At John Bell Aircraft, we’ve observed that Memorial Day typically sparks a surge in aviation activity, from football and tailgate parties to aircraft sales. However, 2025 is shaping up differently as the pre-owned aircraft market grapples with rising inventory and economic uncertainty.

Market Dynamics

Growing inventories in homes, boats, and heavy equipment signal a cautious market, and aviation is no exception. Buyers are adopting a wait-and-see approach amid economic and trade uncertainties. Tariffs on new aircraft production are driving up prices, pushing demand toward pre-owned models and creating opportunities for savvy buyers in specific segments.

VREF Market Trends: Business Jets

The used business jet market is expanding, with over 1,150 jets currently for sale—a 7% increase year-over-year, though slightly down from December 2024. Key insights include:

• Newer jets (<7 years old): Inventory up 12% year-over-year.
• Midsize jets: Leading the surge with a 15% inventory increase.
• Light jets: Up 9%.
• Heavy jets: Down 3%, except for the G550 platform.
• Pricing: Adjusting downward across most models, with G600s as a notable exception.

Stable quarter-to-quarter values in select models offer a silver lining in an otherwise softening market.

VREF Market Trends: Turboprops

Turboprop trends are mixed:

• King Airs: Stable values, but tightening inventory limits options for models like the 350, B200, 200, and C90.
• Softer Markets: M350, Jetprop, Meridian, and Malibu are seeing declining values.
• Stable Markets: TBM and PC-12 remain unchanged, though tariffs may impact future trends.
• Market Stagnation: Nearly 900 business jets and over 400 turboprops have lingered on the market for over 180 days. Turbine sales are down, with only 3,800 closings in 2025 compared to 4,194 in the same period last year. Since January 1, 2025, 1,737 aircraft have been listed for sale.

VREF Market Trends: Pistons

Piston sales, typically robust in spring, have been sluggish. Tariffs, trade uncertainties, and supply chain concerns for parts from overseas vendors have dampened buyer enthusiasm. Financing challenges—higher down payments, elevated interest rates, and stricter underwriting—are further complicating sales, particularly for aircraft priced above $500,000.

The trainer market remains a bright spot, with strong demand for G1000-equipped Cessna 172s. However:

• Cirrus SR22 G7 (non-Autoland): Values have dropped sharply due to a midyear announcement and high inventory (nearly 200 Turbo and Non-Turbo units for sale).
• Diamond DA50: Premiums have turned to discounts, reflecting waning interest.

A Market Ripe with Opportunity

The VREF report highlights a challenging yet opportunity-rich market. New aircraft orders dropped significantly in April 2025 due to tariffs and economic uncertainty, creating a buyer’s market in select segments. High inventory, selective buyers, and tight financing present hurdles, but they also open doors.

For Buyers: Now is a prime time to acquire high-quality pre-owned aircraft at corrected values— potentially the best pricing environment for the next 18 months. Acting swiftly, especially with tax benefits in play, could position you ahead of the curve as the market stabilizes.

For Sellers: To move your aircraft, ensure records are meticulous and work with a professional who understands current market dynamics and realistic pricing. At John Bell Aircraft, we’re here to guide you through this turbulent market. Contact us to seize opportunities or strategically position your aircraft for sale.

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), signed into law on July 4, 2025, has permanently restored 100% bonus depreciation for qualifying aircraft, allowing you to deduct the full cost of your purchase in the year it’s placed in service. This game-changing provision applies to both new and used aircraft acquired after January 19, 2025, offering unprecedented opportunities to boost cash flow and optimize your tax strategy. Whether you’re eyeing a sleek business jet or a reliable piston aircraft, now is the time to explore options. Contact us today to discover how we can help you navigate this landscape and secure your ideal aircraft—let’s get you soaring with these incredible benefits!

Key provisions and requirements

• Effective date: To qualify for 100% bonus depreciation, the aircraft must have been acquired under a binding written contract signed on or after January 20, 2025, and placed in service after that date. For aircraft placed in service earlier in the year (from January 1 to January 19, 2025), a 40% bonus depreciation rate applies.
• Qualifying property: The deduction is available for both new and used aircraft, provided it is the taxpayer’s first use of the asset.
• Business-use threshold: To claim the deduction, the aircraft must be used for qualified business purposes for more than 50% of the time in the year it is placed in service. Usage for entertainment, amusement, or recreation does not count towards the business-use requirement.
• Recapture rule: If the qualified business use percentage drops to 50% or less in any subsequent year, the taxpayer may be required to recapture the excess depreciation claimed. This means the taxpayer must report additional income for the year the business-use threshold is no longer met.
• Record-keeping: The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) scrutinizes aircraft deductions. Taxpayers are advised to maintain meticulous records, such as detailed trip logs, to substantiate the aircraft’s business use.
• Federal vs. state: Some states do not conform to the federal bonus depreciation rules and may require taxpayers to use different depreciation schedules. 

