Annual inspection recommendations

[PWL]

Has anyone had a recent annual done by Arapaho Aero at Centennial airport in Denver?  I’m looking for some place with Mooney experience and a good record of satisfied pilots to do my ‘85 J-Model later this year.

[201Steve]

Paging @gsxrpilot

[gsxrpilot]

  On 3/28/2021 at 2:31 AM, 201Steve said:

Paging @gsxrpilot

Expand  

I've been to Arapahoe Aero, and they've done work on my Mooney. But I've not used them for an annual. I have heard from several respected Mooney owners, that AA is the go to shop in the Denver area. They are a big shop which can be good in that they have a lot of resources and can probably stick to a time table and estimate. But with a big shop comes big shop prices as well. 

Steve, the owner, does know his Mooneys well. I sat in his office and discussed what I needed done and was quite impressed with his knowledge of Mooney specific issues. I'm sure you'd get a good quality annual done at Arapahoe Aero.

Having said all that, the reason I've not used them for an annual is that I try not to have my first interaction with a shop, be an annual. A Mooney annual can run anywhere from $2000 to $20,000 and a lot of that depends on the shop. I want to get to know a shop through oil changes and other minor maintenance jobs, and for them to get to know me. And all before we jump in bed together for an annual. 

I will say that if I were getting my annual done in Denver, it would likely be at Arapahoe Aero.