A&P Wanted for Decathlon Prepurchase

J

JSzorik

New member
Hello Everyone:

After looking at Tigers, Mooneys, Cardinal RGs, Cherokee 235s, and Commanders, and a recent trip to Oshkosh for the first time, I have decided that my real interest is flying for fun (in particular, learning to fly aerobatically) rather than simply flying from point A to point B.

I believe my best overall choice at this time is to find a well maintained Super Decathlon in the $50k to $70k range, if such a bird exists. I have 125 total hours -- all in Pipers -- and zero in taildraggers. I plan to begin primary aerobatic training after getting my tailwheel endorsement.

I am located in SE Wisconsin, and I am starting the search for an airplane. However, I need a recommendation for an A&P with a lot of experience with SuperDs to conduct a pre-buy when I find a good candidate. The spar AD has me more than a little concerned about my potential purchase. Any recommendations for an A&P with extensive Decathlon experience in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Wisconsin, or Minnesota are much appreciated.

Jeff Szorik
Lake Geneva, WI
26-248-8772
 
Jeff,

My mechanic is in Oregon, so a referral probably isn't going to help. However, I can offer a tip about pre-purchase inspection as regards the wing spar AD. We inspected the spars of my 7ECA per the service letter-- wooden wedges, mirrors, Bend-A-Light, etc.-- and it checked out fine. That was December in the Pacific NW. Come the June annual, the plane is hot and dry and... you guessed it... has a few little cracks in the spars. I imagine lots of planes are safely flying with worse, but the American Champion AD is bulletproof. Any crack is cause for failure.

So now I'm rebuilding the wings with Milman aluminum spars. What a great way to spend the summer. Grrr.

Back to the tip. And I think this is especially pertinent if you're planning to get into aerobatics. Consider getting a Decathalon with aluminum spars. I'm not going to argue that they're safer. But they can save you a lot of heartache.

Alex
 
Alex:

Thanks for the thoughts. I haven't seen any Super Ds in my price range that have had the wings done with aluminum spar or the factory metal wings. Do you think my price range is realistic for an airplane that has had the aluminum spar fitted? Or, am I better buying a Super D that has spar problems and having the wings repaired myself?

I see you are located in Oregon. We just moved from Bainbridge Island, Washington. Gorgeous place to fly!

Jeff
 
Jeff,

What's the diff between a Decathalon and a Super D? I just snipped this from Trade-A-Plane (I hope that's ok...)

DECATHLON, 1980, 2400 TTAE, 460 SMOH, AEIO-320, recovered 1988. New factory metal wings 2004. See spec sheet for more information. $68,900. NDH. Mike, CA/(805) 610-8899. http://tappix.com/678662

So if a Super Decathalon is a bunch zootier, you might have to adjust your budget upwards. Dunno.

Anyway, I'm rebuilding the wings myself to try to keep the cost down. It's about $10k in materials plus some tools. Factory new wings, shipped to Oregon and installed, would be twice that. Some of the savings is going to get eaten up when I beg someone to bail me out :?

I got my plane in Sequim. We spent most of the day doing the pre-buy, and had to hustle home after doing the deal. It was a bit of a scud run, and the TFRs made it tricky. I can't wait to get back up there and enjoy it on a sunny day!

-Alex
 
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