is not necessary to enter it separately.

See also:Overall Avionics Rating


Standard parameters for Average Retail Values
Average Retail Values

Aeroprice Average Retail Values are based on comprehensive market surveys every month (although any one aircraft is actually updated every ninety days).  Every aircraft on the market during that period is appraised, and the median base values derived through a proprietary statistical algorithm.  When the numbers have finished crunching, any aircraft you evaluate should be realistically priced within 5% of its computed Aeroprice value.

"Average Retail" value assumes the following aircraft and engine parameters:

Airframe time:	+/- 10% of Average

Engine Time:	45% of Rated TBO

Avionics:	Average for each year.

Paint:	Average (8/10)

Interior:	Average (8/10)

Damage History:	None

Logbooks:	Complete and Original

AD Notes:	All AD's Complied With

Annual Inspection:	Six Months Old

 Additional parameters may be indicated onscreen for some models and years.


Avionics Options

Select any item for more information:

 Autopilot Upgrade         Digital Nav/Coms        DME        Flight Director       GPS

         HSI            LORAN           Radar           Second Nav/Com

Stormscopes   Yaw Damper

 Overall Avionics Rating


De-Icing Equipment
De-Ice and Anti-Ice Equipment

Boots:  Add value for boots only if they are in good shape.  While the life expectancy of boots can vary widely (depending on locale, usage, weather, etc.), a good rule of thumb would be not to add value for boots that do not appear to have less than four-five years left.  "Plumbed for boots" has no value whatsoever.

Hot Props:  This option will appear whenever an aircraft may be so equipped.  Always check the average equipment list- on some year/models a hot prop (or prop-de-ice) is standard.

Known Ice:  Aircraft that are certified for flight into known icing conditions are more valuable than those merely equipped with boots: this is reflected in the "Known ice" option.  If you add value for a "known ice" aircraft, the software automatically includes the basic values for both boots and hot props: it is not necessary to enter them separately.


Contents
Help Contents

Select any item for more information:

AIRFRAME 	Airframe and equipment options.

AVIONICS  	Information on avionics entries.

DAMAGE HISTORY 	How to account for damage history.

ENGINES  	Overhaul costs, new and reman, heavy cases, VAR crankshafts.

EXTERIOR  	Exterior ratings and costs.

INTERIOR  	Interior Ratings and costs.


Damage History Rating Scale
Damage History

There are many degrees of damage, and the financial effects vary considerably with the severity, the age of the aircraft and the age of the repairs.  A rudder replacement ten years ago on a Cessna 172 suffering from hangar rash hardly warrants a 10% deduction, while two year old gear-up repairs to a Citation would devalue the aircraft substantially!  Generally, the newer and more expensive the aircraft, the higher the deduction.  Aeroprice allows you to rate damage history in order of severity and age:

     For:	      ENTER    Aeroprice will deduct:

Recent major damage or severe older damage-	1	15% of Average Retail Value

Recent minor damage or older major damage-	2	10% of Average Retail Value

Very old or very minor damage history-	3	  5% of Average Retail Value

All  deductions are intended to reflect  properly repaired damage with all appropriate 337's and logbook entries.  If you do decide to purchase an aircraft that has been bent, bear in mind that you will be forced to sell it below average market retail at a later date.

Whenever you enter a damage history, a boldfaced warning requests that you re-read this section.


Adding Value for upgraded Nav/Coms
Digital Nav/Coms

A complete late model digital avionics upgrade is usually highly valued by many owners and buyers.  Aeroprice allows you to add value for either one or two late model digital flip-flop type navcoms.  (Such as KX-155's).  You may enter a "1" for a single upgrade, or a "2" (or "y") if both have been replaced.

NOTE: If the other navcom is a Mark 12A or similar old tube-type radio, its lower value is usually offset by the additional new one.  Under these circumstances an "n" entry would be more appropriate.

Some buyers do not assign the same value to the Narco digital 800 series.  If you are one of them, an appropriate entry would be a "1" for a dual upgrade, or an increase in the Overall Avionics rating for a single.

The value added by the software is the difference in value between the standard nav/coms for that year/model, and the upgrade.

See also: Overall Avionics Rating


Adding value for different DMEs.
DME

Enter a "k" if this aircraft is equipped with a late model, electronic digital readout DME, such as a KN-64 or a DME 890.  For the older style DME's, enter a "y".  NOTE: If you have added an RNAV or a flight director, the DME value is automatically included: it is not necessary to enter it separately.

See also: Overall Avionics Rating


Engines

Select any item for more information:

Cost of Overhaul     	Remanufactured or New Engines   	        Heavy Cases

VAR Crankshafts   	Turbos


Standard avionics equipment  for each production year.
"Average Retail Includes"

(Standard Equipment List)

In the "Average Retail Includes" display you will find the generally accepted standard package for an aircraft of this year (a full gyro panel is assumed for all years).  In most cases this package was the one most often installed by the factory that year.  Avionics options presented reflect the equipment one would normally encounter in the real market.

