Does anyone have an opinion on how hail damage affects the value of a Cessna 182? It is merely cosmetic. Nothing broken. Nothing affecting airworthiness or safety. Just a bunch of hail dings.

Its about like missing logbooks, will reduce value, reduce the number of interested buyers, and reduce the resale market for the aircraft. Most buyers want a perfect, never damaged aircraft at a fire sale price, it seems. Look for a workhorse buyer, who is not so particular, and be realistic with pricing...15% off for starters.

When shopping, I suspect most will take a pass on hail damage planes. The value loss would be whatever it would cost to reskin the damaged surfaces. On an average 182, I’d call that parts value. Del might be able to tell you a rough cost to reskin.

If it’s insured, make the claim. If you are buying, walk away.

Bargains can be had if you want a plane to keep and fly. It may be hard to market for the same reason it was a bargain in the first place.

What is damaged? The tops of all surfaces, or just the wing leading edges?

I have often thought that a number of STOL kits on Cessnas are only there to cover leading edge damage from an in-flight hail encounter.

Is this airplane located in texas and headed to near chicago?
Visible only on ailerons?

If so - I thought the agreed upon price seemed to cover it, good looking plane.

There is no "one size fits all" answer to the question and you really should have the aircraft professionally appraised.

Hail damage does impact the overall value and rating of the airframe (as dents, dings and deformations do) but there may be other, unknown factors to consider as well - both positive and negative. The flat percentage approach is incorrect and impacts EVERYTHING on the aircraft including avionics, mods, the engine and so forth - both now and in the future. These are items which were not involved in the hail damage at all. Some hail damage can be addressed without reskinning the entire aircraft and that may be a better option too.

The closest professional aircraft appraiser can be found by going to http://www.appraiseaplane.biz and registering for the Professional Aircraft Appraiser Finder.

Good luck.

A few good dimples can make it fly faster and truer. Just ask Acushnet.