Brian - Sorry to hear of your tale of woe. As an owner of varous airplanes since the mid 60s, from an Aztec, Bonanza, Comanche, Cessnas, T-craft, and now a coupe, I've seen it all, I think, when it comes to annuals. I agree with you about getting an annual, not a pre-buy, when you buy an airplane. Most important is getting an A&P/IA whom you KNOW, or who at least comes recommended by some friends, before that first srew is removed. Previous Coupe experience is helpful, but honesty on the part of the IA is crucial. Lack of experience will only make the process a tad more expensive. But lack of honesty results in your giving a blank check. Since I've owned so many older airplanes, I can tell everyone that no older airplane, or it's paperwork, will pass an inspection by the dishonest who are simply looking for things to do to pad the bill. I don't know where you're located, but the mechanic at our home field, Delaware, Ohio, just north of Columbus, maintains 3 coupes regularly, is honest and truthful, and would have my recommendation. Better luck in the future. Jerry Eichenberger Columbus, Ohio N2906H
>>> "Brian Grindlay" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> 01/25/99 01:11PM >>>
I don't know how this experience will tie into everyone else's but I have
just been through the most interesting experience(I think!).
I acquired Ercoupe N93462 Serial 785 Last October. Had a pre buy
inspection which revealed very little to be wrong with her IT SEEMED!
I flew her from Oct until Annual time December, The annual looks like it
will be completed today finally!
The saga starts when I meet my new IA he looks over the documents and all
seems fine,except some 337 forms missing. We get those from the FAA SO
far So Good right! wrong he tells me that all the AD's are listed as
completed in the back of one of my logs but that he can find no signature
for them. So he must therefore research and check every AD (fair enough
right!). Well he started taking my aircraft apart on Dec. 6. On December
30 it seemed he had not finished taking it apart and had not provided me
with a list of items to be repaired. The craft appeared to be completely
apart on the floor of the hanger, Everything had been removed I mean
everything rudders, all windows, engine mounts everything that could be
unbolted was, even the MAGS had been taken apart and small pieces put into
little baggies. Finally I pushed the IA for a list and asked him to
reassemble the craft.
He presented me with a bill for a 600 annual plus 400 AD
research/Inspection plus 250 in sundry charges(which I paid). Still no
list of squawks!
Oh well I says to myself, and ask him to start reassembling it and to give
me a list of squawks!, I also push him here with a bit of a deadline, two
weeks to have it well on the way to reassemble(or I find someone else). I
am not sure if I am being to pushy I guess I was as I arrive the
following Tuesday to check on progress I find a note from him telling me
he would not be able to work on my aircraft anymore, But he did leave a
list of squawks.
It turns out, talking to someone else on the field that the IA has done
work for, that the IA had disassembled their craft and left it as well.
Tells me the guy has trouble taking responsibility for signing off on
annuals(gee!).
Along about now I find someone else who will come to my hanger and put it
back together as long as I pay travel time, Total so far in re-assembly
costs, $5000, Cost of Lessons learned invaluable!
This was my first annual as an aircraft owner and I must say it has not
gone the way I thought it would.
Lesson one pre buy ->have an annual type inspection done by a reputable IA
with a proven and researched by you track record For ERCOUPE ANNUALS(this
is important) , I asked around for a recommendation and didn't check with
owners who had the guy do an annual only with a couple who had him do some
repairs.
Lesson two -> At the end of the annual inspection make sure your craft is
reassembled and ready to be moved/flown to another location for repair,
The craft should be in the same condition at the end of the inspection
process as at the beginning(even if the IA tells you your saving money by
disassembling as part of the Annual when repairs must be done) It keeps
your options open and lets him know that he may not get the work depending
on his bid.
Lesson three -> Get at least 5 or so bids on the items to be repaired
before deciding who will do the work, get it in writing!
Lesson four -> NEVER NEVER look like you actually care if the work gets
done any time soon!
The major item that I had to replace parts etc.
Radio replaced illegal 360 channel(pre buy should have noted
this.. yes I am stupid) 1000$
Replace muffler Cracked
300$
Replace Right Exhaust Stainless
350$
Replace Left Exhaust repaired incorrectly previously Won't
fit new system stainless 350$
Sparkplugs, Engine mounts, assorts gaskets Carb, etc
300$
No corrosion, no rigging fixes, all airframe elements in good order !
My total cost of ownership this year 1250 + 5000 + 2300 = 8500 + Purchase
price ( my head truly buttons up the back I think!)
You know the thing looks just like it did before all this started, It
needs a paint job and an interior. But it sure is a lot safer to fly I
think! I wonder if I am the only one who has had this type of experience!
You think I can really get 25K for this thing!
Good thing I bought the Coup to fly and enjoy, not for the great
investment it makes!
Hope to meet and see you all
Brian Grindlay N93462
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