a situation that is unlikely to improve with the current TSA block on new FAR 145 approvals
I have direct experience of two FAA 145 repair stations here in the UK, and both did really crap work. The second one left a couple of life threatening bodges, which I did a video of (e.g. a control linkage cutting into a cable harness) but they weren't really interested... both are EASA 145 of course too.
FAA 145 isn't actually blocked if you have the right contacts. One firm I was at on Monday is getting its 145 finalised in 2 weeks' time. It's just that the normal Tom Dick or Harry can't get one just by applying for it.
So actually I am very happy with my very good A&P/IA. In fact I have now gone totally away from "companies" and rent a hangar for the Annual, where the IA and I do it in a few days, working solidly. The best possible job done and half the price of a "company".
Does the IOM accept planes without an Export CofA? What exactly do they do?