[Mike Simmons]

Piston aircraft are not necessarily appreciating in value. There are many factors involved and it also depends on the type of aircraft but piston values (in general) were declining over the past few months and have stabilized.

Most tax offices use the number right out of the Bluebook to determine the tax value. In some cases, that figure could be high or they may have not updated their figures in some time but the only way to provide another opinion (that is accepted by the tax office), is to have the aircraft professionally appraised.

There is no guarantee on the final opinion of value but at least you will know if you are overpaying on your taxes or not.