Prebuy help in Raleigh NC Area.

[Skyflier142]

Hello everyone,

I’m new to the forum and have made an offer on an E model. I’ve flown commercially since 2018, and currently own a ‘41 Taylorcraft... I’m looking forward to going a little faster in my free time!
 

Hoping to find a good mechanic to help with a prebuy. Thanks in advance for any recommendations.

[midlifeflyer]

Don Berry at Total Flight Solutions at KLHZ handles the maintenance for my friend’s Ovation. I’ve worked with him, but not in the prebuy context.

Stuart Dillon at Dillon Aviation at KPGV (a bit further away) does the maintenance for my flying club Diamonds, but, having worked with him personally and seen his thorough prebuy inspection reports for a few different make/models,  wouldn’t hesitate to go to him with most anything.

Another option is Savvy. They have a network of mechanics who follow their regimen.

[ArtVandelay]

Whoever you pick, just don’t tell them “do a prebuy”, you tell them what you want to inspect. Im assuming you’ve already looked at it and gone for a test flight.

[Pinecone]

@jetdriven is not far away in Mooney time.

You have to start thinking Mooney speed.

 

[midlifeflyer]

55 minutes ago, ArtVandelay said:

Whoever you pick, just don’t tell them “do a prebuy”, you tell them what you want to inspect. Im assuming you’ve already looked at it and gone for a test flight.

Ideally true, and it has to be a discussion. But the guys who do them systematically and well will inspect things the typical buyer would never think of.  It was a “wow” when I read one for a TBM. If I were that first-time buyer, how would I ever know half of what to look for?

[Skyflier142]

2 hours ago, ArtVandelay said:

Whoever you pick, just don’t tell them “do a prebuy”, you tell them what you want to inspect. Im assuming you’ve already looked at it and gone for a test flight.

I have not seen the airplane, I’m currently at work in CA, and am flying to NC when I get off. When I get there I’m planning to fly it and go through it. At this point, I’ve only seen photos and looked at log books. 

[midlifeflyer]

If you don't mind saying, where is it based?

[Skyflier142]

53 minutes ago, midlifeflyer said:

If you don't mind saying, where is it based?

Here’s a link to the aircraft. 
 

https://www.barnstormers.com/ad_detail.php?id=1907072

[ArtVandelay]

I have not seen the airplane, I’m currently at work in CA, and am flying to NC when I get off. When I get there I’m planning to fly it and go through it. At this point, I’ve only seen photos and looked at log books. 

If you go for a short flight:
Take hands off the controls when in cruise, make sure it flies reasonably straight.
Turn on cabin heat, make sure your not getting exhaust leaks.
Make sure all avionics are functional, autopilot, radios, etc.
Ask for the fuel tanks to be filled beforehand and look for leaks.

Then on the prebuy you can focus on inspecting for corrosion, engine and other big issues (airworthiness items).

[Skyflier142]

4 hours ago, ArtVandelay said:

If you go for a short flight:
Take hands off the controls when in cruise, make sure it flies reasonably straight.
Turn on cabin heat, make sure your not getting exhaust leaks.
Make sure all avionics are functional, autopilot, radios, etc.
Ask for the fuel tanks to be filled beforehand and look for leaks.

Then on the prebuy you can focus on inspecting for corrosion, engine and other big issues (airworthiness items).

Thanks, I’m mainly worried about wing spar and steel tubing corrosion. Good tip on filling the tanks. 
 

-Jeff

Edited May 27, 2024 by Skyflier142