And that is the pier for Naval Weapons Station Earle. There is a railroad that goes from the end of the piers 15 miles inland to underground bunkers.

And that is the pier for Naval Weapons Station Earle. There is a railroad that goes from the end of the piers 15 miles inland to underground bunkers.

For budgeting purposes, based on actual experiences, what would be a good number to plug in for the annual at a quality shop (Masters, Flight Shop, AAC) on a 700SS?

Yes, I know there are too many variables. What I'm doing here is BUDGETING. It's an EDUCATED guess. Sorry for the caps but someone is going to start with 'it depends' on something. Assume a plane with around 4000TT, mid time engines/props, reasonable care over it's life, hangared. It's just a place to start and a number to plug into the formula. Thanks.

There is no way to sugar coat it.

$5-20K....

More likely $15K+ than not.

If you are planning on flying 150-200 hours a year, and plan on maintaining an airplane that is in good shape (if you start with one that has lots of deferred maintenance plan on spending a LOT more), you should budget $50K / Year, with the understanding that some years are going to double that number.

Unless your airport has a crackerjack repair shop, you should plan on at least one overnight maintenance visit to an Aerostar expert a year (plus the Annual), and 5-7 one day visits (3-4 are oil changes).


Bottom Line:

Seems like a lot, and it is.

With these airplanes (35-50 year old complex turbocharged/pressurized twins), the cost of ownership IS the cost of operation (maintenance and fuel and insurance, etc). 5 years in, purchase price (minus resale) is going to be a minor part of the total cost of ownership.

But, in return for all that cash (and a few headaches), you get to own a machine that will reliably transport you and your family in the flight levels, in comfort and safety.
If our turbine brothers will admit it, they'd acknowledge that they spend as much or more operating their 1-5MM+ aircraft.

I'm probably not the best one to speak to the cost side because in the 8 years I have owned my A* all of the work has been done in my own shop. That said, I have not found the airplane to be overly expensive to maintain, and I have not spent anywhere near the figures I see tossed around.

During the same time frame, I was partners in a 690B commander with -10 engines, great plane but in an entirely different class when it comes to cost. For example, I changed the windshield in my A*, something like 10K plus a week of work, changed 1/2 the Commander w/s, 52K! and the list goes on, 500 bucks for a pair of RG25 batteries for the A*, 5K for a set for the Commander. 300kts is pretty cool but not at close to 10x the price.

One of the biggest issues I see with the price of maintaining the A* as well as the Commander was what a friend in home rental business calls "zip code pricing". A term she coined after noticing the very same service would cost 2-3 times as much simply because of where in town the property was located. Purchasing parts from the most expensive place possible (Aviall) because that is their policy and so on.

A couple examples, on one such trip thru the service center with the 'ol Commander I was told I need new brake discs to the tune of $1700 + labor, when I asked where in the hell he got that figure because I use the same disc on my Beech 18 and had just purchased one for about $250! Or quoting a tail lens for over a 1000 bucks from Commander, vs. buying it from Great Lakes Aero for $250.

This is nothing new, just ask anybody what happens when you roll your Mercedes or Beemer into the local shop for a brake job etc.

My $0.02 worth.

Actually, since all of the work is being done in your own shop aren't you the last person to ask on how much one costs to maintain?

I have not found the A* to be a difficult, or overly expensive, airplane to maintain. Don't get me wrong, it is a complex go-fast airplane, it isn't like maintaining a Bo or a C182, but the systems are robust and well designed. But don't forget, you are maintaining an airplane that if manufactured today would cost well over a million dollars.

In my opinion, one of the significant drivers of the escalating cost of ownership is the dwindling number of aircraft and the resulting escalation of per unit cost necessary to for service facilities to remain solvent. However, I must admit some of the charges simple are absurd. For example, Garmin charging a 1000 bucks to update software and change a $12 battery. I bought a battery off eBay and changed it on my desk in 15 minutes. If you are not willing, or able to do this expect to pay the above-quoted prices for the annual blessing of your aircraft.

I see your point, Tom, but I think his disclaimer in his first sentence was adequate. He offered his perspective reference entry level turbine equipment which is valuable since I am considering that route as well. And although the turbine will likely see the shop less often, the sticker shock of parts when it does go there is something I haven't decided I can stomach.

I'm glad he provided his input, even if he can provide his own labor.

Where are you located, Jeff ?

Where are you located, Jeff ?

Jeff, once I saw Alaska I did a quick Google Search on your name. Holy Crap! You need to start another thread and tell us some stories about growing up in Alaska with your dad!

Good to know where the Aerostar shops are. Not everyone will willingly work on one. At least not without bitching about it the whole time.

Good to know where the Aerostar shops are. Not everyone will willingly work on one. At least not without bitching about it the whole time.[/quote]

They are a unique aircraft. I didn't even know self-exciting alternators existed until I bought my A* and had to troubleshoot a problem with the AC system...

The bitching comment reminds me of one of my former IA's was "bitching" about the engine access. I asked him what you call an engine that has good access to all sides??? It's called a display!

Agreed with Forrest.

My initial annual was $13K. The second was buried in the engine overhaul costs, so hard to tell how much that was. The third one just before I sold my 601P was $8500. I would budget between $7-20K.

Or a PT6...