How long should a condition inspection take?

Webb · #1 06-08-2009, 05:07 PM

I know I know, it's a loaded question. It takes as long as it takes.

My first condition inspection will be due in November. Assuming the "routine" things aren't issues, APPROXIMATELY how long should it take?

rv4dude · #2 06-08-2009, 05:15 PM

Hopefully you will receive feedback for your model, but here is a little info:
RV-3, Open up, drain, clean, inspect, small simple repairs, service, close up and post run ops checks and re-cowl...about 6 hours with a little help of a second person.

Kyle Boatright · #3 06-08-2009, 05:30 PM

It usually takes me all day on a Saturday and a half day on Sunday. I don't rush the inspection...

I could probably do it in 8 hours if absolutely nothing needed attention and I minimized distractions.

Mel · #4 06-08-2009, 05:39 PM

Typically it takes me a minimum of 16 hours for the inspection and "normal" periodic maintenance.
The one I'm working on now includes removing Loran and antenna, installing GPS, second com, with associated antennas, new intercom, new tires, new seat belts/shoulder harness.
This one's running a little longer than normal.

Ironflight · #5 06-08-2009, 05:46 PM

If I have been doing all the routine maintenance along the way and am pretty sure there is nothing lurking - about a full day for the RV-8. It helps to have assistance along the way to act as a second set of eyes as well as help opening and closing things up. Find one crack in a baffle or a bad hose, and suddenly you can add hours or days as you do a craftman's job of repair....

Paul

bsacks05 · #6 06-08-2009, 06:15 PM

I estimate my inspections at around 15-20 hrs. total. I tend to work in sections so I'll do tail and wings, then interior, landing gear, and finish up with powerplant. Four separate work sessions is how I prefer to do it.
Removing screws is the biggest PITA. Have some extra screws of all sizes available to replace those with worn heads and be careful not to overtorque.

Bob Axsom · #7 06-08-2009, 08:06 PM

I don't blast into it but it usually takes me all of January to get it done. I have a detailed checklist and I usually do one task group per day and I try not to get stale or rushed. It is cold in January and I don't fly much so it is a good way to go out and get up close and personal with my airplane. I usually try to work in a mod while I have everything apart.

Bob Axsom

blandess · #8 06-11-2009, 03:31 PM

...23 hours. We do annuals on thousands of Cirrus' a year and depending on how much stuff is installed it should be less than that. The 23 hours includes pre-run, drain fluids, inspect, service items, close up and post run. Granted Cirrus has a detailed inspection list broken down into sections but if it were me and you obviously dont have to pay for labor just take your time and be thorough.

RV6_flyer · #9 06-11-2009, 05:19 PM

I have read lots of different posts on the amount of time. There are a lot of variables. IF and only IF everything is prepared and everything is PERFECT, it can be done in 4-hours. I also have spent as much as 160 hours. Summary: It can take 1/2 a day to one month. IF there are MAJOR problems, it can be longer than that.

As the airplane gets older, you will find more things that will need attention. If anything on my airplane will not last 100-hours (2 oil changes), I fix. I do not like down time. There are now 2,230 hobbs hours on my RV-6.

Dave Taylor · #10 06-11-2009, 06:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bsacks05

Removing screws is the biggest PITA.

That's why you have 2 children, so they can remove those screws