Paul Lowen is a true Mooney hero

[DaV8or]

For those that don't know of Paul, he is the owner of LASAR a MSC in Lakeport, CA. He is also the STC holder for many Mooney speed mods and a huge wealth of knowledge about Mooneys. However, this is not the sole reason he is IMO, a true Mooney hero.

 

I am in the middle of my second annual at his facility and the airplane that was pulled out of the hangar to put mine in was "just one of Paul's projects". It's a '65 E just made out of salvage parts. They just finished putting a new wing on (estimate of 100 hours labor) from another airplane. Sort of a Franken plane. Just fixing it and getting it flying isn't enough. They also just installed a 201 windshield mod in it as well as the tail root fairing, cowl closure and flap gap seals. Oh yeah, rebuilt engine and prop too.

 

This is not going to be his personal airplane (he has a fully modded 252 for himself) it will soon be for sale. He pays his employees to work on it when there's nothing else to do. He pays for things like the engine work out of pocket. He will never make his money back in today's market. He will lose money. He knows it.

 

Why in the world does he do it? He loves Mooneys and he gets bored. He also is very concerned about providing employment for his workers and really wants to give back to the community of Lakeport. He has enough money and all he needs. He makes money off of service, parts sales and fabrication. He takes much of that profit and puts it into his workers voluntarily and saves Mooneys from the scrap heap. When this one is done and sold, he'll likely do another.

 

Examples- When MAC was really down and out and people couldn't get ailerons, elevators or flaps, he built jigs to re skin any of those things to factory standards. He reuses and remanufactures to better than new a whole host of Mooney parts. He fabricates new parts for speed mods and instead of outsourcing things like the cutting of metal to a bigger CNC water jet facility, he has his guys do it in jigs the old fashion ways to keep them working.

 

I am impressed with his devotion to Mooneys and the community. So, IMO, if you're considering having some work done, or buying some parts, his shop is worthy of your consideration and your business.

 

P.S.- I got a ride home in the Franken E Mooney because I could not stay for the whole annual this time and that thing flies smooth, straight and honest. Just needs a little avionics work and it badly needs a paint job.

[M016576]

I'm all for the services at LASAR, and I'm willing to bet that I paid for part of that work from my first couple annuals at LASAR.

I couldn't help but think about the submarine E as you described this aircraft....

Taking everything away from what we know of Paul and Jerry... What ultimately is the difference between those two planes? Just the names associated with the labor is my guess. In the end, they are both Franken-mooneys. Sorry to high jack this thread, just a thought...

[scottfromiowa]

  On 6/29/2013 at 7:06 PM, M016576 said:

I'm all for the services at LASAR, and I'm willing to bet that I paid for part of that work from my first couple annuals at LASAR.

I couldn't help but think about the submarine E as you described this aircraft....

Taking everything away from what we know of Paul and Jerry... What ultimately is the difference between those two planes? Just the names associated with the labor is my guess. In the end, they are both Franken-mooneys. Sorry to high jack this thread, just a thought...

NOPE

[Alan Fox]

In my shop when I am slow , we clean up or anything to keep my employees on the clock.....They don't reap the rewards when I am busier than usual  , and they certainly should not suffer when I am not profitable, They are there for me , and I am there for them.....I applaud Paul for this..... Also for those Parting out Mooneys , Dan in parts will buy cores from you ........ Lasar is a great company , and when MAC goes totally under , he will probably be the top supplier of parts......  Bravo to Lasar.....  

[Bennett]

I've been taking my Mooneys to LASAR for over thirty years. Paul and his staff have always come through for me, no matter what the problem. There is nothing cheap about that operation. You pay top dollar, and get top workmanship and workable parts. Above all, Paul knows Mooneys, and his whole staff is not far behind - better watch out Paul, Mike and Dan are catching up with you. They have been building Mooneys out of parts for years, and there are always a few wings and fuselages back of one of the hangars waiting for the quiet times to rebuild them. I would have no hesitation in buying one of their "constructions". Nothing would be hidden in the transaction, and the aircraft would be like a newly manufactured aircraft. Over the years I have seen several of these, and with good paint and avionics, they are great airplanes. The difference between Paul and the shops that sell junk airplanes to unwary buyers comes from LASAR's honesty and the quality of the work. Without Paul and his STCs and PMA.parts we would have a harder time keeping our old Mooneys flying. There are other good MSCs, but it is hard to beat Paul's Depth of knowledge.

