Certified Aircraft Appraisal Services: Desktop and Onsite
USPAP-compliant aircraft and helicopter appraisals by an ASA Senior Accredited Appraiser, for lenders, attorneys, owners, buyers, sellers, and insurers in the U.S. and internationally.
Independent Aircraft Valuations You Can Defend
An aircraft appraisal is only as good as the method behind it and the person who signs it. Lenders rely on it to set loan amounts, attorneys and courts rely on it in disputes, insurers rely on it to set coverage, and buyers and sellers rely on it to negotiate.
Western Aviation provides independent aircraft appraisals prepared by David Fisher, an ASA Senior Accredited Appraiser, FAA A&P mechanic with Inspection Authorization, and former GE Capital Aircraft Financing branch manager. Every report follows USPAP and is built on comparable market data, aircraft records, and condition, so the value holds up when someone questions it.
Every Appraisal Is Certified: Choose Desktop or Onsite
Every Western Aviation appraisal is a certified aircraft appraisal: a formal, USPAP-compliant report signed by David Fisher, an ASA Senior Accredited Appraiser, with a documented valuation method, market analysis, and support for the conclusion of value. That means it can be relied on by lenders, courts, taxing authorities, the IRS, and insurers. The only choice is how much inspection the job needs.
Desktop Aircraft Appraisal
A certified appraisal based on the aircraft's records, specifications, and current market data, without a physical inspection. Fast and cost-effective for buy/sell decisions, insurance updates, portfolio reporting, and planning. Desktop appraisals can often be completed within a few business days.
Onsite Aircraft Appraisal
A certified appraisal that adds an in-person inspection of the aircraft, its logbooks, and components to the market analysis. Best when condition matters most: financing high-value aircraft, litigation, damage history, or aircraft with incomplete records.
| Desktop | Onsite | |
|---|---|---|
| Certified, USPAP-compliant report | Yes | Yes |
| Physical inspection | No | Yes |
| Records review | Yes | Yes, plus logbooks on site |
| Typical uses | Planning, insurance updates, portfolio reporting, sales | Financing, litigation, damage history, incomplete records |
| Speed | Fastest | Depends on aircraft location |
Aircraft Values for Every Purpose
- Fair market value
- Orderly liquidation value
- Wholesale value (forced liquidation value)
- Insurance and replacement value
- Residual value forecasts
- Diminution of value (pre-damage vs. post-repair)
Aircraft Appraisal and Valuation Services
Aircraft Appraisals
Certified desktop and onsite appraisals for business jets, turboprops, and piston aircraft.
Helicopter Appraisals
Rotorcraft valuations that account for mission configuration, component times, and maintenance history.
Fleet Valuations
Consistent valuations across multiple aircraft for portfolio reporting, financing, and transactions.
Collateral Valuation
Independent collateral appraisals for loan origination, refinancing, portfolio monitoring, and asset recovery.
Diminution of Value
Appraisals that measure the lasting loss in market value after damage and repair.
Aircraft Appraisals for Lenders, Attorneys, Owners, and Insurers
- Banks, lenders, and lessors: loan origination, refinancing, and portfolio reviews
- Attorneys: litigation, divorce, bankruptcy, and estate matters
- Aircraft owners: insurance, tax appeals, estate planning, and sale preparation
- Buyers and sellers: pricing and negotiation
- Insurance carriers and adjusters: coverage limits and claims
- Corporations and family offices: financial reporting and fleet decisions
How Our Aircraft Appraisal Process Works
Step 1: Scope
We confirm the aircraft, the purpose of the appraisal, who will rely on it, and whether a desktop or onsite appraisal fits.
Step 2: Records and Data
We gather specifications, logbooks, maintenance status, damage history, and current market data.
Step 3: Inspection (onsite appraisals)
David inspects the aircraft, its records, and its components in person.
Step 4: Analysis and Report
We analyze comparable sales and market conditions and deliver a documented, USPAP-compliant report.
Your Appraiser: David Fisher, ASA
David Fisher is an ASA Senior Accredited Appraiser and has been appraising, buying, selling, and brokering aircraft for more than 30 years. He is also an FAA A&P mechanic with Inspection Authorization and a former branch manager for GE Capital Aircraft Financing, so he understands aircraft the way a mechanic, a lender, and a buyer do. His appraisals have been relied on by lenders, insurers, and courts, and he has served as an aviation expert witness for more than 30 years.
An Appraiser Who Knows Aircraft From Every Side
Many appraisers rely on price guides. Western Aviation's valuations are built on hands-on maintenance knowledge, aircraft finance experience, and more than 300 real aircraft transactions. Founded in Houston in 1999 and veteran-owned, Western Aviation serves lenders, attorneys, owners, and insurers in the U.S. and internationally.
- ASA Senior Accredited Appraiser
- USPAP-Compliant Reports
- FAA A&P / IA
- Former GE Capital Aircraft Financing
- 300+ Aircraft Transactions
- USAF Veteran-Owned
Frequently Asked Questions
Are all of your aircraft appraisals certified?
Yes. Every Western Aviation appraisal, desktop or onsite, is a certified, USPAP-compliant report signed by David Fisher, an ASA Senior Accredited Appraiser.
What is the difference between a desktop and an onsite aircraft appraisal?
Both are certified. A desktop appraisal values the aircraft from its records, specifications, and market data without an inspection. An onsite appraisal adds an in-person inspection of the aircraft, logbooks, and components.
Do I need an onsite appraisal?
Only when condition drives the value or the requirements call for it, such as high-value financing, litigation, damage history, or incomplete records. For planning, insurance updates, and many other uses, a desktop appraisal is enough. We'll recommend the right option.
How long does an aircraft appraisal take?
Desktop appraisals can often be completed within a few business days. Onsite appraisals take longer, depending on the aircraft's location and the scope of the inspection.
Are your appraisals USPAP-compliant?
Yes. Our appraisal reports are prepared in compliance with the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) by David Fisher, an ASA Senior Accredited Appraiser who is current on USPAP requirements.
What information do you need to start?
The aircraft's make, model, serial number, and registration, the purpose of the appraisal, and access to the logbooks and maintenance records. For onsite appraisals, we also need the aircraft's location.
Can your appraisal be used in court?
Yes. David Fisher has served as an aviation expert witness for more than 30 years and has never been disqualified or removed from a case. See our Expert Witness Services for litigation support.
Need an Aircraft Appraisal?
Tell us about the aircraft and how the value will be used. We'll recommend a desktop or onsite appraisal and get started.