Precision Aviation Services (FFC)

[atn_pilot]

Anybody ever use this company to work on your Mooney for basic maintenance/repair issues? They're not a MSC, but they're right at my home airport, and I need to get a few small things done that weren't covered by the purchase agreement I had with the seller (carb heat knob sticks, stripped threads on a tiedown eyelet, that sort of stuff). Do I really need to take the plane to a MSC for small issues like this, or should I be fine with someone else? Not just new to Mooney, new to owning any airplane at all, so I'm learning as I go here.

[rbridges]

I'd use someone local for non-mooney specific stuff. For annuals find someone who knows the plane. Joey cole may be closest msc.

[Mooneymite]

For small stuff, be very careful of hangar fairies.  A lot of times, you'll note some small discrepancy that needs an A&P's attention, but when you come back in the morning, you find that the discrepancy no longer exists because the hangar fairies came in the night.

 

The logbook entries are mysteriously replaced with fairy dust....there isn't a trace of either discrepancy, or corrective action.

 

I have no solution to this problem, but it seems to be worse in fully enclosed hangars. 

[atn_pilot]

Yeah, I'm too lazy to wash my own car, so I'm definitely not doing work on my plane. I'm not a member of the cheap bastard club, but I'm a charter member of the lazy bastard club.

[freff]

Anybody ever use this company to work on your Mooney for basic maintenance/repair issues? They're not a MSC, but they're right at my home airport, and I need to get a few small things done that weren't covered by the purchase agreement I had with the seller (carb heat knob sticks, stripped threads on a tiedown eyelet, that sort of stuff). Do I really need to take the plane to a MSC for small issues like this, or should I be fine with someone else? Not just new to Mooney, new to owning any airplane at all, so I'm learning as I go here.

 

Yes I have used Precision at FFC for my last 2 annuals and I am happy. They seem to be thorough.   Prior to using them I used to go to Cole but changed for various reasons.

[atn_pilot]

Thanks!

[Jeff_S]

I don't know anything about Precision at FFC, but in general, I've never been one to believe that all work has to be done by an MSC, especially not the things you're talking about. A Lycoming engine is a Lycoming engine, and basic maintenance for any airplane is about the same. There are some things that about Mooney's that do require some specialized equipment and knowledge to perform...landing gear biscuits come to mind. This requires a unique tool that many non-mooned shops may not have. So as you get comfortable with your plane and the various types of repairs it will need, you'll figure out which ones require special handling.  You may want to have your first annual done by an MSC, just to make sure things are kosher, but then subsequent annuals could be done by your local mechanic as long as there are no "Mooney specific" items you want to address.

[Parker_Woodruff]

Just make sure the Mooney intricacies are handled by Mooney guys...which means get an annual done by someone that works on them regularly and is overall a conscientious A&P, IA

Stuff like gear rigging, gear donuts, and aileron rigging are something that needs to be handled by the Mooney shops.

[Shadrach]

Anybody ever use this company to work on your Mooney for basic maintenance/repair issues? They're not a MSC, but they're right at my home airport, and I need to get a few small things done that weren't covered by the purchase agreement I had with the seller (carb heat knob sticks, stripped threads on a tiedown eyelet, that sort of stuff). Do I really need to take the plane to a MSC for small issues like this, or should I be fine with someone else? Not just new to Mooney, new to owning any airplane at all, so I'm learning as I go here..

Non of these issues seem unique to the brand.  It's a good opportunity to find a local A&P/IA and start a relationship.

[tony]

Just make sure the Mooney intricacies are handled by Mooney guys...which means get an annual done by someone that works on them regularly and is overall a conscientious A&P, IA

Stuff like gear rigging, gear donuts, and aileron rigging are something that needs to be handled by the Mooney shops.

 

Parker, I know this is going to hard for you to believe but there are lots of MSC's that just suck.  You're fortunate.  Your mechanic, who is a very good one, just happens to be an MSC.  Don't confuse the two.

 

If you find a good mechanic, stick with them;  whether they are an MSC or not. 

[Shadrach]

^^^^This

 

We have a good MSC in the area and a lousy MSC.  A couple of good signs I would look for in an MSC:

 

Shop owner that is active in the Mooney community.

Shop owner is actually a pilot and a Mooney owner.

Good feedback from other owners.

A lot of Mooneys in the shop/on the ramp.

 

I know of an MSC within flying distance of me. The owner flew a Cessna.  There were always a few Mooneys around, but never more than 5-10% of his work.  I could give some feedback, but I'm feeling polite this morning. 

[fantom]

If you find a good mechanic, stick with them; whether they are an MSC or not.

It helps if you have 20/20 vision and a four leaf clover. Everyone believes their mechanic is a good one, even as half of them are below average.

It's a trial and error effort and the more you're personally involved, the better.

[Parker_Woodruff]

Parker, I know this is going to hard for you to believe but there are lots of MSC's that just suck. You're fortunate. Your mechanic, who is a very good one, just happens to be an MSC. Don't confuse the two.

If you find a good mechanic, stick with them; whether they are an MSC or not.

This is true, unfortunately. I'll expand my reasoning.

My reasoning for the certain line items to be handled by Mooney shops is the rigging tools, etc. You can get a Mooney to fly straight, but without the rigging boards, it might fly 5 knots slow.

Good mechanic is better than weak MSC.