[DaV8or]

If you stay and do the owner assist annual, Dan and Chad (one of their newer mechanic hires, but unbelievably good) might offer to take you to the Clearlake Club on a Thursday night. Awesome small town good times. I also recommend staying at the Skylark Motel. Right on the water within walking of downtown and they'll work with you if you're staying a while. Paul has also offered his private cottage at his house for free, but I like being downtown. They will also let you have their courtesy mini van to drive if you want, so no need to rent a car.

[jetdriven]

I have personally met Paul and Sherri Loewen and they are great folks. They also have some great employees such as Robert (retired), Dan and Gary, they always know exactly what I need when I tell them the problem I am having.  Stuff you can't even look up such a fuel selector rebuild kit, the plastic trim that goes behind the landing gear crank, or that 500-hr rubber bushing in the landing gear motor. 

 

With that in mind, I am about to order the whole shootin' match of LASAR drag mods for our M20J, 193 MPH isnt quite enough at the air races to beat a 300 HP Bonanza. It handily whips some RV-6s and the 260 HP Bonanzas already.  Stay tuned.  And shop at LASAR.

[M016576]

  On 6/29/2013 at 7:11 PM, scottfromiowa said:

NOPE

Thanks for your insightful response to my honest question, Scott. You're a heck of an aviator.

To Bennett- who actually took the time to provide a legitimate answer to the question I posed (the project is documented in the logbooks)- I appreciate it! That is a big difference from the buyers perspective. Are these LASAR creations priced as such?

I went there for my first few annuals, great service, and like you mention top dollar. Glad to have his shop around, though, as they have been coming up with parts when it seems like no one else can. Robert recently retired, and the trips down to lakeport were becoming very difficult / expensive for the cost of the work, or I would have continued using their service.

[Alan Fox]

I still don't get the Jerry bashing , Who really thinks they are going to get an airplane for a half to two thirds the market value , and it be just as good as market.... Most of these people only bitch when it comes time to sell....

[N601RX]

A good start would be to read the NTSB report on the plane that he put his son in that killed him shortly after takeoff.

[Bennett]

Quite a few of us arrange services-annuals, oil changes, etc. on a schedule so that the pilot leaving his airplane catches a ride back in an airplane just finished. I've done this more than a few times in both directions. If that doesn't work, there is Enterprise that will pick you up at Lampson field. Frankly, I always felt the location at Lakeport was inconvenient, but the work is great, the people are great, and I've met a few interesting Monney owners in the process. In the old days, before we were all so concerned about liability issues, we used to ferry aircraft to and from LASAR, to help out with scheduling services. I don't even mind staying overnight - same motel as mentioned above- right on the lake.

[DaV8or]

  On 6/30/2013 at 3:50 PM, M016576 said:

Thanks for your insightful response to my honest question, Scott. You're a heck of an aviator.

To Bennett- who actually took the time to provide a legitimate answer to the question I posed (the project is documented in the logbooks)- I appreciate it! That is a big difference from the buyers perspective. Are these LASAR creations priced as such?

I went there for my first few annuals, great service, and like you mention top dollar. Glad to have his shop around, though, as they have been coming up with parts when it seems like no one else can. Robert recently retired, and the trips down to lakeport were becoming very difficult / expensive for the cost of the work, or I would have continued using their service.

 

I only know of Jerry from what I've seen on the internet and what I've seen doesn't seem to favorable. I have no problem what so ever with people building up salvage planes from parts and pieces. After all, what is a new airplane but a collection of parts and pieces? The difference is who put the pieces together and that is where I see the difference between Paul and Jerry.

