Comparing Aircraft Maintenance Quotes: Avoiding Sticker Shock

August 2024

When comparing aircraft maintenance quotes, you should be more concerned about what is not listed than what is.

When comparing maintenance quotes from different MRO (maintenance, repair, and overhaul) facilities, there are a staggering number of variables to consider. It is very unwise to assume the final number on each proposal represents the same level of detail. You should always ask, ‘What does the quote include?’

To make this process easier, we have compiled a list of questions and discussion points to help you understand the details behind the numbers. This is not an all-inclusive list, but it is a great place to begin.

Here are some things to begin the proposal conversation with your sales rep.

Airframe

• Is the interior R&R included? This is often required to gain access below the cabin floor.
• What about paint touch-up? And if so, is the touch-up completed by spray or brush?
• Are there state taxes on parts and labor? Consumables and freight charges? Are they included?
• Are support services like NDT, machining services, and hydrostatic testing included?
• Is tool rental included or an additional charge?

Contact Your Duncan Aviation Airframe Service Sales Reps

Avionics

• Are engineering fees included?
• Are additional mods required to complete the workscope, like relocating antennae?
• Does the proposal include just the baseline package or outline optional features of the system being installed?
• Does the MRO include other recommended options based on feedback from other operators who have installed the system?

Contact Your Duncan Aviation Avionics Service Sales Reps

Paint

• The number of variables that impact a quote for paint and interior completions work is nearly inexhaustible.
• In addition to the base paint quote, does the proposal include painting the entry air stair?
• Does that include replacing the step tread or masking around it?
• How many stripes and stripe colors are included?
• Are metallic stripes an up-charge?
• Is there design support if the paint scheme is changing?
• What are the options for requesting a custom or second base color, wing color, tail color, or logo?
• Is painting of the wheels and landing gear included?
• What is the warranty?

Contact Your Duncan Aviation Aircraft Paint Sales Reps

Interior

Aircraft interiors is an area where it can be difficult to gauge the extra effort and care that might go into the project but isn’t clearly represented by a number. Clarify if your interior proposal includes:

• Is the foam replaced during the seat upholstery or just the dress covers?
• What type of material is being quoted for the upholstery of the divan, leather or fabric?
• Is rewebbing of the seatbelts included in the upholstery of the seats and divan?
• If it is a partial interior, and the leather color changes, are all the leather items quoted for recovery (curtains, entry door shrouds, lavatory seat, etc.)?
• Is the carpet being replaced hand-made or machine-made? Is the carpet pad being replaced, and if so, is the new pad being installed equivalent to the existing pad, or does it provide additional thermal or acoustical qualities?

Contact Your Duncan Aviation Aircraft Interior Sales Reps

Engine

Always provide your logbooks up front. Doing so will get you an accurate quote on Service Bulletins, life-limited component replacements, and required Airworthiness Directives.

For non-program engines determine what level of service is being quoting. If only quoted the lowest minimums available for the engine, you can bet you will end up paying more in the end. Always ask the MRO to be up front about the expected expenses and the parts and other components that typically need replacement.

In addition to the base engine overhaul price, ask if the quote includes:

• Service Bulletin status
• Life-limited component replacement
• Airworthiness Directives
• Shipping charges
• Discrepancies

Contact Your Duncan Aviation Engine Service Sales Reps

You Play A Part

Evaluating the many quotes you receive while preparing for an aircraft service event can be an overwhelming experience.

Ultimately, the success and satisfaction of a maintenance event is a team effort. You are as much a part of the team and its success as we are.

Bottom line…call and allow us the opportunity to walk you through the quote so you can better understand the proposal details as well as the ultimate workscope.