Question Seneca Annual Inspection Prices

Getting someone who really knows the aircraft, doesn't just claim to, is a good thing in the long run. However, that first annual can be a bit of a doozy when you are playing catch up. Now days, I would warn someone who brought me an aircraft to annual in which I knew very well that this first annual would be expensive. However, these days I only do a few owner-assisted annuals. They still aren't cheap, but the owner knows exactly what is being found and why it is a problem.

Hi David,

My email address is scotts [AT] techenterprises [DOT] net. Send me an email with your email address and I'll scan my invoice and send it to you.

Best,

Scott
N344TB

Scott,
Can you post the items repaired/replaced on your annual inspection. My annual is being done this month, and your experience would be 'invaluable'.
David
Seneca III
C-FJMM

Well folks, Pat Berry had it right on the nose with his "mates rates" comments back a few months. I've been meaning to get back to this topic with the results of my own most-recent annual inspection. To recap, I moved to a new airport because my last annual took five months and I was frustrated. Skipping to the latest annual, Pat, you were on the nose! Apparently I wasn't getting sufficient maintenance as my latest annual inspection invoice was six pages long and included countless items that appear to have been neglected over the years. I was worried that I was changing A&P's for not a good reason. However, if you would look at the list of parts replaced (and I looked at every single replaced part for wear) you would conclude that this latest annual cured a lot of ills.

Your comments show a lot of wisdom, which can best be summed up by "you get what you pay for". It turns out that my decision to change mechanics was a good one. Perhaps I should have met you a few years ago!

Best,
Scott Sherer
N344TB

Hi Pat,

I hadn't heard the term "mate's rates" but that term seems more than appropriate. (I did learn something new today!). My A&P had done ten of these annuals for me and the plane is in good shape. Last year I moved to a new airport where hangar and fuel were much less expensive and my plane is currently getting an annual at the new airports shop. I expect it to be done in a week or so and I'll be able to report on what they found and how much it cost. Stay tuned.

Best,
Scott
N344TB

We call that "Mate's Rates". It's great if he really knows the Seneca and can do a good job.
For example - I'm a Comanche specialist - I know every inch of the Comanche and I am used to the ADs and repetitive maintenance. But put me in a Bonanza and I have to start from scratch, so if the IA that you are using really knows the make and type he can do a good job.
A lot of an annual can be done by the owner - opening up the aircraft, changing oil, cleaning plugs. The time it takes to remove seats, carpet floor panels is better done by the owner because it a) saves time, and b) let's the owner see for himself the condition of the aircraft. There's nothing better when you are over the Rockies knowing that the plane you are flying has integrity.