Pricing Your Helicopter Accurately To Sell

If you’re thinking about selling your Robinson R44 or R66 helicopter, it’s important to price it accurately. You don’t want to ask for too much and scare potential buyers away, but you also don’t want to ask for too little and leave money on the table. So how do you determine the right price?

Unfortunately, there is no easy answer when it comes to pricing these helicopters. There are many factors that can affect the price, including the year of manufacture, total time remaining before required overhaul, aircraft condition, and current market conditions. Here are some key points to keep in mind when you’re trying to determine a fair price for your Robinson helicopter:

1. The first step is to do your research. Take time to review online listings to get an idea of what other Robinson R44 and R66 helicopters are selling for. This will give you a sense of the market value for these types of helicopters, and whether your helicopter is priced above or below average. However, when looking online, you should be cautious: prices can be heavily inflated to allow a seller room for negotiations, which could lead to a longer than normal listing period.
2. Consider the installed equipment and overall condition of your helicopter and how it compares to others on the market. If your helicopter is in excellent condition – and has upgraded equipment or avionics – you can command a higher price than others that need work.
3. Pay attention to current national and international market conditions. Like real estate, the final sales price is influenced by current market supply versus demand.
4. Be prepared to negotiate. When it comes to pricing a Robinson helicopter, it’s important to remember that the listed price is usually just a starting point. If you’re serious about selling, be prepared to negotiate with the buyer to get the best possible price. Rule of thumb is to not have a listing price more than 10% of the current market average for comparable helicopter listings.
5. Get a professional appraisal. If you really want to have an accurate sense of the value of your helicopter, it can be helpful to get a professional appraisal. This will give you an idea of what the seller might reasonably expect to receive in terms of price, and whether it is fair relative to other Robinson helicopters on the market. Since the Robinson R44 and R66 are unique aircraft, you want to use an appraiser who is familiar with Robinson helicopters. Furthermore, the appraiser must understand the time before overhaul components and calendar life limits.

Overall, pricing a used Robinson R44 or R66 helicopter can be tricky, but with a good understanding of the market – and careful research – you can feel confident about getting a fair deal. Remember to focus on the condition of your helicopter and market conditions to get the best possible price. You can also enlist the services of a qualified helicopter-specific broker to guide you through the process. Good luck!