Seeking a mechanic recommendation

[Malcolm Dickinson]

My 1968 260B is due for an annual, and I would like to do an owner-assisted one. I have heard that although I probably won't save any money by doing an owner-assisted annual, I will learn a LOT and will be a safer/more capable aircraft owner as a result.

The mechanics I have used in the past don't do owner-assisted annuals.

I am looking for a recommendation from my fellow ICS members. I'm seeking a mechanic who
- has worked on Comanches before
- charges a reasonable hourly rate
- will turn my airplane around pretty quickly (want it back in less than 4 weeks)
- will let me come assist
- is located in the Northeast (PA, NJ, NY, CT, RI, or MA)

If you can recommend someone, please reply here or contact me directly at either malcolm@malcolm.cc or 203-698-2600

Thanks!

P.S. If you have had a great experience with a mechanic in the northeast, please give me his name and location, even if he doesn't down owner-assisted annuals.

[N3322G]

Malcolm,

In addition to this learning, I highly recommend the CPPP course. I'm in Texas so can't help on the NE mechanic.

[David Pyle]

Malcolm,

As is Pat I am in Texas, but recommend that you contact your tribe chief, Pete Morse (860 928 3323), or Vice President Kuszyk who is in the Northeast tribe. His phone is 410 867 9156. They should be able to recommend someone. Finding an owner assist shop may be difficult. My non assist expectation would be finish in no more than a week. Availability of parts can cause delay. If the assisting owner is not available when the shop wants to work that might extend the annual. Check the shop's hourly rate with and without you.

[Doug David]

You probably will not save any money doing owner assist, however you will get to know your bird very well if you have an AP that lets you get hands on. I find that when I ask allot of questions of how,why, where etc. the AP's hour meter is still running, but that's OK, its knowledge you won't forget. I feel like if you can't pack your own wheel bearings, clean plugs, change your own oil, you shouldn't be flying. These few simple tasks make you more aware of your plane & you will see other problems that need addressed in the process. Finding a really good AP is tough enough let alone one that knows Comanche's. If you can't find one that you really like back east , take a little trip to Kansas & let Webco do your annual, you will not be disappointed. They are fairly expensive, but it will be done right, & your logs will also be up to date & right. (they found Intentional errors in mine by the previous owner) They are excellent to work with, however you will say WTF when you see the shop, its a mess, but they do excellent work, & you will be happy whatever the price. If you need an extensive annual with allot of work & AD's I would go there first....if you just want a hands on with little work or low time between a god annual I would look in your area. I have found over the years there are no cheap or easy annuals, something always bites you in the ass.

[John Wedge]

Malcolm
You will find nothing "reasonable" in Kansas, you will say WTF when you see the bill, overrated and overpriced.
John