I have a 7AC that was purchased with floats. The previous owner kept it on floats and when I bought it he had removed them and put it on wheels for my convienience. I now want to get my seaplane rating and am wondering what is the average cost to have the floats reinstalled? All the rigging is there as these PK 1500's were removed form this same plane.
The local FBO quoted Apprx. $600. This seemed a little high to me since the removal in a few months will cost the same.
Anyone know of a place in North central MN that does this. I am between Park Rapids and Bemidji.
Thanks,
Keith
Float installation
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Nathan K. Hammond
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I have no clue Keith, but it does sound a little high, I would have thought $250-350. Ask them if $600 included removal too. 
But since they were on the airplane before, all it takes is an A/P sign off. If you've got a decent chain hoist and a beam that can handle 1300 lbs; removal and installation should be straight forward.
nkh
But since they were on the airplane before, all it takes is an A/P sign off. If you've got a decent chain hoist and a beam that can handle 1300 lbs; removal and installation should be straight forward. nkh
7AC-5691
Super 85-12F @ DVK
Super 85-12F @ DVK
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WWhunter
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Nathan,
Nope, that was for installation only. I have had them do the annual twice on my 172. I removed all the interior, all inspection plates, greased the wheel bearings......then reassembled it when they were done. The first time they charged me nearly $1500. The plane needed nothing other than the typical lubing and "shop supplies" I thought "ok" first time they looked at it I can kind of understand. Last year I did the same thing and they charged me nearly the same amount again. Needless to say that is the last time they will be doing it. Most of the shops around charge, on average, one third of what this place charges.
You are correct though on what you figured would be average. I called a couple other place and they were around the $300 mark. Only problem is I live in the boonies and these other places are 100 miles away. But they are the ones getting my business.
I would do it myself as I have all the equiptment to do it....problem being, too many trees around to trailer it to the nearest lake.
Keith
Nope, that was for installation only. I have had them do the annual twice on my 172. I removed all the interior, all inspection plates, greased the wheel bearings......then reassembled it when they were done. The first time they charged me nearly $1500. The plane needed nothing other than the typical lubing and "shop supplies" I thought "ok" first time they looked at it I can kind of understand. Last year I did the same thing and they charged me nearly the same amount again. Needless to say that is the last time they will be doing it. Most of the shops around charge, on average, one third of what this place charges.
You are correct though on what you figured would be average. I called a couple other place and they were around the $300 mark. Only problem is I live in the boonies and these other places are 100 miles away. But they are the ones getting my business.
I would do it myself as I have all the equiptment to do it....problem being, too many trees around to trailer it to the nearest lake.
Keith
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big chief 48
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float $$
There are usually a couple shops around that charge big bucks. I think that is because their debt service is high and they have to charge that much to make ends meet. or they are as----les. My chief takes 2 hrs to put on floats and thats including lunch. 300 is good deal, 400 is not to out of line, anything above that, go away.
Keith,
Years ago I owned a Cardinal. Loved the airplane and together with my partner we did as you did, pulled everything, did all the grunt work and was charged about what you did for an annual. Got my A&P after that because if I was going to get screwed I wanted to at least be kissed in the process.
You are getting screwed by these guys. Unless thats a retractable C172, they are charging you far too much if you are doing the grunt work.
We just did two annuals here on our field. My Chief and an Aeronca Sedan. The Sedan was expensive, it cost $200 for the annual. My Chief was a bit better as I signed off an 100 hour as an A&P and the IA signed off the annual inspection. Cost was $150.
While this cost may be a bit low, its certainly not in the $1500 area either and there just is not that much difference between a spam can Cessna and an Aeronca.
You can do better and I would start looking around.
Years ago I owned a Cardinal. Loved the airplane and together with my partner we did as you did, pulled everything, did all the grunt work and was charged about what you did for an annual. Got my A&P after that because if I was going to get screwed I wanted to at least be kissed in the process.
You are getting screwed by these guys. Unless thats a retractable C172, they are charging you far too much if you are doing the grunt work.
We just did two annuals here on our field. My Chief and an Aeronca Sedan. The Sedan was expensive, it cost $200 for the annual. My Chief was a bit better as I signed off an 100 hour as an A&P and the IA signed off the annual inspection. Cost was $150.
While this cost may be a bit low, its certainly not in the $1500 area either and there just is not that much difference between a spam can Cessna and an Aeronca.
You can do better and I would start looking around.
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WWhunter
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Big Chief,
I hauled my floats (100+ miles) over to Grand Rapids yesterday. They quoted $300-350 which I thought was very fair. The "other place" I was refering to deals alot with the wealthy lake home owners around here and caters to 3M when they fly in to town. Nothing against the guy but he likes to live large. More power to him, I just refuse to support his fun. I would rather spend the money on my own fun.
Joea,
Nope, not RG....Just a 1960 172. The most I had paid for an annual in the 20 years I have had the 172 was about $300. This of course was before I brought it in to the local FBO. There were a couple of exceptions but that was when there was engine work or painting and interior done. I would love to get my A&P but I don't think that is in the cards. Health issues are making it hard to even pass my medical. That is one reason for purchasing the Champ. I am also attempting to build a Murphy Rebel. I was going to put an 0-320 in it but with my health issues I may have to build it LSA. I hate to get rid of the 172 because it has got to be one of the most economical planes to own. Easy on fuel, easy to fly and hauls what I can put in it......sexy...NO! LOL
I am putting it up for sale begrudgingly but my medical expires next year and I plan on not renewing it. That is why I am trying to get the float rating this summer. Still have a medical and I can just carry the rating over to Sport Pilot after my medical expires.
Keith
I hauled my floats (100+ miles) over to Grand Rapids yesterday. They quoted $300-350 which I thought was very fair. The "other place" I was refering to deals alot with the wealthy lake home owners around here and caters to 3M when they fly in to town. Nothing against the guy but he likes to live large. More power to him, I just refuse to support his fun. I would rather spend the money on my own fun.
Joea,
Nope, not RG....Just a 1960 172. The most I had paid for an annual in the 20 years I have had the 172 was about $300. This of course was before I brought it in to the local FBO. There were a couple of exceptions but that was when there was engine work or painting and interior done. I would love to get my A&P but I don't think that is in the cards. Health issues are making it hard to even pass my medical. That is one reason for purchasing the Champ. I am also attempting to build a Murphy Rebel. I was going to put an 0-320 in it but with my health issues I may have to build it LSA. I hate to get rid of the 172 because it has got to be one of the most economical planes to own. Easy on fuel, easy to fly and hauls what I can put in it......sexy...NO! LOL
I am putting it up for sale begrudgingly but my medical expires next year and I plan on not renewing it. That is why I am trying to get the float rating this summer. Still have a medical and I can just carry the rating over to Sport Pilot after my medical expires.
Keith
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WWhunter
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Joe,
I will be selling the 172 this summer. My son will be returning from Embry-Riddle Prescott in a couple of weeks and he wants to finish up his PPL and then I will be selling it. He has been flying both the Champ and the 172, but needs the 172 for the crosscountry/radio work since the Champ has no transponder or radio. He soloed last year but ran out of time to finish before he had to start college.
Keith
I will be selling the 172 this summer. My son will be returning from Embry-Riddle Prescott in a couple of weeks and he wants to finish up his PPL and then I will be selling it. He has been flying both the Champ and the 172, but needs the 172 for the crosscountry/radio work since the Champ has no transponder or radio. He soloed last year but ran out of time to finish before he had to start college.
Keith