A new 182 in 1980 was $185K. Today that is $750K once you adjust for inflation. That was 45 years ago! A new 182 right now lists for about $650K, actually LESS than they did back in 1980 once you correct for inflation. There are more ways to get into aviation inexpensively today than ever before such as LSAs, kits, homebuilt aircraft, and new smaller designs.

Mike C.

I have a simple, quick, effective way to reduce maintenance expenses, reduce maintenance risks, reduce downtime, and ease the overload at the shops.

Increase the "annual" inspection interval to 2 years.

(snip)

Mike C.

The problem is we are not producing new mechanics and if we are, they are not staying in the business. Shops are pulling peeps off the street who have some mechanical ability bc they have no other choice and are trying to keep the wrenches swinging but it isn’t working and it never will work. Being an aircraft mechanic is a very specialized skill that takes years and years to learn and become good at. Being an aircraft mechanic is something to be proud of and society should recognize and reward that. As my aircraft mechanic buddy says…”Aircraft Maintenance used to be a Religion”.

If what I’ve said above is true, how could it not get worse? Worse before it gets better is about the best to hope for at this point and Glenn has some suggestions. The root problem is not being addressed in any meaningful way that I know of, so my advice is if you like flying your own airplane get out there and start learning everything you can about aircraft maintenance. Join the fight.

Source?

I tried to find a good price and must have missed badly.

Mike C.

Source?

I tried to find a good price and must have missed badly.

Mike C.

45 hours for a Cessna 426 annual checklist seems really light. Mooneys are 29 hours and bonanzas are 32. Usually more

Thanks, my post was edited to remove my bad data.

Mike C.

What is a Cessna 426? A modified 425?

The Cessna 426 program was a secret development project using two Cessna 213 aircraft bolted together.

Look up Cessna 620 (double 310) for an example of this development technique employed at Cessna.

Mike C.

The Cessna 426 program was a secret development project using two Cessna 213 aircraft bolted together.

Look up Cessna 620 (double 310) for an example of this development technique employed at Cessna.

Mike C.

Sorry folks the 426 was a test bed, it had a PT6 on one side and Garrett on the other. Cessna was testing both for performance.

The engine testbed for the CX was the 650 E2 Prototype. TFE731 on one side and the AE3007C on the other, so Garrett and RR/Allison on the same airplane. The nacelle of the Rolls is about the size of a Mustang cabin, so it was quite the sight.

Bill and I both did extensive work on the CX program.

And yes, the Rolls is a true British engine, and turns the other way....

Phil

We nicknamed the Allison/650 testbed "Bigfoot."

I'm working on the problem from the home front. I'm sending my son to Utah State University for Aviation Mtc Management Program w A&P. These kids are offered good jobs well before they graduate and have summer jobs waiting. AI won't replace maintainers.

That is awesome, James.
He will thank you for that, I have no doubt!

Peeps that haven’t been thru a good A&P program don’t understand or appreciate how much knowledge and understanding of all things mechanical one develops there. Those skills are going to be golden, and in short order.