The skies are clearer than ever for smart investments. Get in touch with us today to explore your options and take off with confidence—your dream aircraft awaits!

2nd Quarter Update 2025

We are almost halfway through the year. Have you been asking yourself where your aircraft’s value is headed?

Skyhawks

The Cessna Skyhawk is the most popular starter aircraft especially with flight schools. All year models gained in pricing from Quarter 1 to Quarter 2. Prices increased at a rate of 6-12% with the late model 172S model gaining the most in price.

Skylanes

The always popular Cessna Skylane also had robust price increases from last quarter ranging from 3.5% for early models to 5.6% for later year models.

Market Trends courtesy of VRef:

JETS

The used jet market is growing, with over 1,150 business jets for sale—up 7% from last year, though slightly lower than in December. Inventory for jets less than 7 years old is up 12% year over year. Midsize jets lead this increase (+15%), light jets are up 9%, but heavy jets are down 3% except for the G550. Prices are dropping for most models except the G600, and only a few models have stable values this quarter.

PISTON AIRCRAFT

Piston aircraft sales are slow this spring. Tariffs and uncertainty about trade, taxes, and overseas parts have made buyers nervous. Prices have swung wildly, causing many buyers to wait. Financing is harder to get, with bigger down payments and higher interest rates. If you’re selling a plane over $500K without a cash buyer, it’s tough.

The only strong market is for trainer aircraft, especially G1000 172s, which are in very short supply. However, values for non-Autoland SR22 G7s have dropped sharply due to high inventory. Nearly 200 SR22s are for sale now. The Diamond DA50 market is also cooling off, with prices dropping and less buyer interest. 

TURBOPROPS

Turboprop sales are mixed. King Air prices are steady, but inventory is shrinking, so buyers have fewer choices, especially for the 350, C90, and 208 models. Other models like the M350, Jet Prop, Meridian, and Malibu have softer markets and lower values. TBM and OC12 prices haven’t changed, but tariffs could affect them soon.

SUMMARY

The total aircraft listed for sale and time on the market is increasing while sales this year are down. While the market hasn’t crashed, it’s far from business as usual. Today’s conditions favor those who are well-prepared and decisive.

BEHIND THE SCENE TIPS

For sellers: organize your records, set realistic prices, and partner with experienced professionals who can guide you through a challenging market.

For buyers, this could be the best time to find deals—especially if you’re interested in mid-life jets, older turboprops, or distressed piston aircraft. Prices are attractive now, and waiting could mean missing out as conditions change.

Looking ahead, Fall 2025 may be a turning point. Savvy buyers and sellers are already preparing, moving quietly and strategically.

If you would like to know where your aircraft stands, give me a call.

Tammy Bell

Pro Series XL Low Profile

This 2023 Pro XL low profile with less than a full season under its chines is ready to take you to the lake or river today! You can buy this beautiful boat today at almost 30% less than what it cost new.

• New SeaDek Marine flooring!
• Galvanized Deluxe Drift Boat trailer with TW4000 Electric Winch and Battery / Aluminum Wheels / 175/80 R13 Tires / Spare Tire / Jack Stand / Buckle tie down straps – Value $4300
• Siberian 45 qt. Cooler with Tempress Cushion Hyde Logo Seat
• 3/4 Rower bench with Low Back Rower’s seat and storage
• Rear Pedestal Storage box with Tempress Cushion Hyde Logo Seat 
• 3 Point Knee Brace Assembly
• Easy Pull Side Anchor Assembly with 30 lb Steel Spike Anchor and 50′ rope and Rock Exotica and Harken pulley
• Hyde Manganese Bronze Oarlocks with Sawyer V-Lam Shoal Cut wooden Oars
• Motor Mount with Minn Kota 55lb Traxxis trolling motor with weedless prop
• Hummingbird Depth finder

