The Case of the Model Jet

EnservioSelect was asked to research and find a retail replacement value for a scale model, radio controlled, fully operational jet aircraft. This model jet was a military style aircraft (SU-35), measuring nine and a half feet long and was fully accessorized with retractable landing gear, special lights and brakes, an operating pilot’s canopy and twin jet engines. The aircraft was fully flight capable and could operate at speeds approaching 300 mph! It had crashed (Duh!), and the claimed replacement cost was just in excess of $30,800.00. This was unusual, even for EnservioSelect, but just another example of the lengths to which we can extend in the field of specialty appraisals - boys and their toys!

EnservioSelect began at the hobbyist web sites where aficionados of radio controlled model planes exhibited their prized possessions and marketed their individual expertise. An actual photograph (pre-loss) of the Insured’s plane was available on one of the sites – showing the plane had everything on it short of live armaments. Starting here and equipped with a list of required parts, EnservioSelect was able to determine that the basic kit for the plane was manufactured in France – but available in North America through a Canadian distributor. Most other parts were special order (available from only one source), but we probably could have even found miniature ejection seats if they were needed!

EnservioSelect identifed a few potential savings, including determining that it was possible to acquire the basic plane kit in North America and have it assembled locally, rather than in France. Primarily, though, we learned and reported that you too could have a place in this exclusive model jet club if you had but $25,000 and a tolerant insurance company!