"Anonymous Pilot" wrote in message
...
I'm, posting anonymous as I don't want identify the maintenance shop
involved.

I own a later model Cessna 150. My last few annuals have been on the
high side and I got quite the whopper for this year. I'm wondering if
my mechanic is fleecing me or if airplane is falling apart. I bought
a 150 since it was supposed to be one of the less expensive aircraft
to own and fly, but at this rate I think I'm better just to finance a
brand new aircraft.


2002 - bought with 5000 AFTT, 5500 ETT, 0 SMOH (original engine
suffered failure back in the 80s)

This is just my annual bills and doesn't include IFR/avionics
repairs/testing.

2003 $500
2004 $600
2005 $3600 (current mechanic to present), don't have breakdown
2006 $3500 don't have breakdown
2007 $5400 $1300 parts, $4400 labor
2008 $2300 $300 parts, $2000 labor
2009 $7600 $2100 parts, $5700 labor, replaced rudder

There is no other authorized mechanic at my field, and most people
based on the field have the $500-in-your-own-hangar annual. I wrote
the earlier years off as finding things missed by the previous annuals
and assumed the cost was going back down (as 2008 seemed almost
normal).

I also noticed that I was charged labor for opening the access panels,
I thought that would have been included in the flat rate that is also
charged.

Major repairs outside annual:

Late 2003 replaced both mags @ $1500
Late 2004 replaced a cylinder @ $1500
Late 2005 replaced attitude indicator @ $1500

For those curious, add $8000 in avionics repairs since 2002.

So find a new mechanic or find a new airplane?

What are you paying for? The numbers themselves don't say much.

Replaced rudder? What was wrong with the old one? Corrosion? Accident?

What does the mechanic say about the general condition of the airplane?

Look at what was replaced and ask yourself if it really needed replacing -
if you don't know, fly somewhere and ask another mechanic to give you an
opinion - did this part need to be replaced? Or drive somewhere with the
old, removed, part in your hand.

2002 - bought with 5000 AFTT, 5500 ETT, 0 SMOH (original engine
suffered failure back in the 80s)

This thing sat for 20 years without flying? What was done to get it back to
airworthy state in the first place.

Who got it flying again? The current mechanic?

--
Geoff
The Sea Hawk at Wow Way d0t Com
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