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Learjet 55 12 year inspection

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Learjet 55 12 year inspection

Old 14th Jul 2017, 01:49
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Learjet 55 12 year inspection

Well my 12 year inspection (xray entire plane) is coming up on my baby, and I'm hearing all kinds of numbers...I really want to keep her..she's got fresh paint and everything is up to date, engines on MSP Gold..But I've heard horror stories of 250-300k..and planes being held hostage for the money, even though the original quote was "below 100k" Has anyone had experience with this?

Any help appreciated. Thanks!
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Old 14th Jul 2017, 11:08
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But I've heard horror stories of 250-300k..and planes being held hostage for the money, even though the original quote was "below 100k"
You do realize that "your baby" is taken apart completely a the 12 years and that when something like corrosion etc is found in places normally not inspected out side the 12 y inspection, the price MUST go up. No mx shop worth a dime will give you a FIXED quote on this kind of job without provisions made for findings.

300k/12y = 25.000USD /yr. If you cant afford that....
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Old 14th Jul 2017, 11:11
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msgsobe,

I don't know if this is your first aircraft mx visit or not, but you need to understand that any quote on any type of aircraft is just for the inspection. This means you are paying for the opening, inspection, and closing of all the areas to be checked. Anything that is found after opening these areas that need to be addressed or parts that need to be changed, is an expense over and above the quoted inspection price. For our aircraft we always expect to pay about 3 times the initial quote (yet always making sure we monitor all the cost and get it done for the least amount possible) when we advise the owner of the aircraft about the upcoming mx. So given that - $250-300K is not out of line. Of course you should alway have a LearJet qualified maintenance rep overseeing the mx while it is there to oversee the work done and to watch the billing to make sure it is accurate (billed work hours vs actual hours worked, and to make sure you get credit for anything that should be covered under warranty - MSP and any others you may have).

Regarding held "hostage", I have heard of operators/owners, make this statement. But in reality they are just uninformed on how mx works and they get sticker shock and don't want to pay the bill.

Good luck!
J
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Old 16th Jul 2017, 20:12
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Get competing quotes from reputable shops. We do a lot of maintenance on Lear 60's at Spectra Jet in Ohio and find them extremely capable and fair. When considering large inspection packages, ADS-B out, or other large upgrades on older airplanes like the Lear55, its worth making the analysis of selling/parting out vs. moving into a newer platform like a Lear60 or 45.
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Old 19th Jul 2017, 20:37
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Thanks all for the comments..I totally understand the initial quotes are for the inspection, xray only..I was hoping to get a price range of actual 12 year inspections out the door..I also have the 2020 ADSB compliance coming up..so I'm just trying to see if now is the time to upgrade to a 60...it's simple math..
And to His Dudeness..I can afford it, and much more..in part, because I make wise financial decisions!
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Old 20th Jul 2017, 06:42
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As a wise business man you may wish to create a business case to compare the cost of capital for a new(er) aircraft against the cost of heavy maintenance, avionic upgrades and fuel for an older aircraft. A new aircraft on a warranty plan may yield cost savings over a 3 or 5 year return of service.

Good to see you enjoying and using your aeroplane

MM
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Old 20th Jul 2017, 15:23
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And to His Dudeness..I can afford it, and much more..in part, because I make wise financial decisions!
Glad to hear it. And you do know that you can make a small fortune in aviation, if you start with a big one ?
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Old 20th Jul 2017, 15:53
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he knows because he can make wise financial decisions, like buying a lear 55...

Another one.. next please..
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Old 21st Jul 2017, 13:24
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CL300...you are right there! Buying ANY private jet is not a wise financial decision!

Fly first class for 1500 RT miami/new york..or 15k private?
That being said, the 55 has been great..6 years of nearly trouble free flying..fresh motors on MSP Gold..NO TSA, no delays, no annoying passengers..it's not a financial decision, it's a lifestyle..but once the decision is made, now must make wise decisions within the confines of my stupidity!
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Old 21st Jul 2017, 13:25
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and still waiting..anyone out there actually OWN a 55, and has had the 12 year?
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Old 22nd Jul 2017, 22:14
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Been part of many 12 years on Lear 60's. Price runs $150k - $250k. You are likely on your 2nd 12 year and may have other Mx coming up like a 6000 landing or other big check. Depending on your usage, I'd probably recommend selling/scrapping the 55 and buying a 60.
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Old 23rd Jul 2017, 00:29
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Lear 55 12 year check suggestions

Greetings, I arranged to have a 12 year inspection done on a Lear 55 many years ago. I approached several approved Lear 55 service centers and asked them for copies of previous Lear 55 12 year inspection work orders. By doing this I could break down the cost and if additional upgrades had been done. I decided to use Duncan Aviation in Lincoln NB and have no regrets. It is my suggestion NOT to use a Bomardier Lear Jet facility as they want to replace all parts that have any wear. In other words they want to bring your aircraft back to new status. Another concern is that the Servce centre must have experience in removing the rear pressure bulkhead. If the rear pressure bulkhead gets damaged it is going to cost you money. Next concern is corrosion particularly under the floor around the lav area. This will take additional time = $$$ and your "out the door date" will get pushed back. Remember that all of the wiring has been "living" under the floor since the last 12 year. It has gone thru heat, cold, expansion and contraction and is probably brittle. When moved (inspected) expect some issues. I budgeted the Service Centre quote plus 50% and wasn't far off. The Lear 55 production started in 1981 and the girl is getting "long in the tooth". Expect additional costs. Be sure to have some one "baby sit" the aircraft to ensure that the assigned crew is working on your aircraft. Frequently the crew / team working on your aircraft will have questions. If you or your representative are there you can provide a quick answer. Good luck!
Regards,
Flaps 78
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