340 Annual

[TDK90]

We've got our 340 in for annual right now, even though it's not due for 8 months we wanted to do a 100hr so we thought it might as well be annual.

The bill for "squawks" they found + the inspection is around $16K, there's nothing really big just a lot of items, my boss thinks we're getting hosed on a lot of things, I'm not sure..but some of the squawks seem unneccessary. My questions is if we wanted them to put the airplane back together and not to fix what they found, would it be legal for me to fly it somewhere else or continue to fly as we still have an annual inspection from earlier in the year prior to our getting the airplane?

 

[Uncle Sparky]

From the mechanics point of view.......he's really got you by the bollucks if you need to FLY it to another shop. As far as a possible ferry permit(after he tells you he won't sign off the aircraft as airworthy, knowing that he's liable for the unairworthy items which he has proudly discovered) you'll have to wait for someone else's response. It stinks, but that is B&W from the book.
I don't have a Maint FAR/AIM......thankfully, I don't need it anymore but this reference may help.
~If an aircraft is NOT approved for return to service after a required inspection, use the procedures specified in 14 CFRss43.11. This will permit the owner to assume the responsibility for having the discrepancies corrected prior to operating the aircraft.~

 

[JetBlast2000]

It really depends on the squawk. For example: Seat cover torn vs. Aileron track (LH OB) worn beyond limits. So you see, you would have to fix one vs. the other. If it’s airworthiness, it must get fixed or differed. Although you probably don’t have an MEL…? Your other problem is that you’re doing an annual. If you have 8 months, why do and annual. It’s just going to cost you more money and a few extra inspection items. Let me guess, the mechanic talked you into the idea. Another basic problem you have is you don’t trust your mechanic. Flying the a/c to another mechanic probably would mean more costs. Your best bet is to talk things out and see what you can negotiate. Remember, you’re the customer.

 

[Gatorman]

you goofed

First of all, you should not have done an annual 8 months early...that is plain crazy! Even if you are due for a 100hr insp. you are not required to do both at the same time. It also helps with your finacial planning for aircraft operations.

One thing that you can have done so you do not have to fly with a ferry permit or a bad log book entry is to have the mechanic repair only the items required for safety of flight. Have him provide you a list of non-safety of flight squawks that you can repair yourself or at another facility.

If i were you, I would just take it in the wallet this time and learn your lesson. (hopefully there are others reading and learning this lesson too)

It would have been better to file for an extension on your hours to come closer to your monthly than do you monthly early.(depending on your flight hour per month)

FARs allow you 10% over/under your scheduled maintenance and unless you operate a 135 you do not have to file for extension.

 

[Uncle Sparky]

It really depends on the squawk. For example: Seat cover torn vs. Aileron track (LH OB) worn beyond limits. So you see, you would have to fix one vs. the other. If it’s airworthiness, it must get fixed or differed. Although you probably don’t have an MEL…? Your other problem is that you’re doing an annual. If you have 8 months, why do and annual. It’s just going to cost you more money and a few extra inspection items. Let me guess, the mechanic talked you into the idea. Another basic problem you have is you don’t trust your mechanic. Flying the a/c to another mechanic probably would mean more costs. Your best bet is to talk things out and see what you can negotiate. Remember, you’re the customer.

Excellent point! My "doom and gloom" scenario really only applies under the assumption that he IS claiming that you have unairworthy items. Although if he is indeed a crooked player, he may claim some unairworthy items just to keep his hooks in his customer. On the other hand, $16k isn't unheard of for an annual on a 340. I've seen less and I've seen much, much more.

 

[dlfly1]

THE CESSNA 340 IS GREAT FOR REGULAR PRICES IN THE TEENS FOR INSPECTIONS.....FINDING A GOOD TWIN CESSNA MECHAINC IS NOT AS EASY AS IT USED TO BE....LUCKILY THERE A FEW HERE IN EAST TENNESSEE.....E-MACHINE ME BACK IF YOU NEED TO KNOW OF ONE OR TWO ELSEWHERE....dlfly1..