Over $21,000 invested….. Asking $15,950

Call John Bell 901-439-4300 or Tammy Bell 901-834-1600

The most important parts of a pre-purchase inspection on aircraft include:

• Scheduling constraints
• Test Flight / Visual Inspection
• Log Book Research/ADs
• Airworthy Items
• Determine Health of the Engine or Engines
• Corrosion Inspection
• Acceptance Flight

SCHEDULING

The most important part of your aircraft purchase is the Pre-purchase Inspection, therefore, it is vitally important to find an unbiased third party to perform the inspection. Most aircraft dealers/brokers recommend using the maintenance facility you will use for future maintenance. Many times scheduling a pre-purchase inspection can be very difficult as it is very time consuming for the maintenance facility. Some maintenance facilities even refuse to do pre-purchase inspections. Therefore, it is vital that you or your broker have good communication with the maintenance facility to be sure the inspections you require are accomplished.

TEST FLIGHT / VISUAL INSPECTION

Undoubtedly, the test flight is a crucial element in determining whether the installed avionics and systems work properly. As shown above, scheduling can be difficult due to the aircraft’s location and the buyer’s busy schedule, however, it is a very important part of the prebuy process. Negotiating a test flight and visual inspection by the purchaser or his representative before the cost of a pre-purchase inspection is usually the best plan in order to inspect discrepancies found during the process. Occasionally, the prospective buyer turns the aircraft down on cosmetics alone, so be prepared for anything.

LOG BOOKS

Few owners realize how much value their aircraft log books contain. Erroneous, incomplete or vague log book entries can diminish the aircraft’s value substantially. These records must be analyzed by an experienced aircraft mechanic for correct component times, AD’s/SB’s, 337s, 8130s, etc. An experienced aircraft broker/dealer can determine what type of damage or repairs will affect the aircraft’s value.

AIRWORTHINESS

Different mechanics have different views of what items to address in a pre-purchase inspection. Ultimately, the mechanic determines the airworthiness of the aircraft with a list of items acceptable to both parties, thereupon providing the buyer with a list of discrepancies which will need to be addressed. Of course, maintenance facilities that specialize in a particular aircraft make and model are more familiar with items indicative of potential problems relative to those models.

ENGINE HEALTH

As I have noted, maintenance facilities more familiar with the particular make/model aircraft inspected will have guidelines for determining the health of an engine. Both piston and turboprop engines can be inspected internally with a borescope to determine the condition of the components and whether they will need maintenance in the near future. Most mechanics inspect piston engines for compressions, cracks, muffler wear, and oil leaks and contamination. They inspect turboprops with ground runs, leak checks, visual and borescope inspections, fuel and oil filters. Correspondingly, oil samples on both engines can show problems with internal wear.

CORROSION

The “C” word is just as bad for aircraft as it is for humans. Overall, it occurs in most aircraft, however, it can only be slowed down, not cured. Internal corrosion of the aircraft and components occurs markedly faster in saltwater environments as opposed to dry country areas. Hence, it is important as a part of the Pre-purchase process to determine in what areas the aircraft has been in operation to foresee potential problems prior to inspection. Most mechanics are familiar with the areas of concern and inspect those critical areas first before delving deeper into other minor inspections.

ACCEPTANCE FLIGHT

Once the mechanic provides a discrepancy list and addresses the repairs, the buyer will need to take a follow up flight to determine whether the systems operate satisfactory before closing. If the buyer decides to take a price reduction, then they become responsible for the repairs.

In summary, the Pre-purchase Inspection becomes the most important part of the aircraft selection process. Many times buyers become overwhelmed or miss a minor, but important part of the process. To be sure that the aircraft you are selecting is worth the purchase price and is in good condition, you may want to consider hiring a professional to help you with the process.

Aircraft values have increased steadily since 2019. It has been an exciting time for many aircraft owners! Buyers are paying drastically higher prices for used aircraft.

As the used aircraft market continues to consolidate, buyers have remained active through the first two quarters of 2023. Since 2019 the average piston aircraft value has increased over 34%. Turboprop and business jets are up over 30%. The third quarter saw some models decrease in value while others are holding steady. See our AIRCRAFT FOR SALE page for additional information.

With the increase in aircraft values this may leave some owners underinsured. If you have been renewing your insurance policy with the same values, it may be worth a look at what it would cost to replace your aircraft in today’s market.

