The Cost Of An Annual

[Dan Johnson]

[Effie Andree Wiltens]

[Jim & Julie Wade]

[David Pyle]

[Jay]

[Zach Grant L1011jock]

[Hansmeister]

[T210DRVR]

[Jay]

[Effie Andree Wiltens]

Zach, you can have owner-assisted annuals without skimping on jobs. I am all for an owner getting to know the inner workings and systems, and I am not afraid of doing the dirty jobs.
The thing is, the more time saved by the owner assisting, the more time available for other jobs. Plus the benefit of being able to make decisions right then and there.

My ideal situation is one in which the owner wants a superbly maintained aircraft, enters a good understanding with a maintenance organization capable of seeing the difference between wishes and needs, and works alongside the mechanics to achieve the goal, tackling optional jobs on a multi-year schedule to allow for budgetting.

We're lucky in that the men in our workshop are pilots too and understand exactly what is at stake.

[David Pyle]

Many shops, including mine, do not permit owner assistance. Three issues: liability, slowing the wheels of progress (timing) and billing. Might want to check some well-respected Comanche shops to get their take on this. Webco, Clifton Aero and Pat Berry come to mind.

[Jim & Julie Wade]

I knew I would get blasted by some shops!! I am talking my own airport and hangar!! I have been building and restoring aircraft for 40 years. I supervise several of my students who have bought aircraft and keep them on my field to do their annual. As good or better than some shops. I was simply refering to what my IA charges to come inspect the aircraft and sign it off. Some people do get ripped off at some shops!! You can shop around. Not looking for business!! Just commenting.
The Boonies?? In the Mississippi Delta
Jim

[Kristin Winter]

I had a case once were we were defending an IA who "inspected" and signed off a 1949 Bonanza for $75, that then crashed. Four men broke their backs. The owner, who got the owner-assisted annual for $75, is now piloting a wheel chair, and will be for the rest of his life.

The aircraft was not in good condition. While I don't think that the annual caused the crash, he still got sued. The airplane was still unairworthy. I am not sure what the FAA did about it. That wasn't part of our defense. The IA was lucky he had insurance, or it would have ruined him and his family.

I am sure that some owners can keep their aircraft in good shape, but in my experience, that is the exception, rather than the rule. Personally, I would never spend so little time doing an inspection that I only charged $150 for my time. Even if I only had to look at the logs and AD's for the last year, because I had done the last annual, I am still going to take 4-8 hours, just looking at things.

[15384]

Kristin: What was the cause of the crash?

John

[15384]

Hans: I'm assuming that in your quest to achieve champion status at a national, regional or local best plane venue is the reason for removing tye wraps and installing the original waxed lacing cord. Or you've got way more time on your hands then projects. Either way I admire your strive for perfection.

John