Because the standard equipment list changes frequently with some models, you should always check this listing against the aircraft specifications for each new aircraft you enter.


Rating the exterior condition.
Exterior  (Rating Scale)

See also:  Cost of repainting

A frequent source of misunderstanding between buyer and seller is the condition of paint and interior.  While the industry custom is to describe these on a scale of 1-10 (with a "10" being the best), it is rare to encounter anything less than a "7".  Since anything rated "6" or lower generally needs repainting/replacement, the full deduction is taken from "6" down.  An "8" is considered average.

To make this task easier and more accurate, we have designed a simple rating scale that ranges from "like new" (a "10") to "really bad" (a "6").  This scale makes it possible for everyone to share a similar understanding regarding an aircraft's condition.  For your convenience, we've also included an 8.5" x 11" plain paper copy you may fax to any prospective buyers or sellers.

10.  (New) Paint is shiny with high gloss.  Looks like new.  No scratches, chips or fading.  Airframe has no dents or ripples.  All glass is clear, with no crazing, scratches, or paint stripper damage.

9.  (Above average)  Shows minor chipping or wearing, but paint overall has high gloss.  Small scratches apparent upon close inspection around high use areas.  One or two small dents in acceptable places.  Some scratches visible on windshield or side glass.

8.  (Average)  Paint is sound and solid, but with some wear and chipping evident, particularly around leading edges, cowlings and high use areas.  Minor oxidation that can be brought to a reasonable shine with polish.  A few small dents in leading edges or cowling.  Windshield or side glass may be slightly crazed, but without cracks.  Looks good from a short distance.

7.  (Below average)  Paint is solid but oxidized and dull overall with many chips visible.  Fiberglass wheel fairings and/or wingtips slightly crazed.  A number of leading edge or other dents.  Could be improved to average with touch-up and repainting in a few places.  Some repairs or dents visible.  Windshield or side glass milky around edges or has scratches or minor cracks.

6 or below.  (Poor)  Many dents, scratches.  Large areas show bare aluminum.  Aircraft leaves a trail of oxidized paint chips on takeoff.  Needs paint. No question.


Fuel Capacity Adjustment- Twin engine aircraft.
Fuel Capacity

On certain twin engine aircraft, the average fuel capacity for that year/model is displayed onscreen, along with the item "Fuel Adjustment".  The capacity reflects the number of gallons that most aircraft of that vintage are equipped to carry, and changes as required for any year/model.  If your aircraft has a higher or lower fuel capacity than average, enter "y" to activate the fuel capacity module.  Enter the total fuel when prompted.  Higher or lower capacities will then result in a positive or negative adjustment in the Airframe options value adjustment.

If you enter "n" in the fuel adjustment cell, the program will ignore any total fuel entries.  Disabling this

adjustment is useful when calculating multiple aircraft values.


GPS

Enter "y" for integral, panel-mounted GPS units.  GPS values are intended to reflect VFR navigational units only.  For IFR-approved units, or those with moving maps, comm functions, etc., enter "y" and increase the Overall Avionics Rating.

See also: Overall Avionics Rating


Heavy Case Engine Options
Engines: Heavy Cases

Engines used in certain years and models are notorious for crankcase cracking .  Replacing the old cases with one of the many  "heavy case" options at the time of overhaul is generally considered prudent and desirable.  Most owners are aware of this, and most cases have been changed.

The program deducts $3000 for lack of a heavy case on any engine that should have one (slightly less than the cost of a used, serviceable case). This deduction is  incorporated into the "Engine time"  or "Engine options" value.

See Also::  Cost of Overhaul,  Remanufactured or New Engines ,  VAR Crankshafts


Slaved and non-slaved HSI.
HSI

Enter a " y " for a non-slaved or inexpensive HSI (such as an NSD 360), or an "s" for a slaved HSI.

NOTE: if you have entered a flight director, the HSI value is automatically included: it is not necessary to enter it separately.

See also: Overall Avionics Rating


Rating the interior condition.
Interior  (Rating Scale)

See also:  Cost of Refurbishment

A frequent source of misunderstanding between buyer and seller is the condition of paint and interior.  While the industry custom is to describe these on a scale of 1-10 (with a "10" being the best), it is rare to encounter anything less than a "7".  Since anything rated "6" or lower generally needs repainting/replacement, the full deduction is taken from "6" down.  An "8" is considered average.

To make this task easier and more accurate, we have designed a simple rating scale that ranges from "like new" (a "10") to "really bad" (a "6").  This scale makes it possible for everyone to share a similar understanding regarding an aircraft's condition.  For your convenience, we've also included an 8.5" x 11" plain paper copy you may fax to any prospective buyers or sellers.

