Page 27 - Volume 16 Number 5

that constrains the size of their resale market.I believe it is a safe assumption that a buyer in the resale market isn’t likely to buy the highly-equipped airplane and remove equipment so the airplane will meet his needs or desires. It is very likely however, that a lightly-equipped airplane will hit the radarscope of the buyer who will consider adding equipment to meet his needs.So the question becomes – is it better to seek an airplane with a lower acquisition cost and modify it to meet your needs, or does it make more sense to lean more toward a “turnkey” airplane that you can put directly into service?From a financial standpoint, it seems a safer bet to find the airplane that is most suitable to your needs with the least modification or work. As an airplane depreciates in value over time, the equipment that it contains will depreciate as well.To buy an airplane without the desired airframe and or system equipment, such as those items that improve speed, gross weight, runway performance, storage capacity, etc., will result in not only expensive modification charges, but also purchasing the equipment at its current retail value. Then, there are always the unknowns that go along with any modification.The fact is, no one knows what is behind a panel being removed until it is removed. Bad wiring, corrosion and inferior repair work are prime examples of potential unplanned work and expense.Middle GroundPerhaps the middle ground is an airplane that already includes any desired airframe or system attributes but one in which modifications to the avionics would be appropriate. When it comes to the rapid advances in avionics technology, an older airplane can be given new capabilities while achieving improvements inMAINTENANCE• All scheduled and non-scheduled maintenance by our friendly, experienced technicians• Qualified to work on Citation, KingAir, Twin Commander, and PilatusAvionics• Legacy: partial and full glass cockpit completions• Garmin GTN650 and GTN750 installations• XM Weather, traffic and mode S upgradesCRS #FTUR030EMAY 2012TWIN & TURBINE • 25info@northeastair.comwww.northeastair.com Portland Jetport (KPWM) Maine