PPRuNe Forums - Cost of maintenance

Having written the SDMP (using MIP), before the last annual, the annual itself was completed under old LAMP rules, and then SDMP became the norm. So no savings so far. I don't expect much major differences as on a simple aircraft, nearly everything in LAMP is in the MIP anyway, but there will be certain savings e.g. previously lifed parts, such as hoses, can be inspected rather than automatically replaced.

I believe my engineer will let me do a fair amount of the inspection under supervision, but whether that reduces his cost remains to be seen. One of the conveniences of going to 100 hour means that the 50 hour/6 month check is no longer compulsory. So whilst like anyone sensible, I'll be doing just what I did on a 50 previously (when hours suggest it) I'm not so tied to the date, and having to sign it off - will just enter re oil changes etc. This helps with an uneven flying year. April to now 48 hours, so will change oil etc next week. Expect good hours until end of autumn, but then waterlogging over winter, so another oil change before then, and should see me through to annual - and if I get lucky and do more hours, the 100 hour can come forward - it doesn't have to coincide with the ARC.

I understand that I no longer need radio annual. This is an instant £150 per year. I'm constantly using and checking VOR and ILS etc. Transponder is checked by Farnborough for tolerance each time I use them, and I know radio works - and everyone would soon let me know if it was not "fives". And if my whizz bang 8.33 isn't perfect I'll be really ****ed off.......

The perfect situation under old rules was if you did 150-165 hours per annum, so got the maximum bang for your buck, but few of us hope for that. If that's you, only savings will be lifed parts and radio, and you'd be better writing the old LAMP as your SDMP rather than using MIP.:bored: