JoseCuervo
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JoseCuervo
What is the going rate for a Pre-Buy Inspection and how many hours are needed for a C-182?
Depends on how deep you want to go into it. I like to do a pre buy and turn it into an annual if I like what the mechanic finds on the pre buy.
What in your mind is a 'pre-buy'? There is no official definition. Can be as simple as a logbook review and a shady tree compression check to a full blown annual inspection. You as the potential buyer must determine How detailed you want to go.
Obviously this is a generalization... As you well know its going to be airframe specific. Pre-buy on a 414 is a much bigger job than a Cub. Could be a couple days, could be half day.Should take most of a day if done right. Not nearly as comprehensive as a full annual inspection, but in that amount of time you should know enough to decide if you're willing to go further with the deal.
Obviously this is a generalization... As you well know its going to be airframe specific. Pre-buy on a 414 is a much bigger job than a Cub. Could be a couple days, could be half day.
The only way to really know that is to take your guy with you and have him do - an annual or at least have him do an abbreviated pre-buy to help you decide whether or not the airplane is worth pursuing.I want to know what items MY mechanic will fail when he gets to do the first annual after getting the plane home.
It is a 50 year old airplane, so the faded paint and snagged doorliners don't need to be noted, but the airworthy, or soon to be non-airworthy items are the big ones.
Depends on how deep you want to go into it. I like to do a pre buy and turn it into an annual if I like what the mechanic finds on the pre buy.
Since the plane is in annual, no need to turn it into an annual, and don't want to pay for something being put into somebody else's logbooks...
Agreed. But the OP said it was on a Cessna 182, and I'll stick by my answer for that aircraft.Obviously this is a generalization... As you well know its going to be airframe specific. Pre-buy on a 414 is a much bigger job than a Cub. Could be a couple days, could be half day.
What are the "must looks" for a mid-1960's C-182, in your opinion?
Have the books and paperwork audited to ensure that ALL the AD's are complied with and any STC's or other modifications are correctly documented and installed. Also get, as best as possible, a full component and equipment list with total times and times since overhaul (prop, mags, carb, mufflers...etc)
Have a compression test done and check oil filter or screen for metal
Check nose gear and main gear mountings, engine mount and firewall for any abnormalities.
Make certain the seat rails pass inspection
Do an evaluation FLIGHT with yourself onboard, Do a thourough pre-flight inspection and operate all of the equipment to verify it's functionality. Take note of engine temp, oil pressure, performance, balance and anything else you can think of.
There may be a few other items but mainly concentrate on any big gotcha's that may be lurking
A full (redundant) annual is not really necessary unless your goal is to try to nickle and dime the seller for every worn hinge bolt you can find.