WOW!! Very Bad interaction with Don Maxwell

[Aaviationist]

People want to talk about “the best Mooney shop this” and Don is the best Mooney mechanic that”. 
 

when you go to the shop who is turning the wrenches?

 

I’ve had only one experience with that shop asking about log entries they made, and it was not good. 

[Jimmyred]

  On 3/28/2025 at 10:22 PM, Utah20Gflyer said:

Personally I prefer to work WITH the mechanic to maintain my plane.  That way I always know what’s going on and get to be involved with the minutiae of what is happening.  There are lots of things that come up and decisions that are made.  I like having an experienced mechanic there to bounce questions off of and help make the right decision.

 I did the engine portion of my annual a week ago and there were literally dozens of things we talked about as we worked and that is something you can never get if you drop off the plane and pick it up when it’s done.  Even if the mechanic is the best communicator in the world you won’t get 1/10th of what happened when you weren’t around.  

Some might not have this arrangement available, some might not want it even if they could have it.  Personally I wouldn’t want anything else.  
 

As to Don and his shop, I have zero personal experience.  Seems like he does a lot for the community which I appreciate.  Sounds like most of the complaints revolve around communication about a conflict.  Maybe that isn’t Don’s strength?  That doesn’t make him a bad guy or his shop a bad shop, that means that could be one of the limitations if you use them.  Every shop is going to have its strengths and weaknesses.   

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What you are saying is what I was hoping for.  Communication.  Maybe it's unfair but I had worked with Paul and Sheri Lowen who owned LASAR.  Their shop foreman was Robert and he was the greatest.  I really felt like my Mooney was in good hands and that I could keep updated on the work being done.  I was hoping to get that kind of service from Don Maxwell Aviation but that definitely didn't happen.  I was not allowed to talk to anyone who knew what was going on on my plane.  Even after I spent $26,000, nothing!  In fact Christa, who is the gatekeeper, said that most people "just throw down their credit card on $150k bills".  So I took that that I was just some small fish and should just shut up and be happy that they would even take on my plane!  All they did was take my check, give me the keys, and send me on my way.  I was on my own to find out that the tank wasn't "fixed".  That the fuel selector wasn't fixed AND they grinded into my brand new panel!  

[Jimmyred]

  On 3/29/2025 at 1:32 AM, Aaviationist said:

People want to talk about “the best Mooney shop this” and Don is the best Mooney mechanic that”. 
 

when you go to the shop who is turning the wrenches?

 

I’ve had only one experience with that shop asking about log entries they made, and it was not good. 

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You have no idea who is actually doing the work.  Christa is the gatekeeper.  Everything has to go through her.  So, if she calls you back, it will be second hand information.  Other than the logbook entries I was not given any information on what they did to my plane.  When I ask Don, while I was writing out a $26,000 check, what they did on my fuel tank he said, "I don't know but they fixed it".  That's it.  They gave me the keys and I had to find my plane.  It was while flying back to Oregon I found out that the tank wasn't "fixed".  It did exactly the same thing that it did before.  And when I called him and told him that, and that they had grinded into my brand new panel, and that the fuel selector wasn't fixed he said, "I am done with you" and hung up! That's the service I got at Don Maxwell Aviation.  

[PT20J]

A couple of years ago, my engine stuck a valve in Shreveport LA on my way to Sun 'n Fun. Although the FBO advertised having maintenance available, it turned out to be a part time mechanic who worked when he felt like it and didn't return phone calls. I was unable to find any other mechanic in the area. I called Don Maxwell and he sent one of his mechanics and we staked the valve and got the airplane flyable and then I flew it to Longview. Although the shop was backed up with airplanes everywhere, Don and Paul reamed my valve guide. It was Friday and they had the FBO move the plane to transient parking and loaned me their truck for the night so I could leave Saturday Morning.

[Z W]

When I picked my plane up from annual at Maxwell last summer, I met with Don and Paul both who answered all of my questions and couldn't have been kinder or more responsive. I did a thorough inspection of the plane on their ramp which they encouraged. We had a discussion about how it's surprising how many pilots roll in, grab the keys, and blast off without even looking the plane over, sometimes at night or into IMC.

