Professional Aircraft Appraisal Organization

PAAO | Aircraft Appraisal Training, Certification & Directory

Core Services & Expertise

Professional Aircraft Appraisal Organization LLC (PAAO) is an aviation-focused appraisal organization established to ensure public trust in aircraft valuation through credible, reliable appraisal reporting and professional standards.

The organization evolved from the National Aircraft Appraisers Association (NAAA) which operated 30+ years before ceasing operations in 2018, with initial PAAO associates comprising experienced NAAA professionals bringing established industry expertise. The PAAO specializes exclusively in aircraft appraisals-focusing only on aviation without diversification into other asset classes.

Core services include Certified Professional Aircraft Appraisals performed by PAAO-trained and vetted appraisers; comprehensive appraiser training programs (Basic and Senior level); recurrency education and professional development; Professional Aircraft Appraiser Finder directory service connecting clients with qualified appraisers; and mentorship programs for developing aviation professionals seeking aircraft appraisal expertise.

Organizational Philosophy & Standards

PAAO distinguishes itself through unwavering commitment to field visit requirements, requiring all PAAO appraisers to physically inspect aircraft and logbooks during appraisal process rather than relying on desktop analysis alone. This field visit commitment directly contributes to credibility and reliability of PAAO appraisal reporting.

The organization maintains rigorous associate qualification process including criminal background checks, board credential review, and integrity verification ensuring client confidence in appraiser professionalism and caliber. All PAAO appraisals incorporate PAAO Analytical Methodology utilizing Sales Comparison Approach with multiple data sources-analyzing market trends, comparable aircraft sales, and current market conditions rather than relying on single publications or limited sources.

Appraisers maintain recurrency training requirements (PAAO recurrency every 3 years, USPAP recurrency every 2 years) ensuring continued professional competence.

Appraiser Training & Development

PAAO offers comprehensive training programs delivered by Senior PAAO Certified Aircraft Appraisers including hands-on instruction, real-world examples, and field visit components. Basic Appraisal Training is required for new appraisers covering fundamental aircraft appraisal methodology, market analysis, and PAAO procedures.

Senior Level Training incorporates USPAP concepts and methodology for institutional appraisals. Online training center provides General Training courses (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, document scanning) and required Basic Training accessible from anywhere without travel expenses. In-person Senior Training courses offered periodically with scheduled dates.

All appraisal reports submitted for Appraisal Review Board approval before appraiser certification and public service authorization. Initial applicant credentials and board-approved field visit results are presented to PAAO Board members for final approval/rejection serving as comprehensive qualification test.

Professional Standards & Methodology

PAAO appraisers follow rigorous professional standards including: identification and understanding of project scope during initial client discussion; preparation of Engagement Form/Letter outlining scope of work, fees, and terms; detailed aircraft specification collection from serial numbers and client information, professional appearance and conduct during field visits; photograph documentation of aircraft condition, damage, and dataplates.

Appraisers maintain detailed work files and operate independently, apart from biases or conflicting interests.

Professional Aircraft Appraiser Finder

PAAO operates Professional Aircraft Appraiser Finder directory enabling clients to locate qualified PAAO-certified appraisers by geographic location. The tool provides free limited access through appraiseaplane.biz platform where clients establish account access.

Directory connects aircraft buyers, sellers, financial institutions, and other stakeholders with vetted professional appraisers meeting PAAO standards and certification requirements.

Client Applications

PAAO appraisals serve critical functions in aircraft transactions including aircraft acquisition and pricing verification, financing collateral documentation, insurance value assessment, IRS tax valuation substantiation, estate and probate determination, and litigation support.

Certified professional appraisals provide credible, reliable opinions supporting informed decision-making by aircraft buyers, sellers, lenders, and regulatory authorities requiring validated aircraft valuations.

Organization Leadership

PAAO is led by experienced aviation professionals: Mike Simmons (Managing Director), Delvin Fogg (CFO), Tracy Ligon (CIO), and Pat Duggins (Training/Education). Board members represent broad-spectrum aviation industry experience and knowledge ensuring organizational focus on professional standards and public trust.

Client Benefits & Advantages

• 30+ years combined organizational heritage through NAAA lineage
• Exclusive focus on aircraft appraisals only-no diversification into other assets
• Mandatory field visits ensuring physical aircraft and logbook inspection
• Rigorous appraiser vetting including criminal background checks and board review
• PAAO Analytical Methodology utilizing multiple market data sources
• USPAP compliance for institutional and legal requirements
• Hands-on professional training and ongoing recurrency education
• Professional Aircraft Appraiser Finder directory for qualified appraiser location
• Appraiser mentorship programs for developing professionals
• Board-reviewed and certified appraisals ensuring credibility

Quick Facts

• Organization: Professional Aircraft Appraisal Organization LLC (PAAO)
• Heritage: Evolved from National Aircraft Appraisers Association (NAAA, 30+ years)
• Founded: PAAO established following NAAA closure (end of 2018)
• Core Focus: Aircraft appraisals exclusively
• Services: Certified appraisals, appraiser training, professional directory, mentorship
• Training: Basic level (required), Senior level (in-person), online general training, recurrency
• Appraisal Standards: PAAO Analytical Methodology, USPAP compliance, field visits mandatory

Contact Details

Address: 6080 S Hulen St, Fort Worth, TX 76132, USA
Phone: 888-995-0441
Website: www.appraiseaplane.org

Location