Let’s talk about looking for a good mechanic first. As in any profession, you’ll find varied degrees of competency. Just as in choosing a surgeon, you’ll want to avoid marginal competency and shoot for the elite, or as close to it as possible. Here are a few questions in the determination if whether a prospective mechanic is right for you. 

(In the interest of simplification and unencumbered continuity of thought, we will use the pronoun “he” as being asexual.)

1. Does he come recommended by other aircraft owners?
2. Do you hear from others that he does a satisfactory job?
3. Does he have experience in your type aircraft and is he qualified to work on your Rotax engine with the proper iRMT ratings?
4. Do you hear the prospects name brought up favorably in conversations?
5. When you talk to the prospect, is he friendly, helpful and patient before the subject of fees is discussed?
6. Ask the prospect if he has the service bulletins (SB’s) and all the manuals for your engine and fuselage on site?
7. Is your prospect familiar with the tips, tricks and technical procedures for your Rotax Engine as shown on the Rotax Owner Videos.
8. How many aircraft like yours has he worked on or inspected?
9. Does he keep you abreast of issues he found and answer your questions knowledgably?
10. What’s his philosophy regarding regular and preventive maintenance?
11. Is he a self absorbed mechanic, or open-minded to your ideas, suggestions, concerns and will he research problems including Rotax Owner videos and forum?
12. Does he use an inspection check list, discrepancy list and do accurate, detailed logbook label entries? (Possibly ask to see a couple of his labels and check lists)
13. Does he document well? It’s for your benefit as well as his legal protection.
14. Does he give you copies of the maintenance check list, or other documents for your personal file? This should be an absolute in case you need it for the FAA, insurance and the re-sale of your plane. You’re paying for the work, get it the way you want it not him.
15. Does he seem to have the proper tools and education for your particular plane?
16. Last, but not least and this item is not a real marker of the mechanic’s professionalism, but should be kept in the back of your mind. What is the charge? If the price sounds too good to be true then there may be a reason for it and you might get exactly what you paid for. Caveat emptor. Now I know this is not necessarily always true that’s why this is last consideration while looking for a mechanic that you have compatibility with and do the job that you expect and deserve.
17. Ask the prospect if he has access to the Service Bulletins

 Your life might be in the hands of the mechanic. Strive for one who displays all or most of the attributes shown above.

  The mechanic’s motto should be: If there is a problem with your aircraft, major or minor, I’m going to find it. Your safety is priority one. 
Due to a plane’s wear and tear, loosening of attachment items or just sitting for extended periods things change and it’s your mechanics job to find these. He needs to be a skilled hunter of problems and an organized repairman for these items.

  You’re probably already use or have used, a mechanic. Use these questions, and your own, to determine if he is right for you. If there are some areas about which you wish your mechanic would do better then sit down with him and explain your issues and concerns. You’re the boss. The right mechanic needs to live up to your expectations.

Life is full of choices. We chose doctors, lawyers expecting them to be honest; to work in our best interests; to be receptive to our needs. You fully expect understanding and consideration of your input. Chose your mechanic in the same way.


This was a long story and maybe I should have started it “Once upon a time”, but I hope this helps someone in having a good sound relationship with their mechanic and make their flying safe, reassuring and fun.