Dugosh for annual inspections - anybody have current experience to share?

[steelerp]

Was considering using Dugosh this year.  There are some older posts about them but thought I'd just see if they are still a good shop, worthy of the price.   She told me to expect 4K - 4.5K if nothing major is found.   Thanks

[Marauder]

Was considering using Dugosh this year. There are some older posts about them but thought I'd just see if they are still a good shop, worthy of the price. She told me to expect 4K - 4.5K if nothing major is found. Thanks

Sounds high for an annual.

[BigTex]

Was considering using Dugosh this year. There are some older posts about them but thought I'd just see if they are still a good shop, worthy of the price. She told me to expect 4K - 4.5K if nothing major is found. Thanks

I believe Don Muncy uses Dugosh for his annuals. PM him and I am sure he'll provide any information you need.

[chrisk]

I used Dugosh for my annual, which was 6 months ago.   I think the inspection was around $1800, but it might have been slightly less.  I believe their shop rate was around $85 per hour.  If the plane has not been there before, I can imagine them finding $2K+ worth of squawks and deferred maintenance.  --I will say I was very happy with their work.

 

I would call them back and ask for a breakdown of that number.

[FAST FLIGHT OPTIONS LLC]

I'm done with the Texas MSC's and the prices they charge for annuals. Prices seem inflated to some extent and the end result and service isn’t always commensurate with that price...Maxwell's shop included. Its not imposible to find a similar knowledge base and level of experience in a local mechanic for alot less in many cases.

[fantom]

....Its not imposible to find a mechanic with a similar knowledge base and level of experience in a local mechanic for alot less in many cases

 

Possibly so, but it may be quite difficult, painful and expensive. Cavaet Emptor!

 

sleeperp, the OP, may be in TX. Unfortunately he/she has chosen to offer no information about him/herself. Poor form, I say.

[Sabremech]

 Its not imposible to find a mechanic with a similar knowledge base and level of experience in a local mechanic for alot less in many cases

 

 I agree 100%.

[Marauder]

It's too bad we don't have a thread dedicated to identifying good Mooney mechanics. I'm in Weber's backyard but use a mechanic who has been top notch and very knowledgeable about maintaining Mooneys.

[chrisk]

 Its not imposible to find a mechanic with a similar knowledge base and level of experience in a local mechanic for alot less in many cases

 

I don't think there is anything overly unique with a Mooney and that most mechanics can perform an annual on one.   For me, the issue is when something Mooney specific comes up.   For a mechanic without lots of Mooney experience, it might be a bit of a learning process that I get to pay for. 

 

A recent example for me is my intermittent stall warning horn.   The local field mechanic wanted to pull the stall warning vane and check its ground.  This involves removing a riveted inspection plate, inspecting, and re-installing the inspection plate.   I told him no, and then asked the folks on Mooney space.   The problem was eventually solved with a new sonalert and a little bit of labor.   --the point is, Dugosh or Maxwell would have known it was the sonalert to begin with.   If I had taken the plane to either one, it would end up costing less than going to a great mechanic that has worked on a few Mooneys over the years.

 

On the other hand, with general maintenance, like an oil cooler overhaul, the local field mechanic is fine and lower cost.

[jwilkins]

I don't think there is anything overly unique with a Mooney and that most mechanics can perform an annual on one.   For me, the issue is when something Mooney specific comes up.   For a mechanic without lots of Mooney experience, it might be a bit of a learning process that I get to pay for. 

 

A recent example for me is my intermittent stall warning horn.   The local field mechanic wanted to pull the stall warning vane and check its ground.  This involves removing a riveted inspection plate, inspecting, and re-installing the inspection plate.   I told him no, and then asked the folks on Mooney space.   The problem was eventually solved with a new sonalert and a little bit of labor.   --the point is, Dugosh or Maxwell would have known it was the sonalert to begin with.   If I had taken the plane to either one, it would end up costing less than going to a great mechanic that has worked on a few Mooneys over the years.

 

On the other hand, with general maintenance, like an oil cooler overhaul, the local field mechanic is fine and lower cost.

This is a true statement, Maxwell would probably have to look at the Sonalert. So woudl MOST mechanics. There is nothing Mooney specific about a stall warning system. You start at the Sonalert, check for constant voltage when the stall vane is deployed, then work towards the stall vane if you need to.

