I've received many helpful replies to my "legitimate charges?" query, both on-list and off-list -- thank you all! Most helpfully, some explained enough about magneto problems happening &/or being detectable (or not) to give me some clues on how my 'Coupe's immediate-post-annual mag problems could have come about.
There was enough variation in one area of the replies that I'd like to invite more comment on it: some seem to feel that an Annual is just a "safety check," mainly reviewing ADs and for corrosion, some that it is a"safety check" of all systems and parts and anything that could break/leak/fail/etc., and some seemed to consider it in addition also a maintenance marathon , including *servicing* everything like a 100-hr. check-up & tune-up & fluids/lubes & preventative maintenance. Is there a consensus within the industry on the scope of what it means to "Annual" the plane? This is very interesting since many mechanics seem to offer a flat-fee "Annual" or have a set # of hours that it takes them to "do an Annual," and there seems to be is a wide range of what that is. I am not asking folks to address the absolute $-cost (it's clear there's a wide variation among even those of us on the list), but rather the scope and "philosophy" of the Annual: "safety check," "safety+maintenance," or ______? Thank you all for sharing the benefit of your experience and for the education you're giving me! Linda
