CERTIFIED AIRCRAFT APPRAISALS

HELICOPTER APPRAISAL

Helicopter Appraisal Process

All AEROMAX, USA appraisals conform to the high ethical standards of the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) standards.

A Certified Helicopter Appraisal begins with an on-site thorough examination of the exterior and interior of the helicopter. Special attention is paid to the condition of the airframe, paint, engines, transmission, rotor blades, and instrumentation. The avionics and related flight instruments are inventoried to insure they are properly accounted for in assessing the value of the helicopter. The panel layout, optional systems, deicing systems, cabin, and interior conditions are also evaluated.

Airframe and engine modifications, as well as signs of present damage, are documented. Service Bulletin status and airworthiness Directive (AD) status are reviewed as is the status of any historical damage repairs. The conditions of “wear items”, e.g. time life, cycle limited parts, paint; interior, etc. are compared to comprehensive and detailed written standards.

Time-Limited Components:

ComponentTSO HoursTBO Hours
AFCS Actuator  
Intermediate Gear Box  
Main Rotor Blades (4)  
Main Rotor Head  
Main Servos (3)  
Swash Plate Assembly  
Tail Rotor Blades  
Tail Rotor Gear Box  
Tail Servo  
Transmission  

The logbooks and paperwork are carefully reviewed because these documents are the historical care or abuse that was given to this particular aircraft. This review documents whether maintenance was done to keep the aircraft in top condition or just to maintain a minimal level of airworthiness. Frequently, what is not recorded is important, e.g. missing annual inspections, missing or defaced logbook pages, and undocumented modifications. Special attention is given to any incidents of past damage history as this may or may not have a significant impact on the aircraft’s value.

After the aircraft inspection and paperwork examination is complete, the process of establishing the aircraft’s value begins. Utilizing the databases and proprietary software developed by the PAAO, and many other industry sources the information for this aircraft is entered into the PAAO database (this database is updated every month). After the detailed Aircraft Appraisal (typically 18 to 25 pages) is generated, it is reviewed by our Senior Certified Appraiser for accuracy. Once the appraisal has been approved, it is signed as a Certified Aircraft Appraisal.

**Note: An appraisal inspection is not a mechanical inspection. It is a value inspection. For a pre-purchase inspection or another mechanical inspection please contact a licensed A&P mechanic who is familiar with the aircraft make and model.

The Certified Appraisal Report is delivered in PDF format. Depending upon the aircraft type, the finished Certified Appraisal Report is usually ready for delivery in less than 48 hours after the on- site aircraft examination.