base annual inspection cost for 7gcbc

G

goodness2

New member
What are you guys seeing out there for base annual inspection costs for a 7gcbc? I got quoted 650 just wanted to see if that is in the ballpark. seems as though I heard 400 or so once before.

the plane is a 1972 7GCBC, was the removeable metal belly factory issued or was that an stc?

Thanks in advance,

Ryan
 
Ryan,
The cost of an annual is quite variable. The only thing I can suggest is to do a little hanger flying and ask other pilots in the area what they are paying and who they recommend. You may even get lucky like I did and find and find an AI that does annuals "on the side". I am guessing that the price you were quoted is about average. Be sure and ask what other "hidden" cost may be involved. On an annual I had a few years ago I was quoted $600.....I did ALL the dissasembly and reassembly, oil change, plug cleaning, replaced ELT battery, clean and repack wheel bearings etc. When the FBO was done doing "their" work...essentially the paperwork and inspection, I was handed a bill for $1800!!!! I nearly fell over. They charged me for things I did and for "shop supplies" etc. Needless to say I will NOT go back nor would I ever recommend them to anyone. Granted they do good work but I feel I was ripped off. When I confronted them about the charges the only thing they would take off was for the ELT battery I bought and installed. (Yes, they tried charging me for something I had already replaced...labor and parts!!!)
WW
 
Jan. 4
Pagosa Springs, CO

I just had my second annual at Skyland Aircraft in Santa Fe. Owner Steve Bunch performed all the tasks that WW described; essentially disassembled and re-assembled the plane, including metal belly; discovered and fixed a mistimed magneto; changed the oil and filter and installed a new tail wheel, all with owner-supplied parts. I was delighted with my bill, which was $1,800. I'm embarassed to tell you what my 1st annual cost at Santa Fe Aero Services, where I won't return.

Different strokes, I guess. But I was not surprised or disappointed, and I thought Steve did an outstanding job. I considered owner-assisted, which would have saved me about $400-$500, but it would have meant living at Steve's for 5 work days, which I could not afford to do. Anyway, I was happy. I also picked up 6Kts TAS post annual ( was 118Kts now 124Kts ), which I suppose could have been the mag, the extreme cold temps or a combination of both.

Jim Robins
N87VF - 2007 7GCBC
 
I do a few annuals on small aircraft each year, including 150s, champs, citabrias, and 172s. I can tell you even if the airplane needs no extra parts and repairs, which is rarely the case, it takes 1 guy at LEAST 8-10 hours to ground run, open up, completely inspect, do log books, close up, and post run up an airplane. So times $65-70 an hour, 650 is very reasonable. $1800 however, not unless there was extra significant repairs or parts.

Nathan
 
If i ever buy another flying airplane, I will insist the the owner and I go flying for an hour at my expense. You will know most problems at that time. First champ I bought had great compression, but the cyclinders were glazed from improper break-in. The second had a scratched crank which would blow oil out front seal only once up to higher operating temps. Have somone that knows the problems with the type of citabria your going to purchase. Diffently check the ailment of the tires, the landing gear gets bent alot and often the gear box, They are known to be weak, also good spar inspection if airbatics were done. Also if you dont have the metal belly, remove the seating and floors to inspect all tubing, crawing all the way back to the tail. Ho yea, forgot to say check to see if it has the lifetime ubolts on the landing gear. The little stuff adds up fast. Also, when you take the plane in for an estimate, dont tell them how much you buying the plane for. I Love my 7GCBC, but would of got it cheaper, If I had a better prebuy.

Terry
 
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