© AERONUVO, The Professional and Expert Aircraft Appraisal and Valuation Services Company - All Rights Reserved 2002-2018

AIRCRAFT APPRAISAL AIRFRAME GRADING

CRITERIA

Honest and Objective Evaluation Definitions

To clear the air, bring standardization and clarity to aircraft airframe evaluations, the following critieria are used to remove bias and emotion to the aircraft appraisal. The National Aircraft Appraisers Association (NAAA)  leads the way with these definitions. aircraft appraiser

#10 Rating:

Aircraft structural exterior surfaces are absolutely flawless. External surfaces (aluminum, epoxy, wood and fabric) are wrinkle, crease and blemish free. All rivet, stitch or glue lines are straight and even. Rivets are pulled evenly. There are no abnormalities and the aircraft is in flawless, brand new condition with no damage history. Note that even brand new airplanes may not meet the conditions for this category. The appraiser must check the fit, finish, and workmanship carefully before assigning this rating to any airplane. Airframes that are average or above average in hours for the make and model will not fit in this category. This grade reserved for show airplanes!

#9 Rating:

Aircraft exterior surfaces are almost flawless and would meet the #10 criteria except for 1 or 2 minor exceptions. Example - some rivets may be pulled unevenly or some minor nicks around the belly of the aircraft from prop slinging pebbles. The aircraft has had no skin or structural repairs and no damage history. Airframes that are average or above average in hours for the make and model will not fit in this category.

#8 Rating:

Within 20 feet the aircraft would meet the #9 criteria. On close inspection there may be minor deformations on the underside of aircraft surfaces and minor abrasion on leading edge surfaces. Around cowling fasteners, inspection plates and door entry latch etc., there may be evidence of minor wear and/or abnormalities. Aircraft has no history of corrosion and if damage history exists the damage would have been minor in nature and the repaired damage is undetectable. The only evidence of previous damage is a log entry and FAA Form 337. The airframe will not have more than average time in service for its make and model.

#7 Rating:

Aircraft airframe shows very well with a few areas of minor dents or deformations. Airframe is corrosion free, however it may have had minor surface corrosion which has been cleaned and corrosion treated and painted. Cowling fasteners may show wear, along with inspection panels, door and cargo door entry areas. Any repair to the airframe was accomplished in a manner that is undetectable, and the only physical evidence of repairs are log entries and FAA Form 337's. Any damage history would not have involved major structural components of the airframe (wing spar etc.). Any hail damage would have been repaired in a manner which is undetectable and to manufacturers recommend procedures. The airframe may have more than average airframe time in service, but will not be considered a high time airframe.

#6 Rating:

Any previous damage to the aircraft airframe has been repaired to manufacturers specifications. The areas involved would be damage free and not raise any suspicion upon inspection that the area has previously been damaged. Corrosion history is not extensive and affected surfaces have been repaired and treated. Leading edge surfaces and high use areas such as cowling fasteners, aircraft entry, inspection panels etc. show evidence of wear. Minor cracks in aluminum have been stop drilled and repaired, and the repairs appear to have been successful. Any deformations are of a nature that are not a major distraction to the appearance or operation of the aircraft. The aircraft may have moderate to relatively high total time but with a history of regular maintenance documented by the logs and records.

#5 Rating:

The airframe is structurally sound. Leading edges of the aircraft wings or empennage may show evidence of abrasion wear. Surfaces under the wings, fuselage, and landing gear may show some evidence of nicks and abnormalities from prop slung pebbles etc. Minor surface corrosion may be evident on external surfaces which can easily be repaired by stripping, chemically treating and repainting the affected areas. The flat surfaces may show minor hail damage. Aircraft may have sustained damage, but has been repaired in a manner which is consistent with factory recommendations and procedures. Airframe may have one or two small cracks which need to be stop drilled. Overall there may be some minor hangar rash type of discrepancies on the airframe which do not need to be repaired and do not affect the safety or flight performance of the aircraft. The overall appearance of the airframe is good.

#4 Rating:

The aircraft airframe possesses the above discrepancies but to a larger extent. Generally, the airframe is sound, but the overall appearance is poor.

