AMEN GARY!
Liability is a major concern in everything from making popsicles to yes, maintaining airplanes. I prebuy'd 2 airplanes before finding 38Q; one just wasn't what I wanted, and one was ridiculous! Had hardware store pop rivets in the firewall doubler, automotive wire in cockpit, etc etc... MOST mechanics and I say most as in 99.9% are scrupulous as can be - the not so honest tend to be weeded out quickly... What I see most is un-approved owner maintenance - IE, I can fix that hangar rash with a junk yard part, then they screw up the rigging when they assemble it and VOILA - How could the mechanic miss that on the last annual? Who messed it up anyway? OH wait, no logbook entry for the tail ever being apart? Strange? Couldn't have been that way from the factory right?
All too often people point fingers at mechanics..and because of that, there are fewer and fewer that are willing to put their signature in a logbook..
Just the other day I saw a post about finding a mechanic to do owner assisted annuals, wonder why it's difficult?
I consult my mechanic on EVERYTHING... I tip him or buy him lunch when I have a couple extra $10.00 bills, and we've become friends. But the piece of mind he's given me both in maintenance and education - PRICELESS.. His policy - I don't mind helping you with maintenance and repairs, as long as I am consulted before and after... But repair something critical one time without consulting him he will send you elsewhere for your annuals and repairs in a heartbeat and who can blame him.. He shouldn't have to go looking for unapproved repairs nor should he be liable for them.
Dave
