Frequently Asked Questions

Typically, you need aircraft appraisals when you're looking to buy, sell, or finance an aircraft or helicopter. Lenders, insurers, and legal proceedings may also require a certified appraisal to establish fair market value.

We offer three primary appraisal formats: Certified Appraisals with full physical inspection and documentation, Desktop Appraisals with research-based valuations without an on-site visit, and Onsite Appraisal Reports with detailed on-location inspections. Each is tailored to different needs, timelines, and budgets.

Turnaround time depends on the appraisal type. Desktop appraisals can often be completed within a few business days. Certified and onsite appraisals require scheduling a physical inspection and typically take longer depending on aircraft location and availability.

USPAP stands for the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice, the ethical and performance standards for the appraisal profession in the United States. A USPAP-certified appraisal helps ensure your report meets the highest professional and legal standards, which is often required for financing, litigation, and estate purposes.

Yes. Our appraisers are experienced with a wide range of aircraft types including turbine and piston fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, and business jets. Contact us to discuss your specific aircraft.

This largely depends on your flight or trip frequency. A jet card can offer cost savings if you fly regularly, but an ad hoc charter is better if you fly occasionally or on short notice. Contact Western Aviation if you need further clarification from an aviation consultant.

If you fly over 30 hours per year, an aircraft purchase is financially a reasonable option. Ownership provides greater flexibility, privacy, and potential tax advantages. An aviation consultant can help you evaluate whether ownership makes sense for your situation.

An empty leg, also called a deadhead flight, occurs when a private jet must fly without passengers to reposition for its next booking. These flights are often available at significantly reduced rates and can be an excellent way to access private aviation at a lower cost.

On-demand charter allows you to book a private aircraft for a specific trip without any long-term commitment. You pay only for the flights you take, making it ideal for travelers who want the flexibility of private aviation without ownership or fractional program obligations.

An expert aviation witness is a qualified professional who provides testimony in legal proceedings involving aviation matters such as accidents, incidents, insurance disputes, or contract disagreements. Western Aviation's expert witnesses hold ASA accreditation and have decades of hands-on industry experience.

We provide expert witness services for a broad range of aviation-related legal matters including aircraft accidents and incidents, insurance claims, aircraft valuation disputes, lease and purchase agreement disputes, and FAA regulatory compliance issues.

An aviation consultant provides expert guidance on a wide range of aviation matters including aircraft acquisition and sales, fleet management, regulatory compliance, financial analysis, and operational strategy. Western Aviation's consultants bring 40+ years of industry experience to every engagement.

Yes, we serve clients worldwide. Our team has experience working with clients across the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Germany, Spain, Egypt, Nigeria, and many other countries. We are equipped to handle international appraisals and consulting engagements.

Western Aviation was established in 1999 by David Fisher, who brings over 40 years of aviation industry experience. Prior to founding Western Aviation, David served as a United States Air Force Crew Chief and spent over a decade at GE Aviation in Aircraft Finance and Appraisals.

Western Aviation holds an ASA Senior Accredited Appraiser designation, FAA SS 295.1 classification, USPAP certification, membership in the National Aircraft Finance Association, and membership in the Lawyer Pilot Bar Association. We are also a proud veteran-owned business.

Getting started is easy. Simply call us at (281) 231-8704, email sales@westernaviation.com, or fill out the contact form on our website. One of our experts will reach out promptly to discuss your needs and recommend the right service for your situation.