Annual Inspectionas

MD83driver · #1 07-28-25, 06:07 PM

If I wasn't an A&P, I.A., I, personally, would not own any airplanes. Labor is the majority of the cost in airplane ownership. It took me 2 and a half years to get my P337H airworthy after sitting an extended period of time. $90,000.00 equivalent labor rate. For me, it was a retirement project after retiring from professional flying.

Skymaster337B · #2 07-28-25, 09:46 PM

I recently met a fellow owner and he just paid $20k for an annual.

hharney · #3 07-30-25, 08:51 PM

I don't think $20k is unusual out there. It's going to depend on the shop, what they do, how many parts they source, labor. Guys we are talking about a very complex twin engine Cessna aircraft. The problem is the model is not worth much in the market today. You can buy them for less than a 172. If we really want to keep these birds in the air and are willing to pay what a Baron or 340 would cost today for annual maintenance it's going to be expensive. If you can take the time and do the majority of the labor yourself then you can save some serious dollars. But once you drive up to Technicare or some large maintenance facility it's going to cost some serious money to do the annual. These big chains don't allow you in the shop either. If Cessna made this 337 today how much would it cost to purchase? I would guess north of a million or more. So a $20,000 annual for a $1.3 million dollar plane is peanuts. Just sayin'
We need to understand what we have and where the cost of service really is today

JLemons · #4 07-31-25, 07:52 PM

I appreciate the responses! I do have a plan but it will require some time to acquire a couple of more fixed-wing add-ons. Looking to get the instrument and multi-engine for sure. Not sure if I need the commercial. I've been instructing in UH-60s for 25 years (currently a maintenance test pilot instructor). Realistically, another 2 years and I should be done with the Blackhawk. I'm simply wanting to retire from rotary wing and get back to fixed-wing and have some fun. I'm not in a hurry mainly because I have some training to get done and after that I still need to finish the Powerplant certification....need to save up some money too! That brings up another question. How much more cost is involved with the annual if you have a P337? These airframes aren't exactly "young" from what I've looked and I would imagine leaks are an issue. Lastly, anyone near the south Alabama area who could let me see their 337 and maybe go up for an introductory flight?

hharney · #5 08-04-25, 08:32 PM

It would really depend on the mission, what's the mission for the 337?

JLemons · #6 Today, 05:21 PM

I began my flying back in '84 when I completed my private pilot's license. I didn't really pursue any add-ons after that because I was in college from '84 - '90. Then in '95 I began flying helicopters in the Army (my real interest in flying). Here it is 3 decades later and I am approaching retirement and need something to enjoy for the next 10-15 years and aviation is the only thing that keeps me motivated as I consider my upcoming retirement years. I actually feel a bit excited about getting back into fixed wing flying and I'd really like to get back into it and rediscover the "fun" factor about flying...especially in my own airplane. So, the purpose will be to 1. be able to load up and go whenever we want and go wherever we want. 2. Enjoy the twin engine safety factor especially with the in-line thrust capability with the 337. 3. I am a Blackhawk maintenance test pilot instructor at the moment and I know what it means to have an aircraft that is mechanically safe to fly. My aviation maintenance skillset would be put to good use. I also have some A&P friends in the area who are more than willing to assist with annuals. I don't have to worry about pursuing another career with flying. Some people enjoy the golf course for retirement...that's not for me. I just want a few years of airplane ownership to complete my "bucket list" so to speak and take the wife on some adventures at our leisure.

Learjetter · #7 Today, 07:49 PM

JLemons,

Your mission profile is very similar to mine. Recommend sticking to G or H non-turbo models (‘73 or newer). Lots of good threads on this board on what to look for…and look out for.

In the five years I’ve had mine, I’ve spent about 25AMUs on her in upgrades and repairs. Annuals in my area run about $3500 for the inspection. I do a 2-3 week heavy maintenance period 1/2 way thru the year (upgrades, deferred repairs, etc) and that way annuals are 3-5 days and relatively painless.

Happy to discuss as desired.

-LJ