A Mooney authorized service shop or a just a reputable shop?

[cujet]

I work as a DOM for a high end corporate flight department. We have a Gulfstream G550, Pilatus PC-12, EC-135 (heli) Extra 300L (stunt plane) , Stemme S10 glider, small Cessna and DG gliders. Over the last 30 years, I've come to a very specific conclusion about factory service centers.

 

If you have a major amount of maintenance to perform, such as a particularly detailed inspection, only the largest factory service center will do. Anything less will lead to delays, cost overruns and quality issues. This applies to small, simple aircraft as well as the big ones. 

 

I could go on for days with examples. One extreme example that comes to mind is for a Gulfstream G550. Flight controls must be removed at 9 years. This exposes certain "known" repair issues. If I were to choose a smaller, factory service center, or DIY, I'm taking a huge risk. As the bushing bores are known to corrode. Repair is a simple matter at the Savannah, GA service center. As "Mike" simply walks upstairs, gets "Ian" to approve an engineering disposition and in about 1/2 hour, Mike simply brings out a cart with all the tools necessary to bore out the corrosion, press in oversized bushings and everybody is happy. Total cost, about $200. 

 

You can clearly understand that if I were to DIY or go to a "non expert" center, I might not even know that the bores corrode. So I would never press out the bushings to find the issue. (leading to very difficult to repair future issues) Or, if I did notice the problem, I'd need to send pictures, get remote engineering approval, involve the FAA and come up with a methodology, tools and parts to repair the problem. Total cost could run wild. Not to mention the unavoidable extensive delay. 

 

I'm not saying small shops are poor. Far from it. I've found that small shops are great for the majority of conventional projects. But when specialization is necessary, only the best will do. 

 

As we know, Mooney aircraft are unique, with a specific set of known issues. As a conscientious owner, when it comes time for a big project, I'd suggest going to those who do that work on a regular basis. No need to pay someone to "learn how" on your aircraft.