Sporty’s has launched its new Breakdown Assistance Program for aircraft owners who need mechanical help away from home.
In cooperation with Mike Busch’s Savvy Aircraft Maintenance Management, Sporty’s Breakdown Assistance Program is a 24/7 partner for aircraft owners. With just one phone call to a toll-free hotline, an aircraft owner gains immediate access to Savvy’s team of A&P/IA mechanics.
“Traveling by GA airplane can be one of the most exciting and valuable benefits of your pilot certificate. But an unexpected mechanical can quickly ruin a trip — especially if you’re far from home and it’s late at night or over the weekend,” says Sporty’s Vice President John Zimmerman.
When an aircraft owner calls the Breakdown Assistance phone number, the on-duty mechanic will respond anytime, day or night, typically within 15 minutes. The A&P will assist in troubleshooting the problem and help determine whether the aircraft is safe to fly home. If it isn’t, the aircraft owner will receive recommendations of nearby shops and mechanics, based on Savvy’s extensive database and experience.
“I’ve been an aircraft owner for nearly 50 years, and it has always astonished me that GA is virtually the only category of owner-operated motor vehicles for which no breakdown assistance program exists,” says Savvy’s President Michael Busch. “It seems to me that the low cost of this new program makes it literally a no-brainer for any pilot who flies cross-country.”
Once an airplane is in the shop, help from Sporty’s Breakdown Assistance doesn’t stop. The aircraft owner will receive help in determining the extent of repairs and obtain cost estimates and provide oversight of the service until the work is complete. Finally, the maintenance records and invoice will be reviewed on behalf of the customer.
“Whether you fly coast-to-coast on a regular basis or just go to Oshkosh once a year, it’s a sound investment,” adds Zimmerman. “The peace of mind it provides can be priceless. “
Sporty’s Breakdown Assistance Program is intended for owner-flown aircraft, and does not include routine preventive maintenance such as oil changes. For Sporty’s Breakdown Assistance to be in effect, the pilot and aircraft must be more than 50 statute miles of the airplane’s home base.
Sporty’s Breakdown Assistance Program for single-engine piston aircraft is available for one year for $149. Sporty’s Breakdown Assistance Program for multi-engine piston aircraft is available for one year for $199. Sporty’s Breakdown Assistance Program for single-engine turbine aircraft is available for $249.
The program launches April 18 and coverage will go into effect 48 hours after the order is placed at Sportys.com or by calling 1-800-SPORTYS.