1968 PA28-180: First Annual as New Owner

Posted In: PA-28

Participant

STEVE on March 15, 2023 at 9:01 am #21890

Here’s the link:
https://www.www.piperflyer.com/maintenance-technical/1263-off-to-a-good-start-planning-for-your-first-annual.html?jaredirect.

https://www.www.piperflyer.com/maintenance-technical/1181-pa-28-pa-32-wing-spar-cracks-what-you-should-know.html?jaredirect

When you go to the “magazine” tab at the top of the page, then hit article archives you’ll get access to many articles on annual inspections, and Cherokee specific articles.

Read up on a few of the articles, and when you have more questions, post them and I’ll try to answer them.

If you’re mechanically inclined and you have the time, you can learn a lot about your airplane if you can find a mechanic who will let you assist in an “owner assisted” annual.

S

Participant

STEVE on March 15, 2023 at 8:49 am #21889

Hi James;
I’ve attached an article that was published in the magazine.
Take a look and get back to me when you have more questions.
Steve

Participant

James Eary on March 15, 2023 at 7:20 am #21888

How’d it turn out?
Preparing for my first annual, kinda nervous about it…

Participant

Kyle & Velvet on February 4, 2023 at 5:13 am #21820

Great looking plane.
I installed the door butler on my main door and cargo door.
Also, it really helps in the summer by installing the wind scoop on the document window. Cheap and easy to do.
I try and improve or add one thing every annual.
Good Luck and fly safe,
Kyle Sims

Participant

STEVE on February 2, 2023 at 10:42 pm #21814

Nicolas,
Excellent! I’m glad you’re enjoying your new (to you) airplane.

Any write ups are gratefully accepted.

Please contact our editor for tips. Her name is Jennifer and her email address is on the title page of the Piper Flyer magazine.

Best,
Steve

Participant

Nicholas Geber on January 30, 2023 at 12:07 pm #21803

Actually, I’m the one that imported my plane from Canada (1968 PA28-235C).

I’ll work on the write up over the next couple of weeks – I’ve been too busy enjoying my new to me plane. I’ve put nearly 40 hours on it since December!

Enjoy your new bird, Alyssa!

Nick

Participant

Alyssa Miller on January 30, 2023 at 11:45 am #21802

Steve, I think you got me confused with the other person in that thread (I think his name is Kevin). I didn’t import my plane, in fact I bought mine locally (about 30 minutes from my house). Happy to write-up any details of my experience as a first time plane owner, buying a plane as a student pilot, etc. but that’s about all the expertise I have to offer 🙂

Participant

Eric Parks on January 29, 2023 at 6:05 pm #21801

Ah yes, the Avionics budget! That always seems to be creeping ever higher!!

Participant

STEVE on January 29, 2023 at 11:28 am #21800

[size=150]Hi Alyssa;
Based on your report, it looks like the maintenance people there are taking very good care of you. As a semi retired A & P, I’d suggest taking them a pink box of donuts one Monday morning. Although there may be some disciplined eaters there, nobody I know can resist a fresh donut now and then.
When you get time to tell the story of the steps required to import an airplane that’s registered in Canada to the States, I encourage you to write it up and send it to Jennifer, the editor.
Is there anything else I can do for you?
Steve[/size]

Participant

Alyssa Miller on January 28, 2023 at 11:00 am #21798

Yeah that’s my hope. I basically told them, make it as close to new as you reasonably can. “Starting with a known quantity” is how they put it. I’m very glad I prepared for this. Before buying my plane I saw a video by Shmindy on Youtube talking about her first annual on a 1950’s 182. Cost her $12,000. So when I planned the budget for my plane I included a big chunk for the first annual.

LEDs are very nice, I also installed the WAT Chroma bulbs in the wing tips so the only non-LED lighting left is the belly strobe and the tail nav light. I was surprised that replacing the rotating beacon only saved about 0.4A but the increased safety (and quiet) is still well worth the cost IMHO.

Now to figure out my avionics budget 🙂