Cost of Parts

[Robert Szego]

This was a private response to a Member regarding the high cost of seemingly simple parts:

Some parts prices get you to wonder why, but the beaurocracy has a lot to do with it due to ridiculous (and very expensive) requirements. As far as "old" stock is concerned, all industries have to price their products based on replacement costs. I know this doesn't ease the pain, but you already stated it in very elegant terms: If it were easy anyone could....

My personal observation is that although I pay several thousand dollars for an annual on my "simple" airplane, I would not want to be one of those people who never see the earth from the vista and clarity of altitude on his own terms, whilst driving down another congested Interstate.

RS

 

[tony cote]

Robert,

You are scaring me. My 7ECA goes in for it's annual at the end of the month and I sincerely hope that I don't have to sign it over to the IA. :roll:

Tony

 

[Robert Szego]

Sorry, Tony:

I should have mentioned that I think up all the mods, new stuff, optional replacements during the year and have it done at annual time. For example, my annual this month (if the snow ever melts) should be pretty cheap, but I will add some cosmetics to it like minor fabric work, strip and repaint struts, possibly aileron spades - a lot of this would be normal between-annual maintenance and upgrades.

I also take a very conservative approach and when in doubt, I replace things that might pass one more year. I fly over water and low altitude quite a bit, so I like to keep ahead.

RS