Shop Recommendations near Nashville, TN

[ajudson]

I am looking for a good maintenance shop for my new-to-me J's first annual next month. I have talked to several shops in the area (Mack Air at SYI, Forge Flightworks at MQY, and Wingnuts at M91), but I am not sure what I should be looking for to choose a good shop.

Forge Flightworks (formerly Carpenter Avionics) is apparently a Mooney Service Center, so I am currently leaning towards them. But I have only heard about their avionics work, and nothing about annual inspections there. Has anyone taken their Mooney here?

Wingnuts and Mack Air both seem knowledgeable, but they are not Mooney specialists. Not sure if that is important for my first annual with this airplane. It had an annual completed by Don Maxwell a few years ago, if that matters. It also has previously had an annual performed by Mack Air.

Does anyone have any recommendations in my area? Am I thinking too hard about this?

Edited January 26, 2023 by ajudson

[201Steve]

Cole Aviation 
Dalton, GA

KDNN

His shop is 98% Mooneys

[Criticalcarecohen]

I live in Chattanooga and just had lots of work done at Forge and just brought my plane home today- I would only use their avionics services. They are only a "Mooney Service Center" for avionics and not airframe per their team and out source their maintenance to a third party. 

My aircraft is maintained at Cole Aviation in Dalton at DNN which is an "official" MSC. I trust Joe Cole with my aircraft implicitly. I'm happy to connect with you about my experiences with both Forge and Cole as I have used them extensively. Just send me a DM or something. 

[RoundTwo]

I have the same recommendation. Skip Forge, I’ve heard bad. Take it Joe Cole in Dalton.

[WaynePierce]

I have my J annualed at M41, in Holly Springs, MS. Glenn Wilson Aircraft does the annual and he has done an excellent job since I've had the plane. Jewell Aircraft is an engine rebuilder on field as well, I hope I never need him for anything except answering questions. (No relation to Jewell Engines at KTKX)

I also understand that T&T Aerotech is now a full service shop. They do a LOT of Mooney Avionics in this area but they are just starting out with their full service but I would trust them as well. They are located at KSNH Savannah Hardin County airport in Savannah, TN.

[ajudson]

Thank you everyone for the great advice! I talked to Cole Aviation and it sounds like they're going to be able to fit me in.

[Pinecone]

I bit of a trip, but not much for a Mooney, I would use RPM Aviation Services at KGAI.  @jetdriven knows Mooneys

[Mike A]

On 1/30/2023 at 1:31 AM, ajudson said:

Thank you everyone for the great advice! I talked to Cole Aviation and it sounds like they're going to be able to fit me in.

Hey I'm out of MQY and use Joey for all my major work and annual inspections.  If you are looking for someone local that can help with routine maintenance (oil changes, he swapped out mixture cable for me, etc) I have a name I can pass along if you message me.

 

Also, when are you heading down to Cole Aviation?  My plane is in annual now and hopping a ride is better than that 2.5 hr drive.