We then had a discussion that occasionally my panel was throwing an alert for high fuel pressure during full power climbs over about 15,000 feet which was not a problem but annoying. Paul pulled one of their avionics guys out of the shop who adjusted the settings for the alert while I waited. This was after I had paid for the annual, and they didn't charge me any more.

On the way home, my gear warning was sounding at much higher manifold pressure than it should (something like 22 inches). I called Don, asked if they had changed it, and he said no, but then took the time to look up and send me the parts diagram for where the switch was. I started looking at it (which required a mirror and flashlight) and found it attached by old, loose, and non-standard hardware that had clearly been there for years. Probably got bumped during annual. Got it all fixed and re-adjusted. Don didn't charge me anything for his help.

Several months later, I had oil leaking out of my turbo and was having trouble sourcing a V-band clamp. I called and talked to Don who unfortunately didn't have any clamps to sell me, but was gracious with his time and expertise and didn't charge me anything for the conversation.

Sorry you had a bad experience. Just relaying mine in the last 12 months. I've been very happy with them and am glad they're there help me keep my plane flying.

[Jimmyred]

  On 3/29/2025 at 4:32 PM, Z W said:

When I picked my plane up from annual at Maxwell last summer, I met with Don and Paul both who answered all of my questions and couldn't have been kinder or more responsive. I did a thorough inspection of the plane on their ramp which they encouraged. We had a discussion about how it's surprising how many pilots roll in, grab the keys, and blast off without even looking the plane over, sometimes at night or into IMC.

We then had a discussion that occasionally my panel was throwing an alert for high fuel pressure during full power climbs over about 15,000 feet which was not a problem but annoying. Paul pulled one of their avionics guys out of the shop who adjusted the settings for the alert while I waited. This was after I had paid for the annual, and they didn't charge me any more.

On the way home, my gear warning was sounding at much higher manifold pressure than it should (something like 22 inches). I called Don, asked if they had changed it, and he said no, but then took the time to look up and send me the parts diagram for where the switch was. I started looking at it (which required a mirror and flashlight) and found it attached by old, loose, and non-standard hardware that had clearly been there for years. Probably got bumped during annual. Got it all fixed and re-adjusted. Don didn't charge me anything for his help.

Several months later, I had oil leaking out of my turbo and was having trouble sourcing a V-band clamp. I called and talked to Don who unfortunately didn't have any clamps to sell me, but was gracious with his time and expertise and didn't charge me anything for the conversation.

Sorry you had a bad experience. Just relaying mine in the last 12 months. I've been very happy with them and am glad they're there help me keep my plane flying.

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Unfortunately, that is not the service I received.  After paying $26,000 they showed me nothing of the work they did.  When I asked about what they did to the fuel tanks Don didn't know and didn't have me meet with the mechanic that did the work.  When I asked about the Gami injectors that they installed he didn't give me any information other than, "there is a video on what to do" somewhere.  Again, nothing!  

He didn't have any problem taking the check that was cashed almost immediately.  

[Jimmyred]

So, today I am going to the hanger to asses what I will need to do to get my plane airworthy.  Since I can't fly it with a stuck fuel selector valve.  And see why my trim is sticking and the auto-trim won't move it.  After Don Maxwell Aviation was supposed to have "fixed" it.  It may be that when they put on the trim cover on it is pushing against the seat.  I can't be sure since they charged me $110 for the part and a half hour of labor to screw it on.  I don't know if it was ever tested or not.   

[DCarlton]

  On 3/29/2025 at 4:54 PM, Jimmyred said:

Unfortunately, that is not the service I received.  After paying $26,000 they showed me nothing of the work they did.  When I asked about what they did to the fuel tanks Don didn't know and didn't have me meet with the mechanic that did the work.  When I asked about the Gami injectors that they installed he didn't give me any information other than, "there is a video on what to do" somewhere.  Again, nothing!  

He didn't have any problem taking the check that was cashed almost immediately.  

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Since you're in OR, mind me asking why you didn't go to LASAR instead?  I've wondered if it's worth the trip to OR from SOCAL to get specialized Mooney work done (gear refurb for example).  