If you haven’t adjusted your hull values in recent years, take a look at these reasons why hull value is so important:

1. Replacement cost could exceed your Aircraft Hull Value

If you don’t have enough insurance to cover the cost of a replacement aircraft, you may have to come up with additional funds or settle for an aircraft of lesser value.

2. Your aircraft could be worth more than when you bought it

If you have kept up with aircraft maintenance, made upgrades to avionics and/or refurbishments, your aircraft could be worth much more than what you paid at the time of purchase.

Now is the time to make sure you have enough insurance coverage for your aircraft’s value. Feel free to contact us for your updated values and be sure to include any recent maintenance or upgrades to ensure an accurate market value.

Therefore, if you’re interested in receiving an update on your hull value, call John (901) 489-4300 or Tammy at (901) 834-1600 or email tammy@johnbellaircraft.com today! We will provide you with an accurate evaluation using VRef Aircraft Value Reference and analysis of the current market.

Happy Thanksgiving! Wishing you safe travels during the holidays.

We hope your Thanksgiving was wonderful! With the holidays just around the corner, we want to take this opportunity to wish you a joyous and safe Holiday Season.

This Thanksgiving our family is thankful for you, our customers! We wish safe travels to your families and wonderful memories during the holidays.

John B. Bell and family

Click here to view our aircraft for sale!

#AircraftforSale #BeechcraftforSale #LearjetforSale #BaronforSale #KingAirforSale #TaylorcraftforSale #JohnBellAircraft #HappyThanksgiving

An Amazing thing Happened!

Our Summer trip to Montana

by John B. Bell on September 30

An amazing thing happened on our Summer trip to Montana……

While eating dinner with several friends at the Continental Divide Restaurant in Ennis, MT, I was asked to tell my story of landing the King Air on the road. (Click this link for full story!) After I finished telling my story a man at a table nearby asked if I had landed that aircraft on Highway 96 near Franklin, TN. I said YES that was me. The man said, “I was there too, and I am a pilot! When I saw you fly over me at 150 ft. with both engines feathered, I knew something was wrong. I turned my truck around and then saw you land smoking those tires!”

Wow, what a small world we live in! Such an impossible coincidence 36 years later in a small corner of the world, simply AMAZING! 

CLICK THIS LINK TO READ  THE WHOLE STORY!!

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AIRCRAFT FOR SALE

1987 Beechcraft King Air C90A

King Air C90A 

by Tammy Bell on September 30

This is a nicely equipped King Air C90A with 7015 hours total time. 3466 SOH’s and 565 SPOH. It is ADSB and WAAS equipped and certified to fly into 2020!

Avionics: Avidyne EX-500 MFD with XM Weather and Radar and IFD540 Touchscreen WAAS GPS and ADS-B out. King KFC-250 Autopilot and Flight Director with dual HSI. 

Options include Raisebeck Wing Locker System, Dual aft body Strakes, Speed stacks and Gross Weight of 10,100 lbs.

Fresh Phase 1 and 2 inspections, Complete logs and no damage history. The owner is motivated to sell, so call us and make an offer!

Motivated! 1978 Lear 35A

Learjet 35A

by Tammy Bell on September 30

Buy a jet with an 1800 NM range for less than $450,000! Equipped with Honeywell Digital Electronic Engine Controls, a drag chute, and no damage history and is scheduled for ADSB install in January 2020!

10,300 hours total time and 870/3300 since CZI and 870/850 since MPI/Plenum. The avionics include dual Garmin GNS430’s, PMA8000B audio, King KMD550/850 MFD, TCAS, EGPWS, and Radar.

Optional equipment are Thrust Reversers, Engine sync, AC, Drag Chute, RVSM, and a Century III Wing with Soft Flite. This owner is also motivated to sell, so call us and make an offer. Will trade for a Learjet 45!

Price Reduced! 1974 Cessna 340 – SOLD!

Cessna 340

by Tammy Bell on September 30

This super well equipped C340 has been sold to a happy new owner!

4535 hours on the airframe and only 595 on both engines since overhaul by America’s Aircraft Engines.

The equipment includes a full-featured Glass Cockpit with a ‘Connected Panel’ providing wireless Bluetooth connectivity. Unbelievable avionics with Aspen Evolution 2000 PFD and 1000 MFD, MVP-50P glass panel engine monitoring system, GNS530W WAAS GPS, and much more!

