Pre buy inspection near Austin TX

[TSC1020]

Any great shops in the area of Austin TX or KBMQ. Looking to get a pre buy and annual done in a week or so. I know Don is in Longview, seller would like to stay somewhat local. Thanks

[IFLYIFR]

Bryan Kendrick at KHYI in San Marcos is probably the best, although I believe he only works on long body Mooneys.  Michael Medcalf at Gafford Aero (info@gaffordaero.com) at KHYI is also excellent.  Dugosh is at KERV, Kerville,  I am told that Southwest Texas Aviation in Smithville is a Mooney Service Center, so they are also probably excellent.

[M20F]

45 minutes ago, TSC1020 said:seller would like to stay somewhat local. Thanks

Don’t let the seller steer the boat on your purchase.  My unsolicited advice. 

[N9405V]

SWTA in Smithville is a Mooney Service Center. Chucks Aircraft at Austin Executive maintains and has lots of Mooney experience. Dugosh in Kerrville has been around forever. Don Maxwell in Longview.


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[MBDiagMan]

Why not Dugosh in Kerrville?

[S.C.]

I agree with IFlyifr

Gafford Areo (Michael Medcaf) is top notch.  You’ll get a very through pre-buy and if you’re staying in the area he’s excellent for all airplane care. 

[StevenL757]

2 hours ago, IFLYIFR said:

Bryan Kendrick at KHYI in San Marcos is probably the best, although I believe he only works on long body Mooneys.  Michael Medcalf at Gafford Aero (info@gaffordaero.com) at KHYI is also excellent.  Dugosh is at KERV, Kerville,  I am told that Southwest Texas Aviation in Smithville is a Mooney Service Center, so they are also probably excellent.

For @TSC1020, what model Mooney are you considering?

Agree that Brian is a major step above every shop out there, but likely won't do a prebuy on anything older than a "M" model, and would prefer to stick with Ovations and Acclaims.  For the OP, let me know if you'd like an introduction if you don't already know Brian.

Steve

Edited March 3, 2022 by StevenL757

[carusoam]

5 hours ago, TSC1020 said:

Any great shops in the area of Austin TX or KBMQ. Looking to get a pre buy and annual done in a week or so. I know Don is in Longview, seller would like to stay somewhat local. Thanks

when selecting a shop/mechanic for a pre purchase inspection…

1) MSers typically like to have the PPI done by a Mooney specific mechanic…

2) Done by a mechanic that wasn’t involved in the last set of annuals…

 

This helps getting a knowledgable, fresh set of eyes, to be looking for tiny anomalies that can cost a few extra bucks…

Corrosion isn’t common in Mooneys… but, when it occurs… you don’t necessarily want to be the owner of somebody else’s challenge…. 

PP thoughts only, not a mechanic…

Best regards,

-a-

 

[TSC1020]

8 hours ago, IFLYIFR said:

Bryan Kendrick at KHYI in San Marcos is probably the best, although I believe he only works on long body Mooneys.  Michael Medcalf at Gafford Aero (info@gaffordaero.com) at KHYI is also excellent.  Dugosh is at KERV, Kerville,  I am told that Southwest Texas Aviation in Smithville is a Mooney Service Center, so they are also probably excellent.

Where does Brian work at? I called Dugosh and they are booked out 4 plus weeks. STA is also booked out, I spoke to them. Nice guys

[TSC1020]

7 hours ago, N9405V said:

SWTA in Smithville is a Mooney Service Center. Chucks Aircraft at Austin Executive maintains and has lots of Mooney experience. Dugosh in Kerrville has been around forever. Don Maxwell in Longview.


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 Thanks, I will call Chucks again. 

[TSC1020]

6 hours ago, MBDiagMan said:

Why not Dugosh in Kerrville?

They are booked out a bit too far for me. 

[TSC1020]

5 hours ago, S.C. said:

I agree with IFlyifr

Gafford Areo (Michael Medcaf) is top notch.  You’ll get a very through pre-buy and if you’re staying in the area he’s excellent for all airplane care. 

I called him, he was booked out too. 

[TSC1020]

Has anyone got work done at Blue Skies Aviation or Genesis Aero? 

[MBDiagMan]

Mayaire is not real close and they don't specialize in Mooney’s, but they could do a thorough prebuy.  They are located in Mount Pleasant, KOSA.  They have taken good care of both of my Mooney’s and several people bring theirs from elsewhere for his love and care.

Also, there was a gentleman that did the prebuy on my first Mooney who was in the general area of Kerrville.  He came to the owners hangar for the work and had been the Mooney factory service manager.  I’m not sure if he is still working and not sure if I can find his contact information, but I’ll look for it today.

Edited March 4, 2022 by MBDiagMan

[LANCECASPER]

1 hour ago, MBDiagMan said:

Also, there was a gentleman that did the prebuy on my first Mooney who was in the general area of Kerrville.  He came to the owners hangar for the work and had been the Mooney factory service manager.  I’m not sure if he is still working and not sure if I can find his contact information, but I’ll look for it today.

That was John Langston. He's retired and not doing any airplane work. He is his wife's primary caregiver.

[daytonabch04]

If not Don, SWTA in Smithville is a MSC and has been great the times I've been to them. 

[1980Mooney]

14 hours ago, TSC1020 said:

Has anyone got work done at Blue Skies Aviation or Genesis Aero? 

Here are 2 topics from Mioneyspace on Experience with Blue Skies. Not very flattering 

 

[1980Mooney]

3 minutes ago, 1980Mooney said:

Here are 2 topics from Mioneyspace on Experience with Blue Skies. Not very flattering 

 

 

[MBDiagMan]

7 hours ago, LANCECASPER said:

That was John Langston. He's retired and not doing any airplane work. He is his wife's primary caregiver.

Thanks for the update Lance!  Mr. Langston is a fine gentleman.  I wish him all the best.

[TSC1020]

3 hours ago, 1980Mooney said:

 

I appreciate that, I see that rep. 

[TSC1020]

I made contact with a shop that goes by Genesis Aero out of KGTU, works on Cirrus and Mooney aircraft from what the gentlemen that works there. Anyone have any experience with them. I called just about everyone, and they are all in the spring or summer. 

[LANCECASPER]

4 hours ago, MBDiagMan said:

Thanks for the update Lance!  Mr. Langston is a fine gentleman.  I wish him all the best.

He knows more about early Mooneys - up to the M20M than anyone I’ve met. He helped me maintain my last M20M until I sold it in November. The last annual he did on any airplane was mine back in June. His name is all over the logbooks of many Mooneys including a lot when he helped start the Factory Service Center in kerrville back in the 80’s

I remember when he did the pre-buy on the Mooney you had before this one. He said it was one of the cleanest, most well-kept short-bodies he had seen in a long time.

[MBDiagMan]

Yes, Lance it was an incredible plane.  It had been in Kerrville since it was built.  I hurt my shoulder and had to move to an electric gear plane.  It broke my heart to see it go.  Your help connecting me with Mr. Langston was so greatly appreciated.