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Yes, my shop has been the heartbeat of my airplane ownership experience. Formerly Lumanair (relatively small family FBO) since the 1950's I believe, however sold out a couple years ago and is now Revv Aviation which is a large regional FBO chain (maybe even national but not certain of that).
Anyway, the key has been my IA who has been working at my home airport (KARR) since he was 16. He's now in his mid 60's. We have a fantastic working/friendship relationship and he and all the A&P's he has trained has stayed on with Revv so even though the name has changed, the faces are all the same.
I will do things such as oil changes, etc., but I have little interest in turning wrenches to any great extent. I find it back breaking and frustrating but I have tremendous respect for the people who do it everyday. I have a very strong interest in understanding the mechanics of the airplane, but I'm happy to let the shop do the work.
The system has worked for me but I am very worried about the future. My IA is not going to work forever and the thought of starting over in today's world frankly frightens me. It is entirely possible my IA's retirement (not planned at the moment) will correspond with my retirement of my Skymaster. I truly hope to continue operating my C337G for quite sometime but my "absolute must have" more than anything is an experienced, knowledgeable, competent, humble, trust worthy, friendly, etc. mechanic who knows my airplane inside and out and is happy to turn wrenches on it. We take care of each other and it has worked for decades. I could not imagine operating these VERY OLD but cool airplanes in any other way.
I wish you good luck in your maintenance experiences!
Ed
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