If you’re searching for the best Twin Cities aircraft maintenance crew that can diagnose and solve all your mechanical woes, there are a few things to consider before handing over the keys to your plane. Not only do you want to work with a team that’s experienced, knowledgeable and friendly, but one that works as your partner as well.
With that said, here are some tips on how to choose a Twin Cities aircraft maintenance crew that you can trust.
1) They Work On Big & Small Issues
Whether you’re in need of a simple inspection or are trying to identify a problem deep within the engine, your aircraft maintenance crew in the Twin Cities should have the necessary experience to work on problems both big and small. If an issue is identified during an inspection, it’s also nice knowing that you won’t have to transport your airplane to a different location just to have it fixed.
2) Fair, Transparent Pricing
Owning an airplane is already an expensive endeavor – regular upkeep or maintenance tasks shouldn’t drain your pockets as well. When you’re searching for an aircraft maintenance shop, make sure to ask about pricing up front. There also shouldn’t be any tricky hidden fees or expensive add ons without your approval. Sometimes, you may want to ask about a “flat-rate” price, particularly on routine maintenance tasks, for potential savings.
3) Diverse Skill Set Among The Team
When searching for the right aircraft maintenance crew, make sure to ask about their areas of expertise. Unless you’re searching for something highly specialized, the mechanics should be able to work on anything from a specific brand of manufacturer to avionics components to exterior repairs and much more.
4) Clean, Organized Facilities
A repair shop’s quality of service is normally directly reflected in the cleanliness and organization of their facilities. If there’s oil all over the floor, plane parts laying around or overflowing trash cans, for example, you may want to take your business elsewhere. Your maintenance shop should look spick and span!
5) Strong Testimonials & Reviews
A key to finding a good aircraft maintenance shop is to look at testimonials and reviews. These provide you with the social proof you need to feel secure with a certain team of aircraft mechanics. Check out their website and online profiles to learn more about how other customers felt about their repair services. If you’re meeting this mechanic for the first time, ask if they can supply references that back-up what they promise.
6) Speed Of Aircraft Maintenance Services
For a frequent flyer, excess downtime can suck the life right out of you. That’s why it’s important to look for a maintenance facility that best serves your needs as it pertains to rate of service. You can gain better peace of mind knowing that your mechanics can provide quality service, as quoted and on time, so you can get back to what you love most – flying.
7) They Work On A Variety Of Planes
Some shops will specialize in a particular type of aircraft, which may be good for those who are new to a certain aircraft manufacturer. Others specialize in a variety of aircraft types, meaning their mechanics’ expertise encompasses a broader range of knowledge.
8) They Work With You As A Partner
When you’re trying to improve the performance of your airplane, a good maintenance crew will work with you to uncover pain points and problems. This means you’ll have to supply some information, like a detailed rundown of the aircraft and its usage, an inventory of recent maintenance tasks and any modifications, which they can help suss out. From there, a mechanic can set expectations and supply you with a concrete estimate. A good shop shouldn’t assume anything without first discussing it with you.
9) Good Communication
While everyone’s idea of good communication is unique, it’s an important aspect of successful plane maintenance. Throughout the process, your maintenance shop should be proactive in relaying important information about parts, delays or unforeseen discrepancies. It’s not as easy as it sounds, as issues can arise constantly throughout the maintenance process. However, as long as they are clear, direct and honest, you can rest easy knowing they have your best interests at heart.
Are you searching for a trusted Twin Cities aircraft maintenance team?
Get in touch with Inflight Aircraft Maintenance and take care of any mechanical issues today. Based in the Twin Cities, we’re known for getting the job done in a timely, cost-effective manner. We’ll work with you to solve every problem, no matter how big or small. From 100-hour inspections to engine repair to avionics assessment and everything in between, we’ll help you keep your plane in tip-top shape.
Whether you frequent the skies or are just starting out, we’ll make sure that your plane is always ready to fly – if you’re interested in learning more about aircraft maintenance services, contact us today or call (952) 698-3000.