How long for a C172R/S annual?

[aviator1978]

I'm curious as to what mechanics would feel the average time (looking for total hours) to complete a newer model C172R or SP annual would come out to. Assume nothing was found to need replacement, no other discrepacies noted, and include an oil change. Also assume this was done by one mechanic.

Thanks

 

[TrafficInSight]

One mechanic would probably take one or two days with zero help.

 

[aviator1978]

Should I be concerned if the mechanic that did the annual only took 3 hours?

 

[TrafficInSight]

Are you positive he had no help? We've knocked out problem free 100hrs and annuals in three to four hours with three or four people helping, but if he definitely didn't have any help then I might be a little concerned. If the airplane is fairly new and low time then I guess he might have just flat out not found anything... I really wouldn't be able to say with any certainty because the newest 172 I work on has 13,000hrs.

It also may be a possibility that he's only charging you for 3 hours. That doesn't mean it only took three hours. Where are you getting this three hour time from?

 

[USMCmech]

Should I be concerned if the mechanic that did the annual only took 3 hours?

In a word, Yes!

When it comes to annuals you get what you pay for. A quickie cheap annual will miss items like light corrosion which are easially corectable now, but can be extreamly expensive 5 years from now. Also rember as the aircraft owner you are the one responsible for maintain that aircraft in an airworthy condition, NOT the Mechanic.


8-12 man hours is more reasonable timeframe for a well maintained simple aircraft like the C-172

Figure about 2-3 hours to remove all cowlings, inspection covers, seats, interior, ect.

Compression check, pitot static, oil change, ect, 2 hours.

Actuall inspection by the IA, 2 hours.

Write up of discrepencies 1 hour.

Replace all cowlings, seats, inspection plates, 2-3 hours.

By having some helpers you can squeze all this in inside of a day, but thats about the minimum.

This is a very good case for why I highley recomend "owner asisted annuals" The bulk of the work can be easilly done by the owner. IE: removing the cowling, inspection plates, ect. Then when the IA comes over to do the inspection, you can follow him and write his notes on a clipboard for him while you see all the things that need to be corected. Then you can help the A&P correct the discrepancies, and replace all those inspection covers.

The first time you do this you probably won't save any money since you will need plenty of help, but you will learn a lot about your airplane.

 

[ATTCS]

I agree with the above. I bought a 172 about 3 years ago and did the owner assist annual. Probably didn't save much money but I sure did learn a HELL of a lot more about airplanes than I did know before. So I feel in the long run I made out like a bandit. Also consider that the mechanic who did the annual likes having pilots do the owner assist. Some mechanics welcome owner assist annuals and I understand that others hate it. I feel I lucked out on this. It is well worth it.

 

[indefinitehold]

Well Cesnna would alotted 10-12 hours for the inspection thru the dealer. figure, they would factor in the standard 1.5 Hr for the oil change, plus material.