Hi Linda, I have never seen a flat rate annual although I have seen a posted minimum rate (ie minimum you pay just for bringing it in). All mechanics I have worked with on my planes or balloons treat the annual as bringing the plane to a condition that approaches factory spec (ie an evergreen approach to keeping the plane in top airworthy condition). That is what I expect from an annual... who would want to cut corners? I also see to it that any squawks I discover between annual condition inspection are immediately addressed.
Best, John On Wed, Aug 6, 2008 at 12:06 AM, Linda Abrams <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > 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 > >
