RAD Jets

RAD Jets Professional aviation consulting specializing in aircraft valuation and brokerage support.

04/23/2026

On Desktop vs. On-Site Inspections

(Reflection from the NAFA ASA training last week in Savannah)

We had a strong debate about desktop appraisals versus full on-site inspections — cowls off, nose cone removed, digging through the hangar in winter conditions and all.

The reality today: Lenders are increasingly pushing for desktop reviews because they offer faster turnaround and significantly lower cost.

However, the experienced voices in the room were clear — there’s still real value in getting hands dirty with a thorough on-site inspection.

You catch hidden corrosion, undocumented repairs, preservation issues, and nuances that paper and photos simply can’t reveal.
In many cases, that extra effort prevents expensive surprises down the road.

As an appraiser, I still believe the best valuations combine both approaches when possible.

When do you insist on a full on-site inspection versus accepting a desktop?

Would love to hear your experiences in the comments. ✈️

04/15/2026

Spent a very full day yesterday at the National Aircraft Finance Association ASA program diving deep into the real-world challenges and best practices of aircraft appraisal.

From building defensible valuations when comps are scarce, to navigating desktop vs. on-site inspections, handling limited data, understanding damage history and corrosion risks, dealing with AI tools (and their limitations), to the critical importance of thorough logbook reviews and knowing the “human side” of every deal; it was an incredibly valuable exchange with senior ASAs and industry experts.

Key takeaway: In our business, numbers alone aren’t enough. Context, judgment, experience, and asking the right questions still make all the difference.

Grateful for the opportunity to learn alongside such knowledgeable professionals. Always sharpening the saw so we can deliver the most accurate, defensible valuations for our clients at RAD Jets.

Excited to announce that RAD Jets will be attending the NAFA 54th Annual Conference in Savannah, Georgia next week!I’ll ...
04/13/2026

Excited to announce that RAD Jets will be attending the NAFA 54th Annual Conference in Savannah, Georgia next week!

I’ll be there April 14–16 at the JW Marriott Savannah Plant Riverside District, connecting with leaders in aircraft finance, lenders, lessors, and fellow aviation professionals.

This is always one of the best events of the year for staying current on financing trends, market conditions, and building strong relationships across the business aviation community.

If you’re attending NAFA Savannah, I’d love to connect — whether it’s for a quick coffee, a conversation about appraisals, or just to say hello.

Drop a comment or send me a message if you’ll be there!

Looking forward to a great week in Savannah. ✈️

Rad Jets joins the  podcast to talk real-world aircraft appraisals. If you’re in aviation (or thinking about it) this is...
04/10/2026

Rad Jets joins the podcast to talk real-world aircraft appraisals.

If you’re in aviation (or thinking about it) this is a conversation you're not going to want to miss.

Episode drops end of the month. Stay tuned.

04/03/2026

At Rad Jets, we're thinking creatively so we both can get the job done.

04/01/2026

Is AI coming for my job as an aircraft appraiser? Probably someday… but definitely not today.

I've tested those AI valuation tools — and honestly, they're kind of funny. One I ran recently on a jet that sold just weeks earlier came back off by millions. Another one confidently listed "comparable" sales… that didn't even exist. Classic AI hallucination.

AI only knows public, old data — usually 60-90 days behind at best. It has zero clue about:

Deals that fell apart at the last second (and why)
Pending sales still in quiet talks
Off-market stuff, buyer motivations, or insider market whispers

No real judgment, no nuance — just generic numbers without the human context that actually sets the price.

That's why, if you're buying, selling, or valuing a jet right now, you still need someone who lives these deals every day — not just datasets.

Want a valuation that's grounded in reality (not made-up comps)? Call RAD Jets. Human expertise still wins every time. ✈️

03/20/2026

The conversations, the technology, the energy…it all points to a market that’s evolving fast. Good thing we're ready to help you!

I had an amazing experience yesterday.
03/19/2026

I had an amazing experience yesterday.

03/16/2026

Myth: Those online jet value indexes give you the exact number for your plane.

Reality: They're okay for a quick ballpark... but they'll never get the true value of your specific airplane.

These tools use old sales data, averages, and generic guesses. They don't know:

Your plane's real condition, upgrades, or recent maintenance
The little quirks that add (or subtract) serious cash

What's happening in the market right now — hot buyers, stalled deals, shifting demand

Where things are headed next week or next month

I've seen online numbers off by hundreds of thousands because they miss the human side — the real stories behind the deals.

Want a valuation that actually holds up with buyers, lenders, or sellers? You need someone who lives this every day, knows the value drivers cold, reads today's market, and spots tomorrow's trends.

Give RAD Jets a call for a pro appraisal that cuts through the myths. No guesses, just facts. ✈️

What's the biggest surprise you've seen in a jet valuation? Drop it in the comments!

Big news: RAD Jets has been retained by a U.S.-based, experienced aircraft buyer to find and acquire a Citation CJ3+ or ...
03/09/2026

Big news: RAD Jets has been retained by a U.S.-based, experienced aircraft buyer to find and acquire a Citation CJ3+ or CJ4.

If you own a well-cared-for CJ3+ or CJ4 and are considering selling, I’d love to hear from you — confidentially and directly.

Please reach out to [email protected].

Serious inquiries only. Thank you!

We’re headed to VERTICON 2026 ✈️RadJets will be in Atlanta connecting with leaders in vertical aviation, exploring innov...
03/05/2026

We’re headed to VERTICON 2026 ✈️

RadJets will be in Atlanta connecting with leaders in vertical aviation, exploring innovation and building strategic partnerships for what’s next in private aviation.

Whether you’re buying, selling, or evaluating an aircraft, RadJets offers precise market valuations, and strategic acquisition guidance built on experience and discretion. If you’ll be there, let’s connect.

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