SWTA Opinions/Experiences

[jax88]

Last year I took my '75F to one of the "big name" MSCs and was pleased with the results and the service received.  However, as I sit here this morning contemplating a need to take the aircraft in for annaul AND needing to have my avionics shop troubleshoot the one remaining glitch in the recent avionics upgrade, I can't help but think it would be nice if my MSC and my avionics shop were on the same field.  Well, it turns out my avionics shop is only a couple of hangars down the tarmac from SWTA, whom I've had do some minor work while getting the avionics upgrade done.

How do you all feel about SWTA, the service they provide, the work they do, the timeliness of their work, etc.  Some would argue that having the "big name" all over the log books helps retain a certain amount of value should I ever decide to sell.  Will using SWTA negate that percieved value of having one of the "big name" shops doing my annual?

(pm me if you prefer not to post your opinions in public)

Thanks

[knute]

I had an annual and a 201-style windshield done there a couple of years ago, and was very pleased with the work they did.  Very thorough, done on time, and excellent communication.  They look from the outside like a small shop, but they have a wealth of Mooney experience.  If I wasn't based all the way out in California near LASAR (another shop I really like), I'd use SWTA more often- good folks.  For example, Russell took the time to meticulously recompile a master AD record and sign off list.

I hope that helps!

[gregwatts]

Not sure if the "big name" theory works but I have dealt with Russell at SWTA and have all positive things to say.

[WardHolbrook]

A "big name" maintenance pedigree is important to some purchasers and not so much for others. Over the years, most of my "in-flight maintenance issues" involving precautionary engine shutdowns and failures could be traced directly back to factory service center screwups so personally, I'm not overly concerned about where the work is done, as long as it's done correctly. In other words, what's important is the quality of the maintenance that you are receiving, not just who's doing it. Quality maintence and skilled competent technitians are where you find them and FSC's don't have a lock on good mechanics. If you can find quality maintenance locally then I wouldn't hesitate to use them. You can always work the occasional annual in at a FSC if it's important to you - that tends to make most folks happy.

[Rustler]

I've known Russell for some time and can tell you that it would be difficult to find someone with more knowledge of Mooneys and who is any more conscientious. He is courteous, helpful and goes the extra mile.

[DaV8or]

I used SWTA for a prebuy and have spoken to Russell numorous times on the phone with questions before and after ownership. I have nothing but positive things to say about those guys. They found a deal breaking defect in the plane for prebuy in very little time. They really seem to know their stuff. I would take my plane there for sure if I was about 1200 miles closer.