Lots going on in the world of aviation these days. The debate on fuel changes is rapidly heating up which may finally lead to the demise of 100LL Avgas. But then again we've been hearing about this for years now and still no one really know how or when this will all end up.
Leaders of owners' groups for Cirrus, Malibu/Mirage, Bonanza, Mooney and Twin Cessna aircraft have banded together to form the Clean 100-Octane Coalition, and make clear what they need from any replacement 100LL. Owners of these aircraft have the most to lose if the nation adopts 94UL (essentially 100LL without the lead) as a replacement fuel, because that fuel will mandate either expensive engine modifications, power de-ratings or both for their aircraft. It's likely this group's existence has already influenced AOPA's latest statement on a replacement for 100LL. At the annual Cirrus owner's migration in Dayton on Saturday, the coalition met with AOPA president Craig Fuller, as well as representatives from Cirrus, Piper, GAMA and Teledyne-Continental Motors (TCM) in what became a four-hour meeting to further press the point.
In other news, A report that came out under the radar on June 1, the FCC slipped in a stunning mandate. Section (h) of the executive summary of the report reads "We prohibit the certification, manufacture, importation, sale or continued use of 121.5 MHz emergency locator transmitters (ELTs) other than the Breitling Emergency Watch ELT." Bravo for Breitling, but what about the rest of us? U.S. pilots all know that satellite monitoring of 121.5 signals was discontinued in 2009, but they are still acceptable to the FAA — just not the FCC, effective in August. That allows two months' compliance time, and even if every GA aircraft owner took immediate action, it would still be impractical to convert all U.S.-registered aircraft that quickly. The report took the Aircraft Electronics Association by surprise, too. And as AOPA's vice president of regulatory affairs Rob Hackman said, "When two government agencies don't coordinate, GA can suffer." AOPA also proposed that the FCC did not sufficiently understand the implications of its ruling, in part because the agency suggested aircraft operators would "migrate" to the newer 406 MHz ELTs only if the older technology ELTs were rendered illegal to use by FCC fiat.
The aircraft appraisal side of the business continues to pick up which indicates the sales end of general and business aviation is warming up along with the summer weather.
Brian Jacobson from NAAA states "there was a significant improvement in the Spring buying season this year when compared to last year. There were fewer ‘bottom feeders’ and more buyers who bought good quality airplanes at prices that were realistic for today’s market. I’m happy to say that many of our members helped support those buying and selling aircraft this Spring by providing good, high quality appraisal reports".
The Spring time activity led to slightly higher prices for some piston engine aircraft, but one must remember that only the best of the breeds are selling. It is still a buyer’s market out there and aircraft that need any major upgrades or refurbishment are difficult to sell. Aircraft that need complete refurbishment (engine, paint, interior, avionics upgrades) are almost impossible to sell.
The turbine market is seeing an upturn in sales of late model upper end aircraft while others, like the Challengers and some Falcons, continue to decline in value. Sales of smaller turbines have been slow at best but still somewhat better than they have been for the last two years.
The appraisal business here at OTAS seems to be gaining momentum which is a good sign for Central California. Other metro areas seem to be doing even better then urban areas at least now there seems to be hope for a brighter aviation future.
If you are looking to update your portfolio with regards to your existing aircraft's current value, or perhaps you are looking to sell or purchase. Feel free to give us a call and we can help! Whether it's a full certified appraisal or perhaps our lessor priced Aircraft Market Analysis for that quick real-time market evaluation.
Plus don't forget if you are looking to purchase, now is a great time and OTAS offers a complete and comprehensive one-stop acquisition program. On the other hand if you're looking to sell we can help you with our world class Aircraft Brokerage Services.
Feel free to give us a call at (888) 703-2369 or visit us at oaktreeaviation.com and we would love to work with you in any event!
Have a great and relaxing summer everyone!
Best Regards,
Rick Rossner
President
Oaktree Aviation Services LLC
(888) 703-2369
(888) 703-2369
No comments:
Post a Comment