Real Annuals
I read with interest, as I tend to do with all things aviation, the article in the December 2017 Aviation Consumer about Premier Aircraft refurbishing Piper Dakotas. I was enjoying it until I read the part about Dakotas not getting “real annuals.”
I have no vested interest in this area, but I do feel that the statement is insulting to field mechanics everywhere. I have owned a number of planes from different manufacturers and they have been serviced by both service centers and field mechanics. Personally, I have experienced some of the worst service from authorized service centers. I have found under my cowling rags and plastic cups. How about watching a mechanic come at your windshield with brown paper towels from the men’s room to clean it for you? I’ve also dealt with repairs not done correctly, which had to be redone by my local mechanic. I ultimately got a full refund from the service center, but my plane was down for additional time. Spending extra money for the privilege of a service center is no guarantee of better work.