10.  (New)  Looks and smells new.  Seats show no use or wear whatsoever.  Headliner is immaculate, and rugs retain pile.

9.  (Above average)  Near new condition.  One or two small stains apparent upon close inspection.  Colors bright, headliner clean with no cracks or stains.  Signs of usage but not wear on rugs, kick plates, seat cushions.

8.  (Average)  Clean but obviously used.  A few small rips or stains are obvious.  Rug matted in high use areas.  Kick plates show obvious signs of wear.  Can be made attractive, but will never become impressive.

7.   (Below average) Seats have major stains or rips.  Rugs matted, fabric frayed in high use areas.  Headliner may have a few water stains or minor tears.  Looks worn and used even after cleaning.

6 or below.   (Poor) You wouldn't put your mother-in-law in it.  Needs complete interior.  Period.


Logbook Status
Logbooks

Missing or "reconstructed" logbooks always add an aura of mystery to an aircraft's past.  (For one thing, you can never be sure how to answer the damage history option!)  The financial effects of such a discrepancy can range from disastrous (imagine a Citation missing the last four years of logs!) to inconsequential (who would care if a 1945 J3 Cub didn't have logs until 1947?).

Because the market value of any aircraft can be affected so unpredictably, all Aeroprice values assume that all logbooks and associated forms are original, complete and current.


Loran values
LORAN

As used in the Aeroprice programs, Loran means Northstar M1, equivalent or better.  Marine or older aircraft Lorans do not add any significant  value, and should not be added here.  If the aircraft is equipped with an IFR certified KLN88 or similar Loran, use the GPS entry instead.

See also: Overall Avionics Rating


What the "N/A" means.
When "N/A" appears onscreen

Whenever a particular option is not applicable to a certain year or model of aircraft, it is replaced with the phrase "N/A".  An frequently seen example of this is the Heavy Case engine option, which applies only to certain engines and years.

Entries next to "N/A" options do not affect the appraisal value, and may be ignored.


Rating the total avionics package
Overall Avionics Rating

Use the Overall Avionics entry to add or deduct value from the avionics package as a whole.  A rating of 8 is considered average, and results in no adjustment.

Here's where you can add for a modern, matched digital package, or deduct for those old tube-type clunkers.  The overall Avionics rating adds or subtracts value from the total of all additional avionics you've added (in excess of the standard equipment list).  It works very similar to the interior/exterior rating scales:

    If you enter 	Aeroprice

10	Adds 25% (to the avionics value)

9	Adds 12 1/2%

8	No Change (average)

7	Deducts 12 1/2%

   6 (or below)	Deducts 25%

A default deduction is automatically generated for aircraft with no extra avionics and a rating of 7 or below, based upon the year and average retail value of the aircraft.


Color and B/W radar options.
RADAR

Enter a "b" for black & white units, or a "c" for color ones.

Add radar value only if the unit is of recent, modern vintage, and easily serviced.

See also: Overall Avionics Rating


New or Remanufactured Engines

Engines that are either remanufactured or new have, in general, a higher value than those which have been "field overhauled".  If the aircraft you're examining has such an engine, Aeroprice provides an option titled "Since".  Enter the letter "o" for a standard field overhaul, "r" for factory reman (to new specs), or "n" for a brand new engine.

The "r" entry can also be used to add value for an engine overhauled by a particularly reputable shop.  The appropriate value is included in the "Engine time" value adjustment, and decreases to zero as the engine approaches TBO.

See also: Cost of Overhaul ,  Heavy Cases ,   VAR Crankshafts


Reset program values for engine overhaul, paint & inteior costs.
Reset Default$

The cost of an engine overhaul, complete paint job, or interior refurbishment varies widely throughout the US.  Your software has been supplied with national averages for these items.  These costs are used in all Aeroprice appraisal calculations, and may be changed to more accurately reflect your area if you desire.

At the bottom of your screen is the "Set Default$" button.  Double-clicking on this button will take you to this section of the software, where you may select the cost you wish to change with your mouse, and enter the new value.  (Another "double-click" area is provided to return you to the main page).  When you've reset defaults for all the aircraft you wish, select File|Save from the main menu.  Your default prices will be used in all future Aeroprice appraisals.

If you wish to use the new values on only a few aircraft, follow the same procedure without saving: your revised costs will be used until you close Aeroprice.  (When you do quit, Windows will ask you if you want to save  changes: answer "no".)

See also: Saving Specsheets


Reset all entries for next aircraft
Reset Worksheet

For your convenience in appraising multiple aircraft quickly and easily, we have provided a "double-click" button on the bottom of the screen that will automatically reset most of your entries.  (It will not affect the year, airframe or engine times).

