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Avionics

It’s Worth What Someone Will Pay

Walking the annual classic car show at the New England Air Museum, I came upon a Ford Model A pickup, which appeared to be in mostly original condition. I made a classless blunder asking its owner what the truck was worth. He let me have it, offering an emotional explanation of why its priceless and the same is true for his restored biplane. The prices you see in Hemmings Motor News are only good for bankers, estate planners and divorce lawyers, he said. That got me thinking about the Aircraft Bluebook and Vref Aircraft Value Reference publications and the savvy eye required to determine realistic values.

Larry Anglisano
Verified

Walking the annual classic car show at the New England Air Museum, I came upon a Ford Model A pickup, which appeared to be in mostly original condition. I made a classless blunder asking its owner what the truck was worth. He let me have it, offering an emotional explanation of why it’s priceless and the same is true for his restored biplane. “The prices you see in Hemmings Motor News are only good for bankers, estate planners and divorce lawyers,” he said. That got me thinking about the Aircraft Bluebook and Vref Aircraft Value Reference publications and the savvy eye required to determine realistic values.

Larry Anglisano

Editor in Chief Larry Anglisano has been a staple at Aviation Consumer since 1995. An active land, sea and glider pilot, Larry has over 30 years’ experience as an avionics repairman and flight test pilot. He’s the editorial director overseeing sister publications Aviation Safety magazine, IFR magazine and is a regular contributor to KITPLANES magazine with his Avionics Bootcamp column.