THE LUCK OF THE SWISS
YOU DON’T NEED TO BE IRISH TO HAVE GOOD LUCK WITH PILATUS PRE-OWNED.
Recently, I received a phone call from a pilot–nice guy. Like many move-up scenarios, he and his boss are flying an unpressurized aircraft. As you can imagine, there were a lot of questions about stepping up to a Pilatus and everything that comes with it.
This was not my first call with this gentleman–it was probably more like the sixth. We’re always happy to act in good faith with folks, but at times, the balance between being helpful and just having your brain picked clean can feel a bit lopsided. Nonetheless, I listened as the pilot shared his most recent story.
He told me about how he and his boss had made an offer to purchase a Pilatus. He said they really just wanted a good value (lower total time, nice cosmetics, pedigree, etc.–Shocker!) He went on, elaborating on all their thoughts and feelings regarding the topic, almost in an effort to explain their actions. I then asked him, “Do you believe in luck?” To which he naturally replied, “What do you mean?”
The short journey these folks were on was predicated on luck. Making offers on airplanes with very limited data and information was no different than placing a wager at the craps table in Las Vegas. The good news? Buyers DO have the ability to know how the dice will land–or at least have a very, very high probability of it…
I then kindly outlined all the factors and pieces of data that we at JetSwiss factor in when making market decisions (offers) with our clients. Also, what happens after the sale? Can you predict maintenance or residual values in three years when you plan to sell? So again, do you believe in luck?
As a side note, I have a deep appreciation for the fact that the overwhelming majority of our clientele are successful individuals. These people follow their gut instincts and, more often than not, make far more better choices than bad ones. That’s easy to say. But, when it comes to purchasing a multimillion-dollar asset, this entrepreneurial attitude can in some cases,
place blinders over the eyes of individuals. Call it “entrepreneurial confidence” if you will.
It’s a mindset we see often: “How hard can it be? I will just offer 15% less than what they are asking and go from there.” From our perspective, standing on the sidelines and watching that approach play out can be frustrating. JetSwiss was started largely because of this frustration.
Every month, we highlight various topics to educate, entertain, and obviously promote our business. At JetSwiss, we don’t gamble with aircraft acquisitions. Our process ensures that buyers have all the critical information needed to make confident, well-informed decisions.
Here are five things that would eliminate the luck of the leprechaun for Pilatus Pre-Owned buyers:
1. Pilatus Appraisal Report (PAR) - an accurate and calculated assessment on a specific aircraft–historically tested to 99% accuracy.
2. Pilatus Value Ranking (PVR) - A ranking of every aircraft on the market, using specific algorithms, calculations and other factors to determine a short list of value aircraft.
3. A detailed plan to address TO LIFT aspects. (Training, Operations, Legal, Insurance, Finance, and Tax)
4. Maintenance Analysis Examination (MAX)This will determine where the land mines may exist and paint a very specific budget roadmap for operating and owning the aircraft.
5. Aircraft Condition Evaluation (ACE) - This allencompassing evaluation informs a buyer on every single stitch, rivet, and record for a specific subject aircraft.
Over the past 10 years of JetSwiss, we’ve finetuned the process of Pilatus Pre-Owned to a level like no other. So, do you believe in luck? I do in some instances. But when it comes to aviation, preparation has a way of making its own luck.
Fly safe, Bub
MARKET CHANGES IN THE LAST 30 DAYS BY
YEAR MODEL
2002, 2002, 2007, 2016, 2018*, 2019, 2019, 2019, 2022, 2023
2007, 2007, 2010, 2017, 2017, 2023, 2024
Asking Price By Model Year
This chart reflects the current market for Pilatus PC-12 aircraft that are on the retail market. Want to know how much your Pilatus dollars will buy? This is a great place to start. As you can see, the aircraft model year plays a key factor in pricing of the aircraft, and thus generates a commensurate trend curve. This data provides a baseline for our aircraft evaluations.
$7,000,000 $8,000,000
$6,000,000
$5,000,000
$4,000,000
$3,000,000
$2,000,000
MODEL YEAR
Asking Price By Total Hours
AIRCRAFT
$8.0M
$8,000,000
TOTAL TIME VS. ASKING PRICE
$7.0M
$7,000,000
$6.0M
$6,000,000
$5.0M
$5,000,000
$4,000,000
$4.0M
$3.0M
$3,000,000
Similar to the Asking Price vs Model Year chart, this information helps our clients determine “the mileage on the car” for their specific budget. “Want to own a low time aircraft?” This chart will give you an indication on what you will spend. Note: aircraft under 1,000 hours total time historically yield much higher prices.
$2.0M
$2,000,000
$1,000,000
FLEET LOCATION
PC-12 AND PC-24 AS OF FEBRUARY 2025
PC-24 BY THE NUMBERS
PC-24
OWNERS UPGRADE FROM THE PC-12NG MORE THAN ANY OTHER AIRCRAFT.
NEW DELIVERED AVAILABLE FOR SALE 19 277
This information helps our clients determine “the mileage on the car” for their specific budget.
“Want to own a low time aircraft?” This chart will give you an indication on what you will spend. Note: aircraft under 1,000 hours total time historically yield much higher prices.
AIRCRAFT ASKING PRICE VS. MODEL YEAR
This chart reflects the current market for Pilatus PC-24 aircraft that are on the retail market. Want to know how much your Pilatus dollars will buy? This is a great place to start! As you can see, the aircraft model year plays a key factor in pricing of the aircraft–thus generates a commensurate trend curve. This data provides a baseline for our aircraft evaluations.
TUCK SOME OF THAT GOLD AWAY FOR A MAYBE RAINY DAY
Owning a pre-owned Pilatus means planning ahead for maintenance. That’s why we’ve developed the Maintenance Analysis Examination (MAX), a report designed to outline potential costs up to three years in advance, because after all, the average pre-owned Pilatus changes hands about every three years. Think of this report as your aviation weather report, helping you navigate what’s ahead with fewer surprises.
Over the past decade, we’ve refined a detailed process that ensures a complete understanding of each aircraft before it reaches the market. Beyond marketing and advertising, we conduct a thorough internal review, documenting everything from minor dings to major maintenance milestones. It’s our version of checking the radar before takeoff.
By examining inventory, noting missing components, and identifying upcoming service needs, we build a MAX report that provides a clear picture of an aircraft’s future maintenance landscape. This transparency helps set expectations and
allows for better planning— because no one likes unexpected turbulence, especially when it comes to ownership costs.
Understanding what’s ahead reduces surprises and helps owners stay ahead of maintenance requirements. We believe in providing a full picture upfront, making aircraft ownership more predictable and less stressful. A little preparation today ensures a smooth flight path for the years to come!
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CREDIT: Tomas Del Campo