Fly in year round comfort with Air Conditioning, pressurization, and De-ice. 

Owner Motivated!! 1976 Beechcraft B55 Baron

B-55 Baron

by Tammy Bell on September 30

The price on this Baron has been reduced, and the owner is ready to move on to his next aircraft. 010 hours total time and 340/1325 hours on the engines. 

Excellent avionics included with this Baron are WAAS Garmin GTN650 GPS/Nav/Comm/MFD, GMA350c bluetooth Audio panel, GTX345 Transponder with ADS-B Out, and a King KFC-200 Autopilot and Flight Director with an HSI.

The dual yoke, large baggage door, and de-icing equipment make it a perfect aircraft for year round flight. With a little paint and TLC it will make great business or pleasure aircraft. Call us and make an offer!

Price Reduced!! 1970 Beechcraft E55 Baron

E-55 Baron

by Tammy Bell on September 30

The price on this Baron has been reduced to $129,900. This Baron is flown regularly and has an average of 195 hours per year. It has 440/725 since engine overhauls and has excellent IFR avionics. 

Avionics include WAAS, two 5” GPS Moving map displays and ADS-B including Weather, Traffic and Electronic Charts! It’s a superb all weather IFR plane with de-ice too.

1963 Beechcraft P35 Bonanza

P-35 Bonanza

by Tammy Bell on September 30

This P-35 Bonanza is hangared in Savannah, TN, with 5685 hours total time and 1065 since Factory Reman 300 hp engine. It is IFR equipped with King with a GPS, digital Nav/Com, transponder and stormscope. The autopilot has been replaced with an STEC 60-2 with alt. Hold and pre-select, HSI and much more. 

Price Reduced!! 1943 Taylorcraft Clipped Wing

Taylorcraft Clipped Wing

by Tammy Bell on September 30

This beautiful aerobatic aircraft was once owned and flown in Airshows by the famous Sandi Pierce who was a wing walker! It has a 100 hp Continental engine overhauled 205 hours ago and a McCauley Climb prop. Own a piece of history for only $29,900

READ MORE ON OUR WEBSITE

John Bell Aircraft, Inc.

14 County Road 523, Como, MS 38619

(901) 489-4300

In Spring of 1983 I was working as a sales manager for Memphis Jet center. We obtained a King Air 90 with no reversers previously owned by Bob and Spence Wilson which they traded on a King Air 200.

On Tuesday, June 23, I had a sales demo with George Nickey, a Memphis real estate developer, going to Nashville, TN. I instructed the line service to top off N75XA, a 1965 model King Air 90 LJ-50, with very inaccurate fuel gauges. While in the front lobby I observed the fuel truck in front of the aircraft with caps off and then went to review the flight plan. 15 minutes later I went to the front desk and asked to see the fuel ticket. The fuel sheet was in the truck across the ramp, so I walked over to see how much fuel it took. The fuel sheet showed N75XA taking 274 gallons of fuel which sounded like the correct amount as I had flown it the day before on a shorter flight and the aircraft holds 384. The previous flight would have taken approx. 100 gallons so that sounded correct.

George Nickey arrived, and we preflighted the aircraft with him in the left seat. We spent 30-40 mins on the ground going over systems and airframe. Due to the weather I had to file an instrument flight plan to Nashville with 600 ft ceilings and 2 miles visibility. We finally take off and climb to 11,000 ft breaking out of the clouds at 8000 ft. As we approach BNA, we are cleared to 8000 ft. Soon after we re-entered the clouds the left fuel flow went to 0, and the engine quit running. I reached across George and activated the manual cross feed. The engine started again, and I declared an emergency with Nashville approach. 5 minutes later both engines quit and fuel flows to 0. I notify approach that I need a vector to the expressway. They turn me right to a heading of 135 where they say there are fields down that way….

At that time I feathered both engines to extend my glide and told George to get in the back, sit behind me and prepare to crash. My initial reaction was that someone had done me in! I thought about my new wife, Tammy, since we had just been married the previous year. My next thought was if I had ever done any fancy flying NOW WAS THE TIME!

I broke out of the clouds at 600 ft and George yelled “There is a field to the right!” It was your typical Nashville field, 5 acres and a big rock in the middle, so I keep looking around. Next I spotted a two lane rural highway which I later learned was Hwy 96 which runs East and West out of Franklin, TN. Having done thousands of spot landings in my past, this one had to be my best.