#3 Rating:

The aircraft airframe is in poor condition and requires maintenance before it could pass an Annual Inspection. The aircraft has deteriorated to a point that continued service would be unwise.

#2 Rating:

The aircraft requires very extensive repairs to become airworthy and the extent of repairs is such that the cost may exceed the value of the aircraft.

#1 Rating:

The aircraft's only value is salvage. Note: Numerical ratings converted to phonic ratings.

#10 = Excellent - #9 = Extra Fine - #8 = Very Good - #7 = Good - #6 = High Average -

#5 = Average - #4 = Low Average - #3 = Below Average - #2 = Bad Condition.

piper m600 landing for an airplane appraisal small aircraft with pilot landing for an aircraft appraiser

Aircraft Fair Market Value

Also known at CURRENT MARKET VALUE if the value pertains to the time of the analysis and or appraisal. It is the Appraiser's opinion of the most likely trading price that may be generated for an aircraft under the market circumstances that are perceived to exist at the time in question. MARKET VALUE assumes that the aircraft is valued for its highest, best use, that the parties to the hypothetical sale transaction are willing, able, prudent and knowledgeable, and under no unusual pressure for a prompt sale, and that the transaction would be negotiated in an open and unrestricted market on an arm's-length basis, for cash or equivalent consideration, and given an adequate amount of time for effective exposure to prospective buyers. This term is synonymous with MARKET VALUE, and likewise CURRENT FAIR MARKET VALUE is synonymous with CURRENT MARKET VALUE because the criteria typically used in those documents that use the term "fair" reflect the same criteria set forth in the above definition of MARKET VALUE. 

Our Portfolio of Services

AERONUVO, The Aircraft Appraisal and Valuation Company provides competent, impartial, objective and independent valuation for buyers, sellers, banks, financing, leasing, underwriters, insurance adjusters, corporate flight departments, domestic and foreign corporations and individual owners. Our services also determine aircraft fair market property value to support purchases, sales, financing, legal proceedings and charitable contributions. Our portfolio includes single engine pistons, light and cabin class twins, single and twin engine turboprops, business jets with 10 seats or less and vintage aircraft. Our fees include IRS Form 8283 for Noncash Charitable Contributions, if requested. AERONUVO Aircraft Appraisals are sometimes requested in divorces, business loans, estate evaluations, partnership buy outs, or other situations. AERONUVO can deliver a professional opinion and appraisal report of the present market value price on an aircraft, the value on an aircraft to be renovated or modified and the value of an aircraft as a prudent safeguard against excessive tax assessments, capital gains and other taxes. Our Premier and Certified Aircraft Appraisal Services include Aeronca, Aero Commander, American Champion (ACA), American General, Aviat Husky and Pitts, Beechcraft (Beech), Bellanca, Citabria, Cessna, Cirrus, CubCrafters (Cub Crafters), DAHER SOCATA, Diamond, Ercoupe, Glasair, Great Lakes, Grumman American, Lancair, Luscombe, Maule, Mooney, Piper, Rockwell Commander, Stinson and More.
AERONUVO, professional, accurate, trustworthy aircraft appraisers for Virginia, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland and Washington DC, Cessna, Piper, Mooney, Beechcraft (Beech) aircraft, airplane appraisals AERONUVO, professional, accurate, trustworthy aircraft appraisers for Virginia, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland and Washington DC, Cessna, Piper, Mooney, Beechcraft (Beech) aircraft, airplane appraisals

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AIRCRAFT APPRAISAL

AIRFRAME GRADING CRITERIA

Honest and Objective Evaluation

Definitions

To clear the air, bring standardization and clarity to aircraft airframe evaluations, the following critieria are used to remove bias and emotion to the aircraft appraisal. The National Aircraft Appraisers Association (NAAA)  leads the way with these definitions. aircraft appraiser

#10 Rating:

Aircraft structural exterior surfaces are absolutely flawless. External surfaces (aluminum, epoxy, wood and fabric) are wrinkle, crease and blemish free. All rivet, stitch or glue lines are straight and even. Rivets are pulled evenly. There are no abnormalities and the aircraft is in flawless, brand new condition with no damage history. Note that even brand new airplanes may not meet the conditions for this category. The appraiser must check the fit, finish, and workmanship carefully before assigning this rating to any airplane. Airframes that are average or above average in hours for the make and model will not fit in this category. This grade reserved for show airplanes!

