Why DARs cost so much
Dan:
Many of us want to help EAA and provide FREE DAR activities but cannot put the time in for free. I have a full time job. I can work with pay almost every weekend for my employer. Doing a DAR inspection may only take 1.5 to 2 hours for the inspection at the airplane but there is about 3 to 4 hours of time spent on paperwork, phone, and meetings before the inspection. There is travel time involved getting to and from the aircraft for the inspection. After getting back, I then spend another 3 hours closing out paperwork. If I cannot charge $65 per hour for DAR inspections (In Southern California) including time spent on paperwork, I should just go to work and get paid. My employer bills $125/hr for my time and provides me with health insurance and a retirement plan. I do not intend to charge what they do. Do not forget that the IRS also takes a large chunk out of the money you pay the DAR so he is lucky to end up with maybe half after state, federal, and social security.
EAA provided $750 grant for training to volunteer for 2 years. The training class cost me $1,400 with transportation and lodging. I have done 30 inspections in 2 years. Would you like to GIVE UP 15 days per year with out compensation? I average 8 hours of my time for each inspection. I have heard from 4 other AB DARs they report similar time requirements. (They tell me 8 to 10 hours of time spent per inspection including 2 or 3 hours at the airplane.) Yes $520 appears to be a lot of money for a 1.5 - 2 hour inspection. What you do not see is prep time and closeout of all the paperwork. The one time 3 day training class and 1/2 day recurrent training every 2 years is fun but we do have to pay for the training and give up vacation time.
I hope this sheds some light on the time that goes into an AB DAR inspection.
The FAA DAR directory is located at:
http://www.faa.gov/other_visit/avia...gations/designee_types/media/DARDirectory.pdf
If that link is too long, try this shortened one.
http://tinyurl.com/zmk88
You need a DAR with Function Code 46 to do your RV.
Gary A. Sobek
AB DAR SoCAL
N157GS RV-6, O-320 Hartzell, flying 1,840 hours.
I am working on trying to help you guys out. Check out:
http://www.ab-dar.com Most of what is needed for the DAR inspection is on line. I have more that I want to add to the web site as I find time.
DanLandry said:
Can anyone recommend a good & reasonable priced DAR to do my 7A?
I'd prefer an ABDAR who just charge for their expenses.
The eaa directory is way out of date (11/04). The 4 people I've called on the list have retired or would not call back.
