This question must be going through countless minds this year as owners of once highly sought after aircraft find themselves getting offers that are a fraction of what they paid. Frustration is just a small part of this scenario as numerous owners, particularly individuals, may find their monetary loss a very real threat. So, what is causing the drop in light twin values?

For at least the past 5 years we’ve watched VLJ’s evolve from dream into reality causing many traditional twin buyers to wait a little longer before upgrading. It doesn't take long to learn that many VLJ models present significant competition to the $1 million plus light twin offerings. This, combined with increasing insurance rates and $75 per barrel oil, created the perfect storm against the twin market we’re now seeing.

Few opportunities exist. As with most markets the real question is not whether you’ll be able to sell your asset but rather what price will you have to accept before you can hand the title over to someone else? High time airframes and engines coupled with decades old avionics are extremely difficult to move. We’re constantly hearing reports of owners having to accept half of what they originally put the aircraft on the market for just one year ago. For some owners, donating their aircraft to a charity may be the best option. If you choose this route, we strongly recommend you consult with your tax advisor. For everyone else, you must remember that the longer you wait for a good offer the more your airplanes value is diminishing. Light twin owners are suffering a buyer’s market and there doesn’t appear to be any improvement for owners. Please see 7 Tips for Today's Aircraft Market for a few simple suggestions to improve the odds of selling your aircraft.

Owners of newer aircraft, particularly post 1990 models, are not suffering to quite the same extent as their brethren owning older airframes. But unless they have a plan in place, they may very well find themselves in the same position. Unfortunately, I cannot fathom why anyone would recommend the purchase of a factory new twin in today’s environment.

Back to the original question. Will I ever be able to sell my twin? The short answer is yes. As Brian Jacobsen, Executive Director for the National Aircraft Appraiser’s Association put it, “ … as prices fall on traditional aircraft, buyers are likely to appear. As always, when prices are attractive enough for those who are caught between later models and higher financing costs they will likely seek out the more financially attractive option.”