So, I think I am found my next bird- Cessna 421C- and we have negotiated the deal about 90% of the way to the endzone. The plane is based in UT and for tax reasons, I need to take delivery in IL. So, need to find a solid (real solid) shop to do a prebuy East of UT but as close to UT as possible to avoid paying a ton of travel expenses should the plane not "pass" prebuy. Can anyone suggest a shop that has lots of 400 series twin Cessna experience between UT and IL along that route of flight? Most import is finding someplace that will dig in deep and find important issues but would be great not to fly it way out of the way.

Thanks for the help!

Take it to TAS in Defiance, OH.

Have thought about doing that but that’s another couple hundred miles further east past IL. Really trying to keep it in the central plains area to avoid flying it across the country.

If I’m buying a TWIN CESSNA TAS is a doing my Pre buy. It’s worth the extra flight time IMHO..

I believe TAS will fly mechanics out to the field for a pre-buy if you need to, but in this case, I’d be inclined to put the extra flight time on and let them work on their hone field.

You really want an experienced and “knows what’s right” shop looking at any 4xx Cessna. TAS is that.

TAS will send a guy to the plane for a pre-prebuy. They do a thorough 'no-wrench' inspection, looking for all the major gotchas. They also fly the plane and try every system, knob, and switch.
They video conference with Tony or someone else back in Defiance to go over any issues they find and give you an idea of typical costs for each thing.

At that point you can decide if you want to move to the actual pre-buy or pre-buy/annual, which will be at their shop.


I've also heard good things about Tom's Aircraft in Long Beach, CA and DFW Aero in Addison, TX. I think those three are usually regarded as the top twin Cessna guru's.

Keith Hetrick in Topeka, KS has a lot of twin Cessna experience. He just did my pre-buy on a 421c and I was very pleased with his work.

Keith maintained my 310 for 5 years before I bought it; it had no issues when we brought it home..

This may come off as a bit harsh but if your difference is another $300 in engine reserves and fuel to fly the extra distance from IL to Defiance, OH my money would bet on Ohio.

If I were buying a 421 or 414 or even 401 I would want TAS to do the pre-buy. It would be worth the extra $200 in fuel. Granted, when the boss operated the 401, Defiance was less than an hour hop and they have been in business as long as I can remember from the early 90s but they weren't as focused on the Twin Cessna market but they were the best shop in the mid-Atlantic and had a reasonable price.

If my medical was current I would offer to right-seat and pay for fuel from UT to OH.

Thanks everyone. I'm going to call TAS shortly but I believe their lead time to get a pre buy in is going to be an issue. Hopefully wrong about that.

Juan Oviedo at DFW Aero Mechanix, based in KADS.

he does a TON of twin cessnas. I have flown from NC to ADS just to have him work on my plane. it was worth the cost. they rock.

I owned a 421C for 25 years. It is presently for sale in UT..

Thanks everyone. I'm going to call TAS shortly but I believe their lead time to get a pre buy in is going to be an issue. Hopefully wrong about that.

Also going to try DFW Aero Mx as well.

I’d recommend Kubick Aviation in Iron Mountain, MI (KINT). They maintain our 441, Hagen’s 310, Jane a 441 and 340 on their certificate, and the guys on the floor probably more experience with GTSIO’s than anyone in the country.

I’ve flown airplanes maintained by them for 23 years. They are thorough, reasonable priced and honest and will be up front with you on the work they are doing.

http://kubickaviation.com/

Looks interesting, thanks for the suggestion. Where in the world would I fly the owner out to return back to UT! Doesn't look like there are any major airports around!