'69 Cessna 172K old school panel all needle gauge First annual as an owner. Runs strong in the ~80 hours I've put on it. I live in Mexico. I don't want to leave. I don't have a "guy" back in Utah. I just have the guy that did the previous annual that I've never met. Anyone ever done this? If so, recommendations? I'm due in March.
FYI: Start networking and you should find someone to either travel or there in Mexico. I've seen many people work that route with no issues.
How to go about vetting an IA? And is part availability an issue down here? I'm worried that parts that might get replaced (we're talking little stuff here - cowling bolts etc, but maybe bigger stuff?) in the US would get overlooked here if parts are harder to come by.
No different than vetting anyone you want to trust. There are several people on PoA that fly to MX on a regular that may give you some more updated info. But did anyone perform a pre-buy on your aircraft? Perhaps contact them? Or why not "vett" the APIA from the last annual? Pre-covid no issues on any parts south of the border from my experience. Now, I dont know. I used to travel to MX and CA to work N reg helicopters a number of years ago but never really had a problem with sourcing the small parts. Some items yes but usually there was a workable system. I believe there are a number of facebook pages, websites, on expat aircraft in MX that can direct you in the right direction. Just dont over think it too much.
Yes but he was not an IA, something I wouldn't do again. I can vet the IA from the last annual but he is 1200 miles away right now. Is that a "normal" thing asking someone to travel to perform an annual?
Not necessarily the "norm" but as I mentioned I did it to perform mx but no annuals. I did know several APIAs that used to travel to the EU for annuals though. But Mexico is a bit different. As indicated above there are a number of APIAs in MX already. Get a few recommendations and go see one or all until you find a guy that works for you.
You are going to find it hard to get someone to travel for the inspection. He is going to need tools ect.. It would also be illegal unless he can get a work permit for Mexico. Local mechanics might dime him out. Ask around and find the best local guy you can or fly the aircraft back to the US for the inspection.
You’re going to have an expensive ownership experience if you feel you need to import A&P help in a country with perfectly competent mechanics.
Just curious what your maintenance and inspection plans were for the aircraft when you decided to buy or base it in Mexico, or did your location plans change afterwards?
Do you know anything more about the IA in MMJC? I have made calls to dozens of shops in Mexico inquiring about an IA, but only been able to snag one so far (and that didn't come from a cold call). I'm in touch with an IA from MMAN but hoping to find one closer to me. If not, I'll go to MMAN. Yeah that's what I figured. Thanks I'm continuing my search. I definitely looking for a Mexican IA. Thanks. Plan was to fly back to the US, which is still on the table. Just trying to avoid it if possible. Thanks.
You can try emailing the DFW IFO. They should have oversight for IAs in Mexico. 9-avs-dfw-ifo@faa.gov
What about performing MX in MX on an MX? (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGM-118_Peacekeeper) amirite??