On left downwind I observed a pickup truck heading West. I also saw a dump truck heading East towards me. Indicating a rate of glide of 120 knots I crossed over the pickup truck and fully cross controlled the aircraft into an extreme slip to lose airspeed. Going across the pickup at about an 70 degree angle, I kicked it back to line up with the road and touched down 100 ft in front of the truck. I retracted flaps about ten feet off the ground to get the best braking action and laid on the brakes. On the hilly road I topped the first hill and could see the dump truck still coming. The mailboxes beneath my wings were racing by as I tried to slow the aircraft down. As I topped the 2nd hill the dump truck hadn’t slowed down or noticed me, so I am standing on the brakes and burning rubber.

At the top of the 3rd hill my speed had slowed sufficiently to pull off the road. The dump truck pulled around my wing still sticking out in the road and stopped. George went flying out of the cabin door as the dump truck driver stopped. He stepped out of his truck and asked “ya’ll having any trouble?” George replied, “No we just stopped for a coke!”

The pickup truck that I went over sideways and landed in front of caught up to us and stopped. The lady driving got out and ran up to me and shook me shouting, “You could have killed us!” I replied, “No, Ma’am, I was not going to hit you.” Her husband finally pulled her away saying, “Mable, the man did the best he could!” Another car drove around us but didn’t stop.

Next a young man came down the driveway. He was 16 years old and had just joined the Civil Air Patrol. I thanked him for his first rescue and gave him $100 to guard the airplane.

The FAA arrived a very short time later. He asked me what happened, and I replied, “Well it is out of fuel.” The FAA then took his measuring wheel to see the stopping distance and returned to me saying that I stopped it in 1190 ft. He said, “You must have used full reverse to do that.” I just replied, “Yes Sir”, jokingly.

I called Howard Entman, the owner of Memphis Jet Center, to tell him what happened and explain that we would need to have a truck come pick it up. Howard said that he would come up and fly it out, but I decided that I would be the one to fly it out.

The next day was a circus! The Stevens Aviation fuel truck driving down to refuel the plane was following two Highway Patrol escorts too closely, and they collided. After they finally arrived I asked them to top off the nacelle tanks only, so it would be light enough for the short take off.

The aircraft received very little damage in my landing except for a power line which took off the rotating beacon, however, the Nashville FSDO took 3 hours to determine that it was airworthy for take off. During this time a crowd of about 200 people gathered in the heat to watch the show. Ambulances, fire trucks, and police gathered in preparation for my departure. Two different people came up to me and offered me a beer! I asked the Highway Patrol for cones to mark the power lines.

After the FAA finalized their report I taxied down to the point where I landed. Again with the mailboxes racing beneath my wings during my takeoff roll, I looked up only to see patrol cars at the end of the road stopping traffic. On the 3rd hill I had enough speed to lift off and pulled up over the patrol cars. Making a left turn over the huge crowd, I had thoughts of a victory roll but decided I was probably in enough trouble and just waved the wings to say ‘Good bye’. The next day the headlines in the Tennessean read, “Plane Runs Out of Fuel, Lands on Highway 96”.

Upon returning to Memphis Jet Center to determine what happened to my fuel, I learned that the lineman fueling N75XA had quickly departed. The other linemen said that he stopped fueling N75XA because he thought he was supposed to be fueling the Wilson’s other King Air. They said he had been smoking weed and was never heard from again!

The FAA filed a violation and tried to take away ‘All Airman Certificates’ held by me for 90 days for violating FAR sections 91.5 and 91.9 for improper visual inspection of fuel tanks. (Click here to read the NTSB Case) My great lawyer, June Entman, defended me at the NTSB court where we had 19 King Air pilots prepared to testify that you cannot visibly determine the amount of fuel in a King Air due to the dihedral in the wings. On the 13th pilot’s testimony the judge stipulated against the FAA lawyer’s protest that it was not necessary to visibly check a King Air for fuel. Even with this stipulation the NTSB judge said you must have done something wrong so you are guilty! June appealed the ruling where the judge turned it over with not guilty. To this day, I have not received an FAA Air Metal or an endorsement on my pilot’s license for a “turbine multi-engine glider rating”…

George Nickey was initially understandably upset with me, however, after being told by several other pilots that he was lucky that I had been the pilot, he bought 3 other airplanes from me.