[Jimmyred]

  On 3/29/2025 at 5:38 PM, DCarlton said:

Since you're in OR, mind me asking why you didn't go to LASAR instead?  I've wondered if it's worth the trip to OR from SOCAL to get specialized Mooney work done (gear refurb for example).  

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I used them for my front gear overhaul and that went well.  I then had them work on my engine but I can not recommend them since they put my magneto upside down.  Which I found out when I did a magneto check on it.  That was a while ago so maybe things have changed since then.    

[DCarlton]

  On 3/30/2025 at 12:30 AM, Jimmyred said:

I used them for my front gear overhaul and that went well.  I then had them work on my engine but I can not recommend them since they put my magneto upside down.  Which I found out when I did a magneto check on it.  That was a while ago so maybe things have changed since then.    

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Yeah I’m very cautious with post annual check flights.  I won’t carry any passengers until I’ve completed a few flights unless it’s another pilot or the mechanic.  And sometimes I’ll have a test plan.  

[shawnd]

Since you are on this side of the mountains - why not give Greg a call at Advanced Aircraft at KTTD? Might be closer to you / easier to get to.

[Jimmyred]

  On 3/30/2025 at 10:06 AM, shawnd said:

Since you are on this side of the mountains - why not give Greg a call at Advanced Aircraft at KTTD? Might be closer to you / easier to get to.

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I just found out about them.  I am going to definitely give him a call.  I have a really good general mechanic on the field here in Prineville but I would like a knowledgeable Mooney specialist too.   I was so spoiled when LASAR was owned by Paul and Robert was the manager.  I want this plane to be 100% dependable.  

[PT20J]

I've had Greg at Advanced Aircraft work on my airplane. Easy to work with and does good work.

I’ve also heard good reviews of DeLynn Elrod, Reliant Aircraft Services @ 7S3 Hangar F2 503-799-9834. He repaired a sticky fuel valve on a ‘78 J for a friend.

[Jimmyred]

  On 3/30/2025 at 5:25 PM, PT20J said:

I've had Greg at Advanced Aircraft work on my airplane. Easy to work with and does good work.

I’ve also heard good reviews of DeLynn Elrod, Reliant Aircraft Services @ 7S3 Hangar F2 503-799-9834. He repaired a sticky fuel valve on a ‘78 J for a friend.

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Oh, thank you so much!  That's exactly what I need!  

[Brandt]

Don and Paul Maxwell are a trusted resource for me. They have been gracious with their time, have done great work, met their promised schedules and know more about Mooneys than anyone I have ever met.  

I’m sure there are other great shops out there, but I am also certain there are none better. 

[Steve Dawson]

I had my Bravo to Maxwell's a few years ago through Jimmy Garrison and I can say the same things others have said, they went out of their way to be hospitable and thorough and I'd recommend Don and Paul to anyone. I thought Don had a pretty good sense of humour too. 

[Jimmyred]

  On 4/1/2025 at 2:15 AM, Brandt said:

Don and Paul Maxwell are a trusted resource for me. They have been gracious with their time, have done great work, met their promised schedules and know more about Mooneys than anyone I have ever met.  

I’m sure there are other great shops out there, but I am also certain there are none better. 

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I would not call Don Maxwell Aviation a premiere shop.  When I repeatedly ask about my plane all I got was Christa saying, "If I had a specific question she would relay it".  How can you have a question when you don't even know what they are doing to your plane?  And my fears were realized when I got my plane back and they GRINDED OUT part of my brand new, $100k, panel!  No call, no e-mail, they just grinded it out!  Now it says "ottle"!  Really, this is the work of a great shop?  

[47U]

  On 4/1/2025 at 12:26 PM, Jimmyred said:

Really, this is the work of a great shop? 

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Looking at that picture, certainly your frustration is understandable.  

It appears that some type of mx was required on the throttle cable that required the panel material to be removed for access and, to my untrained eye, it looks like only a matter of time before the same style of material removal will be required when your prop and mixture cable eventually require mx.  Otherwise, Maxwell might have spent hours to demount the panel so that access to the throttle cable could be gained.  Very unfortunate.  