 

This is exactly what Arizona Air Craftsman did last year when I had a stall horn intermittent. If I need my plane rigged or other very Mooney specific work done, I'd go to Maxwell. For the last couple annuals and maintenance in between, AAC has been a great shop for the 231 (and previously the F).

 

For me, one of the keys is to get to know your shop and let the shop know you and your plane by keeping up with squawks and regular maintenance during the year. The once a year 'I gotta get an annual done'  doesn't work well for me.

[mooniac15u]

Dugosh just quoted me $1200 for an M20J prebuy inspection.  That's $250 more than Maxwell.  Beyond those quotes I have no actual experience with either shop.

[jeckford]

We have had great service from Ronnie, Vannette and the crew at Dugosh.  We bought our M20J 3 years ago and have  had 3 annuals through Dugosh.  Our plane has had every annual at Dugosh since 1982.  They are great to work with and know all things Mooney.  Their shop rate is $85 per hour.  A Squak free anual should be around $1800.

 

Highly recommended!

[OR75]

We have had great service from Ronnie, Vannette and the crew at Dugosh.  We bought our M20J 3 years ago and have  had 3 annuals through Dugosh.  Our plane has had every annual at Dugosh since 1982.  They are great to work with and know all things Mooney.  Their shop rate is $85 per hour.  A Squak free anual should be around $1800.

 

Highly recommended!

 

Not a shock that a squawk free annual would be around 1800 

it does take a long time to open and close the panels / remove seats / jack up the plane / etc ... on a Mooney. And it is a pain in the rear. 

 

But how much did the 3 annuals in a raw end up costing ? (if you don't mind sharing)

[Danb]

Not a shock that a squawk free annual would be around 1800 

it does take a long time to open and close the panels / remove seats / jack up the plane / etc ... on a Mooney. And it is a pain in the rear. 

 

But how much did the 3 annuals in a raw end up costing ? (if you don't mind sharing)

[Danb]

I'm also in Webers back yard and after a few lets say errors by very good mech. But by no way experts on Mooneys I am glad to be walking and talking..I said to myself 8 yrs ago if I could not afford a specialist like a heart dr etc I 'd quit flying...I have been to nothing but Msc's since..and am extremely happy with Weber. My ass is worth it...

[quik flite]

A good Mooney Service Center is cheaper in the long run, I use Weber also and the work is the best. Great bunch of guys. Fair prices.

[PTK]

My airplane's logs have Dugosh all over them since the day it was born across the field.

Knock on wood, it has been flawless on my watch.

I utilize Weber and also AirMods. Both excellent and very experienced MSC's.

[Sabremech]

A good Mooney Service Center is cheaper in the long run,

 

 Any real numbers to back this up?

[steelerp]

Thanks to all of you.  One question to those that mentioned "Weber", who is that?  

 

Over the phone, Vannette could not have been nicer.  My other concern is that the airplane comes back to me with no rash: scratches in the paint, oil on the carpet, etc.   I've spent a lot of money on the interior (thanks AeroComfort...Hector does outstanding work) and the paint, glass are all in very good shape.  Last year, I found several "extras" done to the airplane that cost me $$ to fix. 

 

At any rate....thanks again!

 

Rick

[Marauder]

Thanks to all of you. One question to those that mentioned "Weber", who is that? Over the phone, Vannette could not have been nicer. My other concern is that the airplane comes back to me with no rash: scratches in the paint, oil on the carpet, etc. I've spent a lot of money on the interior (thanks AeroComfort...Hector does outstanding work) and the paint, glass are all in very good shape. Last year, I found several "extras" done to the airplane that cost me $$ to fix. At any rate....thanks again! Rick

Rick - Weber is one of the original Mooney Service (and sales) businesses. They are located at Lancaster, PA (KLNS).

[FlyWalt]

A good Mooney Service Center is cheaper in the long run,

 

Ya wanna bet?? We used an MSC when first purchased our Mooney. They missed so many things that I am considering a lawsuit for what I had to fix after the fact. Pick your MSC, or any other mechanic shop carefully.

 

Contact me via PM and I will share my experiences.

[BobAustin]

I have used Dugosh for EVERY annual since buying my 1985 201 as a new plane.  Have had minor work ie oil changes, battery etc done elsewhere.

