No one's mentioned a Merlin yet, on this thread. In the context of a next step from a 340/421, seems like the Merlin would be pretty capable and relatively affordable to operate.

Sorry I'm just trying to keep up. So your saying the more I pay a mechanic the better quality I'm getting? Maybe I should apply that thinking to the $5,000 oil leak I had earlier this year. Took it to a real reputable shop who was more than happy to take my money. I'm sure ur shop treats you well when u walk in the door. I'm sure they love you. After all, your putting their kids through college.

My plane has cost me no more than$7,500 per annual for the last 2 years. I've had other non airworthy things done to the plane during that time. However nothing close to 20K. Of course barring an engine or prop that we all deal with, I feel like a lot of twin Cessna owners are giving us a bad name by spouting off 20K-100K annuals. At that point just pay some one who knows what their doing to manage ur plane. Heck I'd do it for 20K.

Rick,

Please tell me you own a twin Cessna, or have owned one.

And there is probably a reputable mechanic or two reading this who feel like you're giving them a bad name.
There are many, many good shops across this country who do excellent work, at a fair price, with the best interest of their customers in mind...truly. That's why they're known as 'good shops'. They do it right, they aren't cheap, and their schedule is packed.

And there is probably a reputable mechanic or two reading this who feel like you're giving them a bad name.
There are many, many good shops across this country who do excellent work, at a fair price, with the best interest of their customers in mind...truly. That's why they're known as 'good shops'. They do it right, they aren't cheap, and their schedule is packed.

$4,800 last year.

And there is probably a reputable mechanic or two reading this who feel like you're giving them a bad name.
There are many, many good shops across this country who do excellent work, at a fair price, with the best interest of their customers in mind...truly. That's why they're known as 'good shops'. They do it right, they aren't cheap, and their schedule is packed.

Stetson has made a very valid point regarding Cessna twins and perhaps all piston twins for that matter. The more an owner is involved the better. Twin prices will continue the downward spiral for many reasons, perhaps outrageous maintenance costs is one of the the major reasons.
I appreciated Jack posting his detail annual costs it was very informative, thank you Jack. You have a great looking 421.

no, and the few parts I have ordered have been on par with my experience with Beechcraft parts.

"expensive" is relative. I'll say it again: there's no way to do what these airplanes do for less money. they're (for now) the sweet spot between singles and unpressurized twins, and turboprops.

$4,800 last year.

I don't understand this. It's an expensive platform compared to a piper cub, and compared to an A36. it's closer in cost to a B58, but still more because there are many many more systems than a Baron, and those require maintenance. I don't consider it outrageous, rather it's a complicated airframe. (I have 6 fuel tanks, 10 fuel pumps, 2 de-ice systems, etc).

I'm involved in mx, and relatively frugal (BTW, if I see loose or missing screws I tighten or replace them). I direct the maintenance, very carefully so I understand what is happening.

If I flew a Pilatus, I'd expect the cost would also be more- because it's a more complicated airframe with more capability. if you're looking at flying a pressurized piston twin, you should expect the complications and corresponding increase in cost, but that's not outrageous.

Yep, during initial training. Fault of previous mechanic, not TAS.

U said your mechanic's schedule is packed Jack. That's what I was getting at. 3 shops are being blessed with the "Twin Cessna Expert" label. Far too many twin Cessnas for 3 shops.

Are you saying your mechanic charges $55 per hour?!
Is that a buddy rate or his book rate?