Anyone have experience with Willmar in Minnesota?

[FlyDave]

Hi all,

I'm looking at a plane that Willmar is selling and was wondering what experiences any of you have had with them.

I Live in California so the purchase process might be different than what I've experienced in the past. Any words of wisdom are appreciated.

Thanks,

[Parker_Woodruff]

Quote: FlyDave

Hi all,

I'm looking at a plane that Willmar is selling and was wondering what experiences any of you have had with them.

I Live in California so the purchase process might be different than what I've experienced in the past. Any words of wisdom are appreciated.

Thanks,

[KSMooniac]

Great shop.  They did my tanks and took care of my landing gear motor last year (crapped out on approach into their airport).  Bruce and the gang and competent, honest, and have been in the Mooney business for a very long time.

[fantom]

Another vote for Willmar! Excellent reputation!!

[Cruiser]

I had my pre-buy inspection and some repair work done there. They were very thorough and communicated everything that was being done to keep me up-to-date with progress etc.

Willmar provides a Prequalified Aircraft Sales. Are they assisting the buyer or seller? 

[FlyDave]

Quote: Cruiser

Willmar provides a Prequalified Aircraft Sales. Are they assisting the buyer or seller? 

[KSMooniac]

Taking their word for the condition of the plane isn't a crazy idea, especially if they do/did an annual as a PPI.  I visited with Bruce a bit when I was up there, and heard some stories.  He even dug up the original bill of sale for my plane from the Mooney factory to Willmar back in 1977 and gave it to me.    He showed me pics of failed Mooney parts from over the years after he heard that my gear failed to extend when I came in the night before.  Fortunately the crank worked as it was supposed to he, but he said I was lucky and showed me why.  He used to put on presentations like this for Mooney gatherings, and is quite the expert.  Their mechanics are great, and intregity even better IMO.  I don't think he has anything to gain by mis-representing any of the planes they're helping move, nor would I expect him to.  In this instance I would be inclined to fly up there and be prepared to fly it home, unless it needs an annual soon as Jim mentioned.  Bruce could also do your transition training before you leave, if needed.

[FlyingAggie]

No direct experience in dealing with them, but I have spoken to Bruce several times and have been very impressed.  He sounds to be very thorough with pre-buys and even appears to be a bit of a maverick in that he recommends inspecting for corrosion inside the steel tubing in addition to the outside, even though not called out in SB208.

Are you looking at the 1980 J?

[FlyDave]

Quote: FlyingAggie

Are you looking at the 1980 J?

[Amelia]

Willmar did my tank reseal, picked the airplane up from a closer-to-MPS-airport, did a very nice job, and it was waiting on that ramp for me when I returned on the appointed day. It's been seldom enough that any mechanic finished anything ahead of time, so I'd be willing to believe just about anything else the man said, too.