I'm looking at a later model 421C that has relatively low time and an STEC autopilot, which is important to me. However, going over the logbooks last night I found that from 12/16/94 to 10/3/96 and 462 hours it was exported to Finland and there are no logs during those 22 months. The original logbook just resumes where it left off. It was deregistered, then when it came back it was issued a new airworthiness certificate and inspected.

I called the broker this morning and he said there are no logs for it during that period.

There are no other 421's on the market without a Cessna autopilot and low enough airframe time for what I'm looking for.

Is this a deal killer?

Only you can decide what it's worth to you.

Personally, if it were otherwise a great airplane in good shape with good maintenance logs in the ensuing 17 years and one could document that all required maintenance (ADs, especially) have been done, then I would probably still consider it. I think it would receive a small value discount due to that. And it will have a similar small discount when you go to sell it, so you'd have to expect that.

But I would have a thorough pre-buy inspection done, including careful check of logs to make sure all ADs have been complied with. Tell the mechanic about the history so he can look at it with an eye open for anything untoward. A nice way to do a pre-buy is to do it "in the scope of an annual" with the intent of it being signed off as an annual once the deal is closed. That pretty much means the inspecting IA would have to verify AD compliance.

I think I'd consider another plane. Or at least look at others. I understand the hangup on the Autopilot, but the Cessna 800 isn't a bad product. You can probably get one with good everything else and convert it to a g600 and stec and be money ahead

At least this way you can have a good point of view on how to negotiate on the plane with the log void.

Were the engines overhauled since '96? in that case you don't have much to worry there..

Do a good pre-buy and enjoy the airplane if it comes out good..

No flight log for that period? If anything this would be a good bargaining chip for you!

Did it go off N registry? If so, there was a major inspection to re-register, which I'd find reassuring.

Yes, it went off the U.S. registry and yes, it was inspected and given a new airworthiness certificate upon reentry.

John -

I can't comment on the log issue, but I can on the autopilot - Don't skip over airplanes with the Cessna autopilot.

The stock 800B IFCS is a great auto pilot and can be repaired pretty easily by a number of shops. Also, it's something you can replace down the line if you really want to, so I wouldn't bypass an airplane just for that reason.

Robert

That and a G600 with the next software upgrade will interact with it nicely.

John,
Is there a flight log for the time it was in Finland? Many times planes operated outside of the U.S. will have maintenance tracked in the flight log.
Bill

No, no flight log either. Nothing for that time period.

I would not worry to much about the missing logs as it was re-imported to the US and had to be inspected by a DER and IA (I think) and all AD's complied with at that time. If the logs from the import date forward are in good shape and it is the plane you want, go ahead and get the per-purchase inspection and go from there. You may be able to negotiate a price reduction but I would not expect too much. Good luck YMMV.

Jay

Sounds like a good bargaining tool, probably not much more than that. You will probably take a little hit on it too when you sell, however, it has had YEARS of logged maintenance since then. I personally wouldn't be scared of the log book issue, assuming the rest of the airplane is ok.

Easier said than done!