Annuals

[avcheck]

I'd like to get some real life info on annual costs for the various models. It strikes me that there is a lot of optimistic pre-purchase $ numbers that float around and then I see many people spending a lot on annuals. Backward Tales talks about $795 which is dated, includes limited squawks, and really a useless number.

What has been your experience. I am interested in comparing the various models M20C/E/F/J and especially the difference in the 231 given Mooneyland's comparison on 201 v 231. And those of you with 231s, are you making it to TBO? Have you had a top O/H? What is the cost of that relative to full O/H?

And have you found your annuals significantly different than other rides you have owned?

Thanks

Avcheck

 

[MooneyMike]

The Mooney Service Manual lists a defined number of items which need to be addressed for an MSC to perform the inspection portion of an annual.  Maintenance and repairs are above and beyond that.  Most any MSC will be able to tell you how many hours that inspection takes and the cost is hours times the hourly rate. 

If I recall correctly, a J model takes about 23 hours to inspect - on average.  

It comes down to hours times dollars = cost.   

The latest MAPA Log article by Jerry Manthey discussed a rudder failure because a heim joint was not lubricated properly.  Poor maintenance and poor inspections during the annual. 

I did my annual with LASAR and they were very appreciative and welcoming that I wanted to take an active part in the annual and I would guess most mechanics would also.  It also saved me a nice chunk of cash.

Remember the shops are governed by the FAA and their licenses are on the line.  A reputable shop will work with you but wont break the rules, and the costs for the inspection portion are not hard to estimate.

Repairs and maintenance are another matter.  Items which are considered 'airworthy' are less flexible than those which are not.  Example would be a magneto or a fuel servo serial number affected by an A/D which can only be discovered through logbook research or inspections.   This is where using a reputable Mooney savvy shop will save you in the long run as they have records of the work and the serial numbers of parts they install.  That will save on inspection of logbooks and tearing apart your airplane to find a part or serial number, of a fuel pump for example.

Develop a relationship with an A/P and learn to work together.  You will learn your Mooney and the mechanic will learn to trust your abilities and knowledge more.  That will also save you money.  Alternate annuals between an MSC and your local A/P.  Attend one of the MAPA maintenance seminars and learn how to properly lubricate and inspect your baby and teach that to your A/P so they learn also.  Keep up with maintenace as it is needed and don't wait for the big bill annual. 

Hope this helps,   

Mike

[N207LS]

I have now done 3 annuals on my 1968 M20G.  My first one was $7500 and included new rubber donuts on all the wheels and a tank patch job (that lasted less than 2 years).  I felt that it was excessive and will not bring my plane back there (shop rate was very high too).  I now use a very good independant A&P.  His name is Vern Conly (Vernon Conly Air Service at X14 - LaBelle, FL).  He maintains a handful of Mooneys and has been excellent to work with.  He is not a "Mooney Mechanic", but has excellent skills and judgement.  He charges $1500 for the annual and then $60 per hour for squawks.  My past two annuals have been under $2000 each except for my upgrades at each one (Vern is an EI distributor and I added the fuel flow and UBG 16 package, as well as the voice annunciator with all of the interfaces, so I am not counting my cost for intallation of these items).  The bottom line is that if you ask around you will find a good, high quality, A&P who knows Mooney's that will be affordable.  Best of luck.

Aaron