Standto said:
"Getting ripped off is just part of the deal"
I think few businesses stay open for long by ripping off. The typical hour of labor for skilled people (like helo mechanics or engineers) is about 100 dollars per hour. As a comparison, the local Ford car dealers charge about 75 per hour for common repairs. These prices seem high, but that is what it costs to do it in the business.
I had a septic system surveyed for a house I was building, and the surveyor charged 100 per hour for each of his 2 man crew. Sears charges that for the guy who travels to fix the washing machine. Rip-offs? Nope.
I guess slowrotor thinks these people can be hired for $20 per hour, but I sure can't find good folks for that!