Desktop, Extended Desktop, and Full Appraisal - What's the Difference?
Understanding the difference between the three most requested type of appraisals
Not all aircraft appraisals are the same. The type of appraisal conducted determines what information the appraiser works from, how the value is derived, and how precisely it reflects the actual condition of the aircraft. There are three principal types in common use - Desktop, Extended Desktop, and Full Appraisal.
Desktop Appraisal
A Desktop Appraisal is conducted without any physical inspection of the aircraft or review of its maintenance records. The appraiser works from assumed conditions, or from technical data and summary maintenance information provided by the client, combined with market research and the appraiser's own database.
Because the appraisal does not account for the actual maintenance status of the specific aircraft, the value produced reflects a mid-time, mid-life baseline. It represents what a typical aircraft of that type, age, and configuration would be worth under standard assumed conditions.
Extended Desktop Appraisal
An Extended Desktop Appraisal is also conducted without any on-site inspection of the aircraft. What distinguishes it from a Desktop is the inclusion of actual maintenance status information, provided remotely by the client, the operator, or in some cases drawn from another appraiser's report.
This information allows the appraiser to move beyond the mid-time, mid-life baseline and apply adjustments that reflect where the aircraft actually stands in its maintenance cycle. Electronic logbooks, key compliance status reports, and photographs of the aircraft's general condition may all form part of the data reviewed. The result is a value that is specific to the aircraft's actual maintenance position rather than an assumed one.
Full Appraisal
A Full Appraisal includes a physical inspection of the aircraft and its maintenance records on-site. The inspection is focused on assessing the overall condition of the aircraft and its documentation. It is not a technical audit and does not involve opening inspection panels or a detailed archive review.
With direct access to the aircraft and its records, the appraiser combines physical findings with detailed records review and full market analysis. The value produced adjusts from the mid-time, mid-life baseline to reflect actual maintenance status, and may include further adjustments based on the condition of the aircraft as observed during the inspection.
Choosing the Right Type
“The appropriate appraisal type depends on the purpose, the information available, and the level of precision required.
A Desktop provides a value based on assumed conditions where actual data is unavailable. An Extended Desktop brings that value closer to reality through remote documentation review. A Full Appraisal provides the most complete and independently verified picture of the aircraft's value.
At Voler Haut Aviation, our appraisal work is conducted in line with IVS standards with the type of appraisal clearly defined and matched to the specific purpose for which it is being used.
Voler Haut Aviation provides aircraft appraisal, asset management, and technical oversight services across the full aircraft lifecycle.
