On Feb 16, 6:34 am, "Dan Luke" wrote:
I've decided to sell '87D (anyone interested can see it on
rec.aviation.marketplace).

Whether I'll buy another airplane is uncertain, but right now I'm doubtful.
There are just too many negatives associated with owning an airplane in the
Mobile area -- principally hangar and mechanic problems. Most likely I'll go
back to renting from the Flight School, as the local aero club doesn't have
anything more capable than Skyhawks.

For the most part, I've loved having my own airplane, but it looks like soon
I'll be faced with either parking it outdoors or paying $320/mo. for a T
hangar at Fairhope, neither of which is acceptable. Put that together with
the fact that I've been unable to find a mechanic I can really trust, and you
have a situation I just can't enjoy. The FBO monopoly around here keeps fuel
prices high, too, another aggravation.

You folks that have cheap fuel, good mechanics or good hangar deals count your
blessings.

--
Dan
C172RG at BFM

Dan,

Sorry to hear of your predicament. I was sympathetic when I read
about your problem with the black oil after 2 hrs running time, and
your mechanic (whom you had trusted to keep the engine in good shape)
said it was not a problem. Trust me, I know from personal experience
just how bad some A&P's are (not to mention the dishonest ones). It is
actually a tribute to your personal ethics that you have decided to
sell rather than trust your life to someone that might get you killed.
I am lucky since I am an Aerospace Engineer and know pretty much what
is up with my plane (Cessna 177A), and the A&P's can't BS me. Many I
have dealt with have tried, believe me. Just last year, I had some
studs break that hold the #4 cylinder on the engine case. I noticed
something wrong and turned back shortly after takeoff (smart me). To
make a long story short, no damage had been done to the engine yet,
and I was able to fix it for less than $50 in parts (new studs). I did
the work myself and had my IA help me put it back together for about 4
hrs labor charge from him. When I showed my problem to the engine shop
here at the airport where I am based, he immediately said I had to
split the case, yada, yada, yada. About $20,000 in all by the time you
were ready go fly again. That was a year ago and just replacing the
studs has worked fine since the engine is running nicely ever since.
My IA lets me do annuals on the ramp with me doing all the work, and
charges a set fee of $200 for the inspection. Since I try and keep the
plane in airworthy shape, that is usually all that is needed.
If you check around, you can find a good A&P that will work with
you. It is worth it even if you have to fly a couple of hrs to get to
him for annuals or major service. Ask everyone you know about a good
mechanic that will let you work with him. You can eventually find one
if you try. There are good and honest ones (and some awful owners
too!) out there. You could also look at keeping the plane outside
(although, that close to the coast I wouldn't want to) since it is the
humid salt air that does the damage, and a hangar doesn't help with
that.
The Cutlass you have is a sweet plane. Good ones are hard to
find. If you feel you have to go the way of selling, then it shouldn't
be too hard to do.

Regards,
Bud