Amazing isn't it, I went to see the doctor with a cough and a runny nose and spent the next four and a half days in hospital! Anyway, back to the matter in hand, RVDT has essentially put in writing what I was thinking. the final paragraph of his post above (#32) is the conclusion I was coming too also. I'm sorry hyperflyboy, but your statement in Post #28 that "engine and airframe maintenance all done by a reputable maintenance shop with 30+ years experience with 206's" is not supported by what you're experiencing which, quite frankly, are relatively straightforward problems for an experienced 206/250 mechanic/engineer to diagnose and rectify. Do you have any alternatives for maintenance support?