But would not have an Annual by anyone else.  I have a place in Kerrville and know quite a lot about getting what you pay for.

 

When my life and that of my familly is at stake...cost is not an issue.

 

Ronnie ,David and Vannette deal with Mooney and only Mooney every day.

 

Bob

[OR75]

 

When my life and that of my familly is at stake...cost is not an issue.

 

Bob

I cannot disagree with you. However, one need to strike the right balance.

somewhere between 10 hours of maintenance per flight hour ( i read somewhere thats where the military are) and none.

if i could afford it, i would switch to a jet. the jet engine brings with it a lot of safety.

i d like to see annual costs at an MSC for say 3 years in a row

[quik flite]

The real numbers are, a mooney service center like Webers does it everyday, they know what to look for and how to fix it quicker because they are doing them regularly. The plane will fly faster ,better , smoother , longer ,safer, and hold better resale value if it is properly maintained. I have used them regularly and have always been happy. You will notice a difference in owning it and when you go to sell it. Webers is very good. I cant speak for others. The only way a Mooney Service Center can cost more is because they will find stuff the other guys miss. I use Webers because I have had excellent service from them. I have flown in a few Mooneys that don't have Mooney Service Center maintenance and it makes me a believer in it. Just today I had a fellow that owned a 77 201 hop in my plane and said man this things like a Cadillac smooth and quiet. I am sure there are many good mechanics ,I just prefer one trained to work on Mooneys. 1987 201

[richardheitzman]

Since this is a discussion about Dugosh, and not ALL service centers in the network, as some other posters want to have, I will share my opinion on Dugosh. 

 

I ran the network for a number of years, and I have actually had my tool box at Dugosh working on aircraft (in my spare time) and one of these days I hope to buy it from Ronnie if he ever gets ready to retire. 

 

Vanette and the guys in the shop have 20 - 30+ years (each) working specifically on Mooney aircraft. 

 

Steve is (in my opinion) the best Mooney mechanic in the network. His sheet metal skills, engine skills are amazing. I have seen him repair crash damage aircraft that I personally would have pushed off into the weeds. 

 

Issues/comment that I have personally seen or heard from customers:

 

Not receiving a itemized estimate of needed repairs. Once the inspection is completed you need to make sure that Vanette gives you a list of needed repairs. You need to make sure you approve (in writing with confirmation) on the repairs you are wiling to pay for, and make sure you understand the cost of said repair. The final bill should be within 10% of the written approved repair cost. 

 

Late deliveries: Sometimes they (as with all Mooney service centers) have issues with getting parts from Mooney. IF you have some type of damage that requires a Mooney specific part, your delivery date might get pushed out while waiting for the part. BUT, Dugosh and Vanette specifically has a knack for finding spares. 

 

Over booked: They are very popular. Sometimes they get overbooked and that turns into a late delivery. Ronnie has a hard time saying "NO" to customers, especially his long term customers that "drop in" for an oil change or needed repair. 

 

High repair costs: Surprise, you never had your Mooney in for an inspection at a "real" Mooney service center, and the inspection and repairs are much higher than your previous inspection. Surprise! You last mechanic might be a good mechanic, but he is not a good Mooney mechanic, or he wants to keep your business so he deferred the non airworthy issues (or didn't write them up, saving them for next year). Ronnie and the boys write up EVERYTHING they find. So be ready for a shock. 

 

Ronnie does not like talking with people about BAD NEWS, so be ready to talk with the mechanics or Vanette. If you ask to talk with Ronnie on the phone, you are going to get frustrated. That is his personality so be ready. He loves airplanes, not conflicts with customers. Ronnie is a nice guy and a fantastic mechanic. He just does not like delivering bad news or information that he thinks will upset the customers. 

 

Engine; Ronnie and Steve are perfectionist on the Engine, they will set up your engine to run perfectly. Therefore if they find an issue they will make sure you know about it (IE over 500 hours on mags, fuel setup not right, not generating the right RPM, leaking prop seal, oil pan gaskets, push rod tunes and on and on and on.). This can get expensive. 

 

Flight controls and Gear Rigging: Be ready. If you allowed someone else to rig your gear or flight controls, they will fix it. Steve is VERY good at rigging. He has spent many hours walking me through it. 

 

That's all I can think of right now. 

 

Good choice in service center. 

 

R