Originally Posted by brian whatcott

Anonymous Pilot wrote:
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?

Draw a circle of 200 miles radius around your current base.
Starting with the country airfield A&Ps, call all the A&Ps you can
locate, ask this:
"How would an annual cost for my C150?".

Fly to to the place that quoted the next to least cost at the agreed
date, and say you'll wait.
Expect to be called if the mechanic finds something that needs attention
that he didn't bargain on.

It was 16 years ago, but my annuals cost between $200 and $400 at that time.
I held onto that plane for 5 years, and flew 400 hours.
I DID have a valve stick ONCE using autofuel. That was the only
non-routine item.
The mechanic called me once on an Annual to report excessive rudder
pedal pivot hole wear, and would it be alright if he sourced me a used
pedal in better condition.

Do you wear a shirt and tie? A suit? A flight suit?
Don't!

Brian W