New aircraft are crazy expensive. When a new Skyhawk costs $300K, why does anyone want to buy a new airplane? A recent article by John Zimmerman over at Air Facts recaps the situation nicely and explores the new, or maybe not so new, world of aircraft remanufacturing. The good news is that the high cost of new [...]
Go Pro and Get Great Pictures
Getting a professional photographer for your aircraft sale is not very expensive and can make all the difference in your photos. Here’s your A, B, C guide to getting a pro for $50 or less: Go to Craigslist and search “Services” for “Photographer” Browse the photographers and see who has the best looking sample photos [...]
Want a stronger aircraft market? Eliminate the third class medical!
Aviation organizations have been trying for years to coax the FAA into reducing, or eliminating the 3rd class medical. There’s been some success, sport pilot for example. But generally we’re no closer to this goal than before. There’s talk every now and again about the FAA reconsidering, there was a recent petition effort by AOPA [...]
Single Engine Piston Market Looks Stable into 2012
Amid continued economic pressure and anemic numbers of student pilots the single engine piston market looks to remain stable into 2012.
After falling for almost 9 years, prices for single engine piston aircraft bottomed out starting in 2009, according to data from Aircraft Bluebook, and have slowly been climbing since, now having recovered about 2.5%. Transactions for singles are increasing too, up 25% in 2011.
Continued growth of the market however, will likely be dependent on continued US GDP growth, general economic recovery (i.e. jobs) and fuel prices remaining in check. This is supported by data and analysis fromJetnet. General Aviation will also need to continue to work on increasing the student pilot population that was looking stronger in 2010 but again took a dip in 2011. [...]
Top 10 Airplane Selling Tips… From a Car Salesman
Airplanes and cars are, obviously, different. But selling is selling and, make no mistake, you need to sell your airplane not just put it out there.
I was talking with a car salesman, and fellow pilot, friend of mine the other day and we started talking about selling. A lot of people have low opinions of car salesman but, to a certain degree, when you are selling your own airplane it would be helpful to have a the mindset of a salesman. To that end, here are his top ten tips when you are trying to sell your airplane.
1. Don’t lie to potential buyers. I didn’t say you have to tell them everything you know, but don’t lie to them. If you don’t have the answer to their question, tell them you don’t know and that you will get them an answer. The only possible exception to this rule is the story you tell on why you are selling the airplane.
2. Know your airplane. Knowing every detail about your airplane [...]
Get Rid of Cabin Odor and Save Your Sale
When you are selling an airplane sometimes the little things matter the most.
It’s likely that any buyer in this market has lots of options when it comes to aircraft. Even within a particular make and model there are several hundred aircraft on the market at any given time. Once they narrow down the options buyers will often go and see their final choices. This is when decisions will be made. If they are taking the time to come and see your airplane take that opportunity to make the best impression possible.
That brings me to the focus of this article: cabin odor.
What’s That Smell
Let’s face it most airplanes could smell a bit better. It’s just that no one seems to want to talk about it.
Without air conditioning we sweat in those seats, be it from summer heat or the winter IFR approach down to minimums. If you are the typical male pilot I’m willing to bet that you occasionally let out a bit of gas as you continue to climb in that un-pressurized cabin. Then there are those who fly with us. No matter how smooth you fly there will be someone who has the unfortunate experience of loosing their lunch at 5500 feet. If you have kids you can also expect all the smells that go with your typical mini-van, sans fast food maybe.
If your airplane cabin smells like your first Skyhawk trainer it’s time to take action. That old airplane smell could kill your sale. [...]
Go With a Broker or Do It Yourself?
One of the first decisions you need to make when deciding to sell your airplane is whether or not to use an aircraft broker. Your decision on using a broker or not will depend a lot on how much time you have and if you have the budget to pay 10% of your sales price to them.
There is no doubt that using a broker saves you time and effort. Once you sign an agreement with one they take care of almost everything. But, before you give up 10% of your sale price, you should ask yourself this:
How much time and money will it take me to do what the broker does?
If you talk to an aircraft broker or check out one of their websites they will be more than happy to make a very big deal about how hard it is to sell an airplane. They will tell you buyer horror stories and make it sound like it is the most painful thing in the world to sell an airplane yourself.
I can tell you from experience, it’s not that painful. Before you sign up with a broker read the rest of this article to get a sense of how much time and effort is really involved in selling an airplane yourself. At least then you can make an informed decision. [...]
The Secret to Selling Your Airplane in Half the Time
Pictures sell airplanes. Plain and simple.
Forgive me if this is obvious to you but it is amazing the number of aircraft ads I see online with no pictures at all. Don’t believe me? Go take a look at ASO.com or Trade-a-Plane. Would you try to sell your car or house without showing potential buyers any pictures? No way.
When selling your airplane putting up great pictures is critical to your online ad performance. ASO.com has said that ads with pictures get viewed 120% more often than ads without and generate 70% more leads.Barnstormers.com says that aircraft with pictures sell five times faster. [...]
About The Author
James is a pilot and aviation fanatic. He holds a Commercial certificate with SEL, MEL and instrument ratings. His background is in technology services and has sold a number of aircraft himself.
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