Comparing Aircraft Maintenance Quotes The Right Way

For a better idea on what items you need to check on, read the discussion points below. If you bring these up to your sales representative, you’re not only avoiding sticker shock, you’re also enabling more transparent communication between you and your supplier.
 
Paint
 
There are many variables that can influence your quote when it comes to applying paint to an aircraft’s exterior. Be sure to ask if stripes and stripe colors are included in the paint job, along with paint on the wheels and landing gear. Some people might assume that they are included but as each repair station is operated differently, that is not always the case.
 
Engine
 
In order to get the most accurate quote for engine work, it’s crucial that you promptly provide your logbook. The logbook gives the repair station all the details and history they need to ensure that they cover every sector of the aircraft, including required airworthiness directives, service bulletins, and life-limited component replacements. Before any work starts, it’s also important to note the level of service that you’re being quoted for the base engine overhaul manual price because if you’re being quoted the lowest minimum for an engine, then you’ll probably be paying more towards the end of service work.
 
Landing Gear
 
A landing gear quote will often come in different price packages, the most popular being the Not To Exceed (NTE). When you get an NTE price structure, that means you receive the assurance that the final number you pay will not exceed your quote. There is also Standard and Firm Fixed. The former refers to all the labor that will be necessary to perform inspection or overhaul, while the latter entails that you be handed a final bill before gear arrival. For Firm Fixed, your quote will often come with a no bill back guarantee. Before finalizing and agreeing to a quote, you should also be sure to note any contract exclusions, the labor flat rate, and if your quote includes shipping costs for outsourced components.