Operating Costs

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The most important thing, when trying to figure out what it will cost, is to arrange for a competent IA, with prior experience, recent, working on a Skymaster. My worst annual was horribly expensive, because the person was completely unknowledgeable. Make sure the IA works on your plane, and doesn't farm it out to someone else in the shop.

Ask if you can participate in the annual. There are about a zillion screws and inspection plates that have to come off. You can pay him/her their appropriate rate, or you can take an evening and do a lot of it yourself.

Owner assisted annuals save you money, and get you familiar with the airplane. Both of which are good things. When you do assist, ask questions.