Premier Aircraft - MSC

[m20flyer]

I'm thinking about having Premier (FXE) annual/prebuy an F model at the end of the month and want to get some input. They're an MSC, sure, but are they any good? Cost is less important then quality in this case. I've been quoted a figure, added ~$500 to it, and it seems reasonable for a "name brand" shop. Routine MX will be done by local (and very competent) A&P IAs.

About the plane:

Manual F

Bladders

201 gear doors/exhaust/one-piece belly

Gear up with engine inspection by Mattituck

"Latest and greatest" Hartzell prop

Also, what does it cost to rent a two man inflatable raft and where can you get them? Toying with the idea of crossing a portion of the gulf. I think reason will prevail, however.

Thanks!

[ChristianGodin]

For the raft, one of the FBO rent some at KFPR. Don't remember which one. Also Survival product inc. at 954-966-7329.

[gregwatts]

I use PJ Aircraft at KAVO 954-868-3319 He has worked on my planes for nearly 15 years. I have never used Premier....I believe one of the owners posts to this forum.

Banyan at FXE rents out rafts......I believe. Good Luck

[Nathan Peterson]

I flew down from Memphis to KFXE and had Premier install my WAAS upgrade and annual. Ray Bysiewicz is the Director of Maintenance, real sharp. The facility is immaculate... they went through the plane with a fine tooth comb.... I couldn't have been happier!

[co2bruce]

They did my pre buy and were very thorough. I would recommend them, speak to Ray.

[m20flyer]

I've lined everything up with Ray. Seemes like a decent place but I haven't read many reviews.

[fantom]

I've lined everything up with Ray. Seemes like a decent place but I haven't read many reviews.

Looks like you'll have a good opportunity to write one

If it doesn't work out, I too, give a thumbs up to PJ Aircraft at KAVO.

[bd32322]

I had my pre-buy done at premier. Very thorough and knowledgable and went the extra mile for me during the sales process. They did everything on time and caught every small issue and reported afterwards in writing and phone conversation. Very easy to get hold of any and all of them at the office. I live in MA and was buying from florida and without their help would have been difficult indeed.

[richardheitzman]

Thanks for the feedback after the prebuy. I am not surprised you had great service from them. I have know Ray and his group for years and they are one of the best Mooney (and Diamond) service centers in the network. I know they are at the end of the world in Ft Lauderdale Florida but they are worth the trip for an annual inspection, and hey stay for the week and get a vacation while you wait.

Good bunch of guys. I miss Dale though.

[1964-M20E]

I do not know where you are going to or from but I make a trip between N.O. and ORL often and the differnece between going straight across and skirting the coast is aobut 90NM. 40 minutes +/- in a Mooney. Not worth being 200NM+/- from land even with a raft and PFDs IMHO.

[Piloto]

Ray Bysiewicz retired from Premier about two weeks ago. Good guy, will miss him.

José

[Dale]

I used Premier for the purchase of my Mooney and for the pre-buy. I highly recommend them. They did everything to make my purchase a real pleasure. They went above and beyond my expectations and worked to fix each and every squak on my airplane. Ray Bysiewicz was a really good service manager and he will be missed. However Premier is a real class operation and I am sure they will replace Ray with another top notch service manager. Premier really knows Mooneys and I feel very confident having them work on my Mooney.

[flyboy0681]

I hear good things about Premier but their experience doesn't come cheap.

I've also used PJ and was happy with his work.

[Nathan Peterson]

Update: Just got off the phone with Premier and Ray Bysiewicz is still employed as the Director of Maintenance. Bob from "Parts" retired two weeks ago.

Nate

[Piloto]

Update: Just got off the phone with Premier and Ray Bysiewicz is still employed as the Director of Maintenance. Bob from "Parts" retired two weeks ago.

Nate

You are right it was Bob who retired not Ray. I am getting old, I may need to retire.

[Nathan Peterson]

Jose,

We all are getting older... and I feel your pain! I was upset when I heard you say that Ray retired... I'm happy that he is still working.

By the way, I like your comments... keep them coming.

Nate

[AmigOne]

Premier does good work but boy are they expensive. I borrowed a 6 man raft from a friend in South America for a ferry I had to do but they had to remove the valve to let the gas out to be able to bring it along in a commercial flight. The new valve, refill of the gas cylinder and recertification (although in practice it had never been used) it cost almost $900 !!! ouch...