Welcome to PPRuNe Englebert.
We don't get paid any extra for changing worn out parts.
My engineer does. I got billed quite rightly for the swashplate and TR overhaul this time. It was a good job at a fair price on top of the usual annual fee.
We dont think you're all out to rip us off. Some of us appreciate your work for preserving our backsides.
As a fairly old hand at working with various engineers over the years I have come up with a list of things that annoy owners and pilots, some from this thread, some of my own. Some anecdotally from other owners. One or two of these have annoyed me over the years. A lot come from friends in the plank world. Here it is:
Work done without explanation or permission, resulting in an unexpected large bill.
no itemised bill
Inspections carried out and parts replaced not required by the schedule.
Star annual done instead of routine annual (yes really!)
Hours logged but not worked. (anecdotal)
Paying for time when engineer is on phone about other jobs.
Hours worked on the CAA paperwork charged on top.
Muffin's new POH and first aid kit - I hope you queried that one.
Bits changed without explanation - that the owner thinks were OK.
Scrap parts disposed of without the owner seeing them or owners permission
Changing 'sets' of parts like rod ends and bearings rather than just worn ones.
Changing parts That are well worn but within spec.
Fixed price services done in very short time.
Damage to paint
dents to panels
filthy cockpits on return
filthy transparencies
filthy paint
oil everywhere
inflated consumable prices
Inflated carriage prices on parts.
Inflated parts prices - including procuring them from the most expensive possible source.
Extended AOG times.
CAA fees.
using regulation changes to as an excuse to inflate the bill.
Lack of explanation/apology when things do go wrong.
Most of the time owners dont grumble about these to the engineer. They just pay the bill but moan like hell to other pilots.
Avoid these(where possible) and most owners will be happy.
What doesnt annoy me are genuine errors and oversights.
I'm sure you could come up with a list of things owners do to annoy engineers. That would be interesting.
edit. I need a new engineer so I asked in another thread. The feedback I've got for all the local ones has been without exception very positive so clearly lots are getting it right.
