Club Homepage Forums Classified Ads Buy & Sell - Everything But Airplanes What to look for...

I've been around airplanes my whole life and turned many a wrench so I am not completly (sic) clueless...

However.... before I turn the shop loose on a pre buy inspection, what should I look for? I'm going to pull some inspection plates, use my trusty flashlight and mirror and of course take tons of pictures and do log book reaserch..

I've seen the horror of corrosion first hand and this airplane is near the ocean so that will be an issue... SOme obvious things to look for please!

Thanks

You should ask the shop to pull a list of ADs for that particular model and check for compliance. Some of them are: seat tracks, flap rollers, rudder brackets, prop hub.... The list of ADs can be pulled from the Club's "Hangar" section (under the blue "Members" area). Sign in using your membership number as ID, and your zip code as password.

Thanks Hung...

I was going to insist on that AD list if I went ahead with an annual/pre-purchase... Sandra's corosion pic's freaked me out.

I went out this morning to look at an Apache for sale (to get me places the 150 won't go and help me build twin time). The asking price is very attractive. However, I started a list of complied ADs and another list of all the repairs needed. By the time I had both lists put together, I knew I was going to pass. It wasn't that there was a major problem with the airplane. It was more that there were sooooo many little things to fix that it became untenable. If I was lucky, it would have been another $10k just to get airworthy. If I was unlucky, it'd be between $25k and $40k. Even then, I'd have an ugly looking airplane.

Be sure to count up all the little issues, not just look for the big ones.

An Apache has two engines for a reason. When one quits, the other is there to get you to the scene of the accident.

Great airplane, solidly built, Pipers are loaded with AD's. If not done many years ago, it could be impossible to get the necessary parts to comply with some of them now.

Best thing that ever happened to an Apache? Sequin Aviation's Geronimo Conversion.

Charles

150s are more capable than Apaches (unless it's got the 235hp engines)...

save your money.

Yes, some of the older twins, such as the C-310's sound pretty cheap to buy...but the care and feeding of them will sink you.

Steered me away from a Cessna 336 Skymaster which could have been had for for less then many are asking for their 152's. Sure looked mighty attractive initially...................

Bill
Grants Pass, Oregon