While scrolling through Facebook recently, I came across a post from Bushwagon East about annual inspections I’d not ever thought of.
“Having a new and competent set of eyes dig into your bird every 3rd or 4th annual is paramount to a long safe tenured aircraft relationship.”
I don’t recall ever having anyone other than “our A&P” perform annuals on any of the aircraft we owned over the years. Seems like a good idea.
Just like a second opinion.
What’s your experience?
I’m a partner in a Cirrus that has seen 6 A&P/IA’s in our 8 years of ownership. We have used so many for the various reasons listed above and have liked the work done by most. One just ‘pencil whipped’ the inspection and won’t see our shadow again.
I’ve maintained my own RV-12 for 9 years. This year, I’m giving myself the opportunity to learn what I may have been missing by hiring a shop with Rotax expertise to do my Condition Inspection and teach me whatever is appropriate.
I’ve been a pilot for almost sixty years and A&P for fifty an IA for thirty. I’ve owned an FBO and run a major A&P school (ECAT/Wyotech Bos). I do a few assisted annuals every year to stay current. I’m frequently the “ alternate” mechanic/inspector when I take in a different aircraft. I frequently find things that could be done “better” but in general, If your mechanic is paying attention and more to the point, if YOU are taking responsibility for YOUR airplane you stay fully aware of ADs. You belong to a type club and follow what is going on in the aviation community, you and your airplane should be fine. The fact that you are reading this makes you one of the “ good guys/gals”. It’s the pilot that assumes everyone (the mechanics, flight instructors (I’m one of those too) are doing your job and watching out for you, leaves you at risk. Almost every FAA and NTSB reg reminds you that you are responsible for your aircraft. Having spouted all that, I do encourage having alternate folk look over an aircraft. It doesn’t always mean finding a different IA for every third annual. It means listening to your mechanic and others that know your aircraft type. Having your mechanic or knowledgeable (beware social media experts…) show or explain what’s not clear to you and learning. Do you know what your tcds (type certificate data sheet) is and says? Have YOU read each AD and understand it? I’m not advocating you become the mechanic but assuming anyone but you are responsible is pretty irresponsible, don’t ya’ think??
My current A &P/IA forgot more than most know. The last time I used another set of eyes to perform my annual the guy was a freaking con man. FYI he TOOK my aircraft log books and left them in his van for two weeks, What would happen if his van was stolen??? I would be SOL!!! Finally, it took him a month to accomplish nothing except insults and aggravation.
I open up my aircraft myself because I like to inspect what I am flying, I do the majority of the work. Good A&P/IA mechanics are hard to find.
I have subscribed to this theory for several years.
I employ a different A& P every few years for the annual inspection. Sometimes it is because they have been recommended for a certain task or installation. Sometimes it is because the mechanics location is convenient.
Some annuals go without a hitch and others not so smooth, but I do feel safer in the air when they find something on this 50 year old airplane that needs attention or replacement.
I had a friend A&P IA help me with work on the aircraft and owner assisted annuals on our 1961 Cessna 175B. Over the 14 years with him. We replaced a lot of parts, cylinders, magnetos, alternator, rudder bushings. So,I thought that we were 100% on keeping it airworthy.
The A&P fell ill and couldn’t do the next annual, So I found another with a lot of experience on Cessna aircraft. To my shock and surprise he found an AD that had not been complied with. a nose gear fork AD from 1971.!!
I could not find a used part since all the other Cessnas had replaced their nose fork decades ago.
Textron had the part…$3,200 and it needed machining and pressing onto the fork tube in a new location.
So, this year, I have had a 3rd A&P, do the annual, with me still doing most of the work on the Cessna 100 hr checklist…all 83 items.!
Nothing new found,,,,finally.!