As a rule, the Reset Worksheet button enters "n" in all the options.  If you are appraising an year/model in which some of the options are standard equipment, an "n" will result in a deduction for certain avionics or equipment.  Be sure to check each item carefully for accurate results.

See also: Saving Specsheets


RNAV

Enter a " k " for KNS-80, KNS-81, or equivalent digital multi-waypoint RNAVs.  Enter a "y" for older types.  NOTE: Whenever an  RNAV entry is made, DME value is automatically included: it is not necessary to enter it separately.

See also: Overall Avionics Rating


Second nav/com values in older aircraft.
Second Nav/Com

An option that usually appears on older single-engine aircraft, this is meant to be generally interpreted as a solid-state nav/com (such as a KX-170).  An older tube-type nav/com (i.e- a Mark 12A or equivalent) should generally not be added using this option.

Marker beacons and glideslope will appear in the standard avionics display if  (1) they were standard for that year, or (2) a second nav/com has been installed.  With a few exceptions, the avionics value adjustment assumes that aircraft with dual navcoms have at least one glideslope, and are also equipped with a marker beacon receiver (these will appear in the standard avionics list if you choose a second nav/com).

See also: Overall Avionics Rating


Production Serial Numbers

Onscreen for any year or model is the starting and ending production serial numbers.  If you have the serial number of the aircraft you are appraising, you can cross-check it against this information to confirm the production year.  This information is provided only as a quick reference.

Due to the various practices employed by different manufacturers throughout the years, an aircraft's serial number may not always be a positive indication of the date of manufacture.  While we have made every effort to note known exceptions, a more reliable indicator can usually be found on the very first page of the airframe log (check the date of the first production flight test and acceptance), or in the FAA airworthiness records.


Stormscope Rating Chart
Stormscopes

We have divided stormscopes into three classes, based upon their value and year of manufacture: use "1", "2", or "3" to enter.  Click on the Stormscopes menu item to view this list at any time.

CLASS 1:   WX11, WX12, WX1000, WX1000+

CLASS 2:   WX10, WX10A

CLASS 3:   WX7A, WX8, WX9, WX900, Strikefinders, all others.

See also: Overall Avionics Rating


Turbo aircraft models
Turbo Aircraft

Some of the Aeroprice appraisal worksheets contain "Turbo" options.  Entering "y" will switch you to the turbo model of the aircraft you're appraising.  All onscreen specifications will change accordingly.

Be sure to reset this switch to "n" if you're appraising a normally-aspirated aircraft.

(Exceptions to this are the Turbo-Arrow, Turbo-210, and Turbo-310, which have their own worksheets).


Aeroprice Software update policy
Aeroprice Updates

Because most of our customers find their aircraft within a few months of purchasing Aeroprice software, market updates are not included automatically.  If you have purchased one or more programs, and wish to receive the quarterly updated average retail values, we offer two options.

1.  You may call us (have your serial number handy) and we will provide you with the market change during the last quarter.  You can then re-compute your appraisals manually.  This service is provided for one year from your purchase at no charge.

2.  Because many of our retail value adjustments are computed for different year ranges on the same aircraft, you may wish to order a completely updated version.  These are available at 50% of the current retail price.  Update disks do not have to be installed like your initial program: you need only to transfer a few new files.

Professional Edition Customers: If you are an aircraft dealer, bank, or other aviation professional, and have subscribed to the Aeroprice Professional Edition, you receive monthly update disks as part of your subscription.  Approximately 1/3 of your data base will be updated each month.  You will also receive any new appraisal worksheets released by Aeroprice during the period of your subscription.


VAR Crankshaft Modifications
,

VAR Crankshafts

Recent AD notes require crankshaft replacement with the "VAR" type at the time of overhaul.  If the engine in your aircraft is affected by this AD, and if the engine time is more than 45% of TBO, a warning flag will appear onscreen.  If you are likely to own this aircraft at the time the overhaul becomes due, this may be an additional expense to consider.

See also:  Cost of Overhaul   	 	Heavy Cases  	 Remanufactured or New Engines


How to save appraisals on multiple aircraft.
Saving Your Appraisals

Saving appraisal worksheets for many different aircraft is simple, fast, and easy.  Rather than saving a copy of the entire program, Aeroprice allows you to save different "Versions".

The advantage of saving a version is twofold: it is very fast, and a version takes very little disk space (less than 1K!).  Use the "Put Version" command from the File menu to save the aircraft you evaluate, using the N# as the file name (such as "N12345").  The software will offer you three save options: be sure to use the default selection of "input cells", otherwise your file may not open properly later.

Use the "Get Version" command to retrieve your specsheets later.

Whenever you exit Aeroprice, the software will automatically ask you if you wish to "Save Changes to...?"  By saving your aircraft specs in this fast, convenient manner, you may reply "No" to this prompt, and Aeroprice will close rapidly.  Your appraisals will still be available the next time you use Aeroprice.