Folks, I need an assist here. I purchased a PA32R300 about 4 years ago. I have yet to find a good shop or mechanic to conduct an annual or regular maintenance. My last four years read like a nightmare
First year: scheduled with a shop in Florida and dropped off the plane as scheduled. Called a month in and got the “we are slammed and will get to it.” Called at 3 months and got, “did you drop off your airplane with us?” Hell yes I did! They actually called back to tell me they could not find it. Eventually the “found it” and after 5 months I got it back. 18K and more stuff inop than when I took it there. They also misplaced my log books which I found myself in one of their office cabinets.
Second Year: Flew to a shop in VA as scheduled. Showed up and got the “who are you?” Here we go again! “Were backed up and all but one mechanic quit today.”…yada, yada. How about we move your plane to Maryland and we will have it done in a couple of weeks. A couple of weeks turned into a couple of months and a trip to pick up my “ready” aircraft only to find it NOT ready. 6 months on this one and a rebuild of the nose gear that cost me 21K. On the flight home the nose gear extension rod broke and jammed the nose gear resulting in a main wheels only landing and dropping the nose on the pavement. “Not our fault”!!!!!
Third year the aircraft was in a shop in GA. Got it back after a 9 months tear down, new prop and overhaul on the engine. My part was 28K Electrical issues out the wazoo and gear not going up and down. New alternator and voltage regulator seemed to fix along with cleaning the gear motor. Engine kept quitting on landing and had an A&P check to find some idle adjust screw or pin missing.
I put my family in this plane often. I am looking for a recommendation for an honest and competent A&P to do an annual. Willing to fly it just about anywhere at this point!! If you have a good mechanic please pass his/her name along.
Thanks.