 

Paul does it as a hobby and out of love for Mooneys. He also hates to see things go to waste. His build ups are done by the same mechanics that do all the repairs in their FAA certified service station with IA sign off by Mike. They are also a Mooney Service Center and authorized by MAC to do all repairs on Mooneys. They also have PMA status with the FAA to manufacture new parts for certified airplanes. All work done to these project planes is fully logged and available to the buyer. They would have no problem with a prospective buyer taking the plane elsewhere, say to Top Gun for a pre-buy inspection if you want.

 

Paul loses money on each one. Jerry seems to be in it to make a buck. His sales tactics seem a little dodgy. His record with the FAA is nearly criminal. I cannot speak to the level of workmanship or Jerry's level of expertize in Mooneys. I just know that I did get into one of Paul's salvage planes with no worries and given what I've read, I would not get into one of Jerry's without first a thorough annual inspection by somebody like Paul, or Don Maxwell. That's the difference to me.

[Alan Fox]

  On 6/30/2013 at 4:25 PM, N601RX said:

A good start would be to read the NTSB report on the plane that he put his son in that killed him shortly after takeoff.

Can you forward that to me , I never heard of that one , and spoke to Brent this year , so it must have been pretty recent... 

[DaV8or]

  On 6/30/2013 at 6:37 PM, n74795 said:

Can you forward that to me , I never heard of that one , and spoke to Brent this year , so it must have been pretty recent... 

 

This is the one. It happened a long time ago with a different son. Not pretty.

 

http://www.ntsb.gov/aviationquery/brief2.aspx?ev_id=20001205X00519&ntsbno=MIA99FA140&akey=1

[scottfromiowa]

you are welcome. Not sure how that reflects on my aviation skills...Thank you there too.

[Bennett]

I once owned a Cessna 172 that had a nose wheel collapse and it had a bent firewall. I bought a Cessna 172 fuselage that was in perfect shape, and my mechanic transferred everything over to the new fuselage It all went very well, and after a new prop, overhauled engine, and a great paint job, provided many years of safe and pleasurable flying. Also, a good friend, an A&P, turned three Cessna 150s into one great fun personal aircraft. He let me use that airplane whenever I wanted, and I never had any qualms about flying her. As DaV8or says, it is the quality of the work that is important, and the integrity of the "rebuilder". I keep telling Paul and the folks at LASAR they should make up a sticker/plate that reads: Remanufactured by LASAR.

[Alan Fox]

  On 6/30/2013 at 9:00 PM, DaV8or said:

This is the one. It happened a long time ago with a different son. Not pretty.

 

http://www.ntsb.gov/aviationquery/brief2.aspx?ev_id=20001205X00519&ntsbno=MIA99FA140&akey=1

I read the probable cause , It was a mud dauber had clogged all the fuel vents....Reguardless of all the other fucked up stuff with the aircraft , it was a wasp that crashed that plane , I probably would have missed that one too...  Also it was a ferry flight , not an aircraft actively being sold......Very Sad......

[scottfromiowa]

You asked if the only difference between the two aircraft is the names associated with it. I chose not to go into detail with what I felt was the difference between Laser and the re-builder of the submarine Mooney. I chose to NOT BASH. There are many things that go into establishing ones reputation for honesty, integrity and character that have nothing and everything to do with build quality and the confidence that the aircraft you choose to fly in with family and friends is "SAFE". I have read several accounts of one of the two as well as having contact on Ebay (a response to a message I sent regarding how an aircraft was being marketed). The reply told me all I needed to know. I have several LASER parts on my aircraft and I fly with them in complete confidence. The phone and online service I received was superb. I am glad LASER is there for us as Mooney pilots and aircraft owners.

I am not surprised with the accolades for LASER. I would feel confident that Paul AND LASER would rebuild a quality aircraft. I would love to hear of experiences with the other...good, bad or other.

