WHAT’S IT WORTH?
I have an aircraft resale question. I’ve had a Piper PA-22 refurb project going for about 10 years, and recently finally finished and flew it. I converted it to a tailwheel 22/20 using the Univair STC, and updated the electrics and panel. I’ve installed new fabric, a lightweight starter, rebuilt mags, Cleveland wheels and brakes, new engine mount, sealed struts—the list of upgrades is extensive.
My tastes have changed and I have other aircraft to fly and want to sell the PA-22. So the question is, how do I determine an asking price for something like this? In resale pubs like Trade-A-Plane or Barnstormers, or even at the Short Wing owner’s club, the prices are all over the board. Have you written on this subject in the past?
I’m also wonder if installing an ADS-B system will make the airplane easier to market. I’ve been an Aviation Consumer reader for a few years and thoroughly enjoy it.
Bob Gardner – via email
We’re asked these kinds of questions a lot. We covered aircraft appraisals in the May 2021 issue of Aviation Consumer, and it’s worth a read for an enlightening look deep inside the subjective world of appraising aircraft.
As for your PA-22, it’s really worth what someone is willing to pay for it. Aircraft with extensive refurbishment, mods and upgrades are obviously worth a lot more than ones that haven’t been touched in years. Our advice is to start with the current published typical retail price from Aircraft Bluebook, and then add up your investment, including major mods and avionics upgrades. You generally get nothing back for labor costs. Still, aircraft that have been nicely refurbished and that have meticulous maintenance records almost always sell for more—a lot more—than Bluebook value.
Last, compare your machine with others on the market and price it accordingly. As we’ve been reporting, the current used market is on fire, and as a seller you are in the driver’s seat.
As for an ADS-B upgrade, the majority of buyers will want it so equipped. For a PA-22, we favor a low-cost solution. The uAvionix tailBeacon or skyBeacon systems come to mind.
GARMIN SMART GUIDE
I enjoyed your report on Garmin’s new Smart Glide in the September 2021 issue of Aviation Consumer. I have a Garmin G1000 in my Diamond, which has a WAAS upgrade, but it’s not the new G1000 NXi. Will the Smart Glide software work in my system? I’m told it might.
Will Harrington – via email
You were told incorrectly. There is currently no Smart Glide compatibility with any G1000 system because it’s up to the aircraft manufacturer to approve any major changes to the operating system. The avionics are blanketed under the aircraft’s type certificate, and manufacturers are notoriously slow to implement any changes.
For now, Smart Glide is for select Garmin aftermarket equipment, including GTN Xi navigators.
CORRECTION
In our August 2021 Used Aircraft Guide, we incorrectly called the 172 pictured on page 31 a 1988 M model. Our bad—it’s a 1977 M model.