#9 Rating:

Aircraft exterior surfaces are almost flawless and would meet the #10 criteria except for 1 or 2 minor exceptions. Example - some rivets may be pulled unevenly or some minor nicks around the belly of the aircraft from prop slinging pebbles. The aircraft has had no skin or structural repairs and no damage history. Airframes that are average or above average in hours for the make and model will not fit in this category.

#8 Rating:

Within 20 feet the aircraft would meet the #9 criteria. On close inspection there may be minor deformations on the underside of aircraft surfaces and minor abrasion on leading edge surfaces. Around cowling fasteners, inspection plates and door entry latch etc., there may be evidence of minor wear and/or abnormalities. Aircraft has no history of corrosion and if damage history exists the damage would have been minor in nature and the repaired damage is undetectable. The only evidence of previous damage is a log entry and FAA Form 337. The airframe will not have more than average time in service for its make and model.

#7 Rating:

Aircraft airframe shows very well with a few areas of minor dents or deformations. Airframe is corrosion free, however it may have had minor surface corrosion which has been cleaned and corrosion treated and painted. Cowling fasteners may show wear, along with inspection panels, door and cargo door entry areas. Any repair to the airframe was accomplished in a manner that is undetectable, and the only physical evidence of repairs are log entries and FAA Form 337's. Any damage history would not have involved major structural components of the airframe (wing spar etc.). Any hail damage would have been repaired in a manner which is undetectable and to manufacturers recommend procedures. The airframe may have more than average airframe time in service, but will not be considered a high time airframe.

#6 Rating:

Any previous damage to the aircraft airframe has been repaired to manufacturers specifications. The areas involved would be damage free and not raise any suspicion upon inspection that the area has previously been damaged. Corrosion history is not extensive and affected surfaces have been repaired and treated. Leading edge surfaces and high use areas such as cowling fasteners, aircraft entry, inspection panels etc. show evidence of wear. Minor cracks in aluminum have been stop drilled and repaired, and the repairs appear to have been successful. Any deformations are of a nature that are not a major distraction to the appearance or operation of the aircraft. The aircraft may have moderate to relatively high total time but with a history of regular maintenance documented by the logs and records.

#5 Rating:

The airframe is structurally sound. Leading edges of the aircraft wings or empennage may show evidence of abrasion wear. Surfaces under the wings, fuselage, and landing gear may show some evidence of nicks and abnormalities from prop slung pebbles etc. Minor surface corrosion may be evident on external surfaces which can easily be repaired by stripping, chemically treating and repainting the affected areas. The flat surfaces may show minor hail damage. Aircraft may have sustained damage, but has been repaired in a manner which is consistent with factory recommendations and procedures. Airframe may have one or two small cracks which need to be stop drilled. Overall there may be some minor hangar rash type of discrepancies on the airframe which do not need to be repaired and do not affect the safety or flight performance of the aircraft. The overall appearance of the airframe is good.

#4 Rating:

The aircraft airframe possesses the above discrepancies but to a larger extent. Generally, the airframe is sound, but the overall appearance is poor.

#3 Rating:

The aircraft airframe is in poor condition and requires maintenance before it could pass an Annual Inspection. The aircraft has deteriorated to a point that continued service would be unwise.

#2 Rating:

The aircraft requires very extensive repairs to become airworthy and the extent of repairs is such that the cost may exceed the value of the aircraft.

#1 Rating:

The aircraft's only value is salvage. Note: Numerical ratings converted to phonic ratings.

#10 = Excellent - #9 = Extra Fine - #8 = Very

Good - #7 = Good - #6 = High Average - #5 =

Average - #4 = Low Average - #3 = Below

Average - #2 = Bad Condition.

© AERONUVO, The Professional and Expert Aircraft Appraisal and Valuation Services Company - All Rights Reserved 2002-2018
The Aircraft Appraisal and Valuation Company Toll Free:  844.341.2376