Brian Scranton Posted October 10, 2017 Report Posted October 10, 2017 (edited) Just had my Nav Light switch replaced. I was thinking, ya know, 1/2 hour labor, $50 for the switch...nope. $220 in labor and $300 for the switch. Jeesh. Edited October 10, 2017 by Brian Scranton Quote
MIm20c Posted October 10, 2017 Report Posted October 10, 2017 The scary thing is when you start to think, that’s not so bad. Not surprising that a new aircraft can be 400-800k when a single switch can run 500. 1 Quote
Andy95W Posted October 10, 2017 Report Posted October 10, 2017 And keep in mind, there's a pretty good chance they had to loosen all the other switches to provide space from the buss bar to replace the switch. You'll see what I mean if you lie on your back with your face behind the panel. Then go back and forth from that to a sitting position hitting your head on the yoke or instrument panel each time. After you start getting dizzy hanging upside down, you'll think it isn't unreasonable. Sorry. Rant over. 2 Quote
Guest Posted October 10, 2017 Report Posted October 10, 2017 $220 in labour and $100 of that spent to see a chiropractor afterward! Clarence Quote
tony Posted October 10, 2017 Report Posted October 10, 2017 This is exactly why there are hanger fairies. Andy is right its a pain, but its not difficult. 3 Quote
AH-1 Cobra Pilot Posted October 11, 2017 Report Posted October 11, 2017 1 hour ago, MIm20c said: The scary thing is when you start to think, that’s not so bad. Not surprising that a new aircraft can be 400-800k when a single switch can run 500. No, the aircraft is $400,000, the liability insurance is the other $400,000. 2 Quote
aviatoreb Posted October 11, 2017 Report Posted October 11, 2017 My autopilot trim switch went out a few years ago. I think it was $900 and I was lucky to find a new old stock because the new ones were something like $1500. A plastic switch with a microswitch in it. Thanks BK. 2 Quote
Dream to fly Posted October 11, 2017 Report Posted October 11, 2017 Do these switches interrupt a circuit in a special way? 1 Quote
carusoam Posted October 11, 2017 Report Posted October 11, 2017 Joe, On/off, call it special if it helps... The split switch is really cool. Two on/off switches mounted in close proximity... The switch is built to be strong. This way in a go-around, when you are pressing the trim switch... your thumb has no idea how hard it is pressing the switch... The beauty of the C, with those fabulous access panels... No chiropractor needed! Best regards, -a- 2 Quote
Dream to fly Posted October 11, 2017 Report Posted October 11, 2017 For 500.00 I would hope it operates by it's self too. WOW... I just shake my head every time. I know all about the aviation world. I am learning first hand!!!! 1 Quote
Hank Posted October 11, 2017 Report Posted October 11, 2017 1 minute ago, carusoam said: The beauty of the C, with those fabulous access panels... The beauty of the C is its lack of high-dollar switches . . . But from experience, accessing the bottom of the panel (say, for the gear microswitch inside the throttle quadrant, or the pilot's headset plug, or working on the panel overlay), the services of a chiropractor or deep-tissue masseuse would certainly be nice!! 2 Quote
carusoam Posted October 11, 2017 Report Posted October 11, 2017 Joe, the really goofy part, when it comes to switches... the modern ones have a plastic cover that fancifies the look. This fancy cover also has a tendency to break... The broken cover doesn't effect the way the switch works. But getting a replacement isn't a reality either... Hence the the few threads on 3D printing around here. Fortunately most of these parts last 50 years... Unfortunately, some of our planes are 50+ years old! Best regards, -a- 1 Quote
bradp Posted October 11, 2017 Report Posted October 11, 2017 I just watched an IA do a replacement fuel pressure gauge in a Cherokee. Mooney seemed not so bad by comparison. Ouch. This is why there are hangar fairies. They pay 500 gold pieces from the pot under the rainbow to the panel elves. The panel elves are small enough to get behind the panel without needing to visit the unicornropracter . 1 Quote
Brian Scranton Posted October 11, 2017 Author Report Posted October 11, 2017 Thanks--yeah. I just needed to rant. I've been on my back, looking up under the panel. I'm glad I didn't do it! Its just amazing that a simple switch could be $300. Quote
flyboy0681 Posted October 11, 2017 Report Posted October 11, 2017 13 hours ago, aviatoreb said: My autopilot trim switch went out a few years ago. I think it was $900 and I was lucky to find a new old stock because the new ones were something like $1500. A plastic switch with a microswitch in it. Thanks BK. We paid $1,200 installed about four years ago. Hopefully the new one will last another 30 years. Quote
tony Posted October 12, 2017 Report Posted October 12, 2017 10 hours ago, Brian Scranton said: Thanks--yeah. I just needed to rant. I've been on my back, looking up under the panel. I'm glad I didn't do it! Its just amazing that a simple switch could be $300. its not, its half that: http://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/elpages/klixon7270.php?clickkey=3304902 Quote
Brian Scranton Posted October 16, 2017 Author Report Posted October 16, 2017 On 10/11/2017 at 6:03 PM, tony said: its not, its half that: http://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/elpages/klixon7270.php?clickkey=3304902 Yeah, but it doesn't have the sweet plastic cover like the rest of my Klixon switches, so I guess the plastic is worth $150. In my bird, it's a 20TC not a 7270. http://www.sensata.com/klixon/circuit-breaker-aircraft-20tc.htm Quote
AH-1 Cobra Pilot Posted October 16, 2017 Report Posted October 16, 2017 18 minutes ago, Brian Scranton said: Yeah, but it doesn't have the sweet plastic cover like the rest of my Klixon switches, so I guess the plastic is worth $150. Wow. I guess I can charge more than I thought for those switch covers. 1 Quote
Lami Posted November 8, 2017 Report Posted November 8, 2017 That sounds crazy. Can't be a big job to replace a switch. I'm a new Mooney owner 1977 M20C in the process of replacing the boost pump switch, maybe all of them. The problem i'm having is i have no idea what switch to get. There are a million different manufacturers and models numbers. I got a quote from Lasar for $375.00 per switch. Does that sound reasonable? I have no idea... Strobe: 930023-207A Nav: 930023-201A Landing: 930023-215A Pitot: 930023-205A Fuel Pump: 930023-211A Quote
Raptor05121 Posted November 9, 2017 Report Posted November 9, 2017 They are circuit breaker switches so I can expect the increased price from that, plus your "airplane tax" that doesnt surprise me at all. Of course I'd be calling salvage yards. Quote
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