I think the root cause begins with the layout of the panel which did not allow for mx access to the control cables.  Surely the shop has the CAD file.  What would the cost be to have them remanufacture the panel with appropriate cutouts for access to the control cables and swap the new panel for the damaged one?  Perhaps they would offer a discount?  You would expect, for $100k invested in a new panel, that allowances for future mx requirements would be accounted for.  Part of (most of?) the liability lies with the shop that designed and installed your new panel.

I’ll say again, this was very unfortunate.  Your frustration is understandable.

[Jimmyred]

  On 4/1/2025 at 2:42 PM, 47U said:

Looking at that picture, certainly your frustration is understandable.  

It appears that some type of mx was required on the throttle cable that required the panel material to be removed for access and, to my untrained eye, it looks like only a matter of time before the same style of material removal will be required when your prop and mixture cable eventually require mx.  Otherwise, Maxwell might have spent hours to demount the panel so that access to the throttle cable could be gained.  Very unfortunate.  

I think the root cause begins with the layout of the panel which did not allow for mx access to the control cables.  Surely the shop has the CAD file.  What would the cost be to have them remanufacture the panel with appropriate cutouts for access to the control cables and swap the new panel for the damaged one?  Perhaps they would offer a discount?  You would expect, for $100k invested in a new panel, that allowances for future mx requirements would be accounted for.  Part of (most of?) the liability lies with the shop that designed and installed your new panel.

I’ll say again, this was very unfortunate.  Your frustration is understandable.

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Or Don Maxwell Aviation could have called me and said that they were about to grind into my brand new panel.  And ask if I was cool with that?  They had replaced all of the controls but instead of getting one that fit like the old one they ordered one that didn't fit and so they got their grinder out and made it fit!  

If they would have spent 15 minutes and called me I would NOT have allowed them to grind my new panel and the old one could be repaired.  There are shops to do that but I was not given that option.  Anyone with half a brain should know that you don't take a grinder to a brand new panel like this.  This is not acceptable and the blame falls directly with Don Maxwell Aviation! 

And when I called and brought this up with Don Maxwell he said, "I am done with you" and hung up!  That is the service I got from Don Maxwell Aviation.  

Edited Tuesday at 03:48 PM by Jimmyred

[DCarlton]

The grinding was done very neatly but heck, if there's a future access or maintenance concern, I think I would have wanted all three done the same way with the panel touched up and relabeled.  Having that option would certainly have been nice.  Having one cut and not the other two would drive me crazy.  

[MikeOH]

Not being asked in the first place is what would drive me crazy!

I realize the need to defend Maxwell is almost a religion around here, but NOT calling the customer before grinding the panel is UNACCEPTABLE!  I can't believe anyone thinks this is okay.

[47U]

  On 4/1/2025 at 3:45 PM, Jimmyred said:

They had replaced all of the controls but instead of getting one that fit like the old one they ordered one that didn't fit and so they got their grinder out and made it fit!  

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I agree, a phone call would have been the right thing to do.  You might have ended up AOG for an unknown amount of time, but Maxwell should have given you that option.

[NickG]

  On 4/1/2025 at 2:15 AM, Brandt said:

Don and Paul Maxwell are a trusted resource for me. They have been gracious with their time, have done great work, met their promised schedules and know more about Mooneys than anyone I have ever met.  

I’m sure there are other great shops out there, but I am also certain there are none better. 

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I have called and spoken with both Paul and Don Maxwell on several occasions for advice. They have always been knowledgeable and generous with their time.  They rebuilt my fuel pump control board, and it works perfectly. I will be taking my Ovation there from Las Vegas for the next annual.  

[Echo]

Agree, that was NOT acceptable and being upset is understandable.  That you were hung up on is insult to injury although I don't know how you spoke to Don.  My guess is a one day cool down was not undertaken?

[Jimmyred]

  On 4/1/2025 at 9:24 PM, Echo said:

Agree, that was NOT acceptable and being upset is understandable.  That you were hung up on is insult to injury although I don't know how you spoke to Don.  My guess is a one day cool down was not undertaken?

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Nope, no cross words were said.  I addressed what I found on my flight back and asked how we should address them.  I said that I was under the impression that they were a premiere Mooney shop.  Once I brought up that they had cut into my panel he stated, "I am done with you" and hung up.  That's it.

Edited Tuesday at 10:41 PM by Jimmyred