The average cost of doing an annual on a 7AC or 11AC?

john-ranger · Post by **john-ranger** » Sun Feb 08, 2009 19:12

In the next few months my annual is coming due for N83406 (1946 Aeronca 7AC). I was wondering what to expect in terms of costs. Repairs needed and found would not included. I would also like to see how many of you help your A&P to bring down the cost of the annual.

Post by **joea** » Sun Feb 08, 2009 20:12

Depends on the A&P/IA and the owner.

If there are no problems and the owner does the "dirty work" like pulling covers, opening up the airplane and greasy things like the wheel bearings and so on, it can be very reasonable.

Some A&P's like the owner to help, while some do not. I have found a very good IA and he does only the inspection, checks everything out and goes from there.

I would normally say it should be under $250 or so.

My first annual on an airplane I owned was on a stiff leg Cessna Cardinal in 1977 or so. It cost me $1300 with no repairs and minimal spare parts replaced. I got screwed as my partner and myself did ALL of the dirty work and put the plane back together. That year I decided to get my A&P.

Nathan K. Hammond · Post by **Nathan K. Hammond** » Mon Feb 09, 2009 00:21

What Joe said is the best advice... Owner Assist Annual.
From the Owner stand point; you'll learn the most about your airplane by taking it apart and putting it back together. Just remember your there to help, not look over your A/P's shoulder.

Shop rates around here are $75-$80 at the big facilities. Small time, local A/P's are around $30-$45 an hour. Figure $300-$600 if you help.

nkh

MikeB · Post by **MikeB** » Mon Feb 09, 2009 08:11

We can usually figure around 5-6 hours for a annual inspection. Should mention, the IA is a friend of mine, too. I generally have the wheels bearings packed, pull all the panels, inspection plates, clean the plugs, etc. while he's checking cables and attach points. I try to get as much done as I can before he has to start on the inspection which saves a bundle. To be honest about it, I could probably do the annual myself as I know the plane pretty well, having rebuilt it and have my own timing tool and compression leakage tester but I don't have the piece of paper or endorsement to make it legal. Once in a while he will find something or make a suggestion. I do insist that he uses a inspection form that I made up several years ago so everything is covered as much as possible which I keep in the aircraft paperwork.

Depending on how long it takes I usually get by for around $250. I buy lunch and generally slip him a little extra for 'gas money'.

Mike Berg

Wheeler · Post by **Wheeler** » Fri Feb 13, 2009 10:31

Here in Parker Az. I payed 250.00 for my last annual, hope this helps.

Holcombe · Post by **Holcombe** » Sun Feb 15, 2009 21:21

I pay about the same, also owner assist. I would gladly pay a little more if he looked even deeper.
As for finding problems, I expect to know about anything wrong and have it taken care of before annual time anyway. If there is something wrong, I'm not flying the plane till it's fixed.

jc pacquin · Post by **jc pacquin** » Wed Feb 25, 2009 21:07

The fellow who does mine is around 78 years. 3rd year he's done my airplane. He studys logs VERY carefully, usually an hour. I do as the others do, getting it ready as best I can. It usually takes about 4 hours and I buy him a sub. He is VERY careful on wing inspections! 300 bucks if things go well. They usually do. Plane is low time since rebuild, always hangared, excellent logs with no "mystery" entrys like many have. I have adlog. JCP