[Alan Fox]

Heres one for the Pressleys, I wanted a SWTA panel for my mooney , got one from Brent for a fair price , went down to Tenn removed panel that was exactly as described , he didn't gouge me for other stuff , and when I parted out Loyds C model , He gave me good advise and insight on how to tear down and transport the salvage aircraft.... He was great ...Also Lasar is also great ,

[M016576]

  On 7/1/2013 at 12:29 AM, scottfromiowa said:

You asked if the only difference between the two aircraft is the names associated with it. I chose not to go into detail with what I felt was the difference between Laser and the re-builder of the submarine Mooney. I chose to NOT BASH. There are many things that go into establishing ones reputation for honesty, integrity and character that have nothing and everything to do with build quality and the confidence that the aircraft you choose to fly in with family and friends is "SAFE". I have read several accounts of one of the two as well as having contact on Ebay (a response to a message I sent regarding how an aircraft was being marketed). The reply told me all I needed to know. I have several LASER parts on my aircraft and I fly with them in complete confidence. The phone and online service I received was superb. I am glad LASER is there for us as Mooney pilots and aircraft owners.

I am not surprised with the accolades for LASER. I would feel confident that Paul AND LASER would rebuild a quality aircraft. I would love to hear of experiences with the other...good, bad or other.

Like I mentioned before, I've had a couple annuals at LASAR, and trust the work they do. But all mechanics make mistakes. Does anyone know why / how Paul ended up in that wheelchair? I think it was a loose nut on the fuel divider on a M20E he had just hung with an inspected motor and was test flying (the details are on the ntsb website, search for accidents at Lampson field, and you'll find it). It's a testament to his skill as a pilot that he's still alive. I'm sure Paul would go back if he could and tighten/ double check that nut. I'm sure Jerry would go back and get his son out of that aircraft too, if he could.... We all make mistakes and have to live with the consequences. We are all responsible for our own choices, that's the "burden" of free choice- accountability.

That said- the answer I was looking for (like I mentioned) was that Jerry doesn't seem apt to disclose the history of his rebuilds (which is a huge foul, if true), Paul does. That's all I wanted to know- didn't need the attitude to go along with it. But don't blame either of these guys for their work... It's the purchaser's / pilot's responsibility to ensure its safe, no matter who's name is in the logbooks. After all, it's our own butts that are strapped to these machines... Not our mechanics...

Also, it's LASAR, as in Lake Aero Styling And Repair.

[jetdriven]

Paul had an accident, those happen. Pressley put the wrong prop on a Baron, didnt inspect the aircraft for safe flight,  and had his license revoked for pulling that stuff in the past. Every one of those airplanes got a shiny paint job and were sold to some unsuspecting buyer.  Thats criminal. I just emailed him about an M20J for sale on eBay. You should see his response.

[M016576]

  On 7/1/2013 at 5:33 AM, jetdriven said:

Paul had an accident, those happen. Pressley put the wrong prop on a Baron, didnt inspect the aircraft for safe flight, and had his license revoked for pulling that stuff in the past. Every one of those airplanes got a shiny paint job and were sold to some unsuspecting buyer. Thats criminal. I just emailed him about an M20J for sale on eBay. You should see his response.

That's what I wanted to know from the beginning- what's the difference: an undocumented damage history with suspect repairs sounds like the answer. Willful negligence... Criminal is right (strike my previous comment partially about not blaming him- if he's not honest, then he bears the brunt of some blame).

[scottfromiowa]

Man, I am trying so hard not to be negative.  This guy lost a child, but continues to do what Byron describes.  I COULD HAVE BEEN THAT PERSON buying one of his planes....We have already discussed this adnosium on other threads including the Submarine thread.  I figured if you were describing the Mooney as such you had read the thread....I am NOT saying ALL his parts and airframes are garbage...just that I would prefer to deal with those that I believe have no reputation of such...even if history.  There are choices...My apologies if my response was offensive. 

[fantom]

  On 6/29/2013 at 4:53 PM, DaV8or said:

....He is also the STC holder for many Mooney speed mods and a huge wealth of knowledge about Mooneys. However, this is not the sole reason he is IMO, a true Mooney hero

.

Paul and his staff are amazing and he is a true Mooney GURU, maybe the Mooney guru. I wish someone deserving purchases LASAR, which Paul has been attempting to sell for years.

About the too often abused word hero, here are 19 real ones, may they rest in honored peace:

Prescott Granite Mountain Hotshot crew

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/chi-azfire30team-20130701,0,6438260.photo

[Piloto]

But, but what about Coy and the Mod Squad. Coy is my hero.