Seriously approaching buying a new plane

[larryb]

It happens. My MSC is 20 minute flight away but I have worked with a local mechanic here and there if there is problem where you can’t fly to your main shop. It’s all about building good working relationships.

[Pinecone]

  On 4/14/2023 at 4:35 AM, ArtVandelay said:

Unless you’re an AP or have years of experience, no way should you buy a plane not airworthy, especially away from home.

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I think he means means if it breaks.

Which can also happen when you go someplace.

At that point you can either use the maintenance on the field.  Or, ask your mechanic to fly to you with parts and tools to fix it enough to fly it back to his/her shop.

[Hank]

I drove my IA to my hangar to fix an ignition problem. My new wiring harness had a bad wire, couldn't fly 15 minutes to him. No A&P on myn field. 

[mkerian10]

  On 4/14/2023 at 4:35 AM, ArtVandelay said:

Unless you’re an AP or have years of experience, no way should you buy a plane not airworthy, especially away from home.

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I mean what happens if during normal usage a mechanical failure happens. Maybe this is during startup or maybe I'm able to get back to my airfield.

 

In some cases I'm sure this becomes insurance's problem but if I start my plane and parameters are off too much to safely fly it seems like I either have to fix it myself or... nothing? I'm curious what would happen in this scenario and how it'd be handled given I'm likely an hour+ flight from my nearest mechanic and a multi-hour drive

[ArtVandelay]

  On 4/15/2023 at 3:51 AM, mkerian10 said:

I mean what happens if during normal usage a mechanical failure happens. Maybe this is during startup or maybe I'm able to get back to my airfield.
 
In some cases I'm sure this becomes insurance's problem but if I start my plane and parameters are off too much to safely fly it seems like I either have to fix it myself or... nothing? I'm curious what would happen in this scenario and how it'd be handled given I'm likely an hour+ flight from my nearest mechanic and a multi-hour drive

We’re not talking about a mechanical breakdown of otherwise airworthy plane. We’re talking about a newbie buying a plane that isn’t flight capable.

But for normal AOG scenarios, you either have a on field mechanic (I check if field has one during my planning) or if at a field without start calling around looking for a mobile mechanic. Savvy has breakdown assistance program, if you are going to airports without services, or travel often might be worth it to get it. Basically AAA for airplanes.

[Pinecone]

YOU are talking about that.

The OP is talking about a breakdown at his home field, or why traveling, without a Mooney savvy mechanic on that field.

 

[Pinecone]

  On 4/15/2023 at 3:51 AM, mkerian10 said:

I mean what happens if during normal usage a mechanical failure happens. Maybe this is during startup or maybe I'm able to get back to my airfield.

 

In some cases I'm sure this becomes insurance's problem but if I start my plane and parameters are off too much to safely fly it seems like I either have to fix it myself or... nothing? I'm curious what would happen in this scenario and how it'd be handled given I'm likely an hour+ flight from my nearest mechanic and a multi-hour drive

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If the field has a mechanic,  you try them.  Otherwise you call your mechanic and see if they come to you to at least get it flyable back to his/her shop.

It if not an insurance problem if it is a mechanical failure.   It is only an insurance issue if the mechanical failure causes other issues.

So, the insurance company does not cover the engine quitting in flight.  But if  you land off airport, they will cover recovering the aircraft and fixing any damage caused by the off airport landing.   You have to pay to repair/replace the engine.

[Austintatious]

  On 4/14/2023 at 3:33 AM, mkerian10 said:

What if my plane isn't flight-capable? How often does that happen? I think that's the crux of my question

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I agree with Art.

If you are however asking about a case where a plane you own becomes airworthy, then it may take a ferry permit to get the aircraft to a mechanic.  If it is not eligible for a ferry permit, you have to get a mechanic to come to the plane.