Aviation Enterprises Annual - Required Install of Rear Access Panel?

[wslade2]

Although at times I have wondered about the advantages of having the access panel, have been able to get along fine without it. Do have to do some more dissembling and contortions than with front engine or other aircraft but not any harder than a modern automobile in my opinion.

On the other hand there’s some folks that won’t work on 337 because the rear engine is difficult. Anything to make it easier to keep your maintenance team might be worth it. Maintenance folk are getting farther and fewer between. Sounds like this is the price of using these guys. What made you pick them versus others (who do not require said door)?

Sounds like the price has gone up a couple grand (like everything); didn’t remember it being that much last time I called them about it.

[pwolfehagen]

Originally Posted by wslade2

Although at times I have wondered about the advantages of having the access panel, have been able to get along fine without it. Do have to do some more dissembling and contortions than with front engine or other aircraft but not any harder than a modern automobile in my opinion.

On the other hand there’s some folks that won’t work on 337 because the rear engine is difficult. Anything to make it easier to keep your maintenance team might be worth it. Maintenance folk are getting farther and fewer between. Sounds like this is the price of using these guys. What made you pick them versus others (who do not require said door)?

Sounds like the price has gone up a couple grand (like everything); didn’t remember it being that much last time I called them about it.

Aviation Enterprises is doing an extensive pre-buy so they will have a big advantage when it comes to the annual. I'll know more this week. Pre-buy is Thursday. Thanks for the input.

[Jhogan0101]

We’re talking about Owen Bell here correct?

[wslade2]

As far as I’m aware he/they are the holders of the access door STC.
I’ve had no personal experience so can’t say anything about how things are run currently, but I guess I’ll be direct: keep eyes open and tread with caution.

https://www.tennessean.com/story/new...-case/7136775/

However they do have some potentially useful STC’s (and one to best avoid)…
In their defense, I was interested in one of their STC’s and they discouraged me from it as really not necessary in my case.

Caveat emptor

[Kim Geyer]

We installed the rear access in our 337E and as a maintenance guy on 337’s I can say it was well worth it. But the kit back @ 2002 was about $2500 I think. And about a day to install