Retired A&P, I.A. here. If you're wary of the Janitrol Heater there is a company that will overhaul it and install a ceramic burner can that eliminates the recurring decay test. Ask your I.A. to check into that. It will be worth the peace of mind. Otherwise, get a digital CO detector (one for hanging in your home) and throw it under the front seat, near a heat vent. It will go off if it sniffs a problem. Finally, if the heater fails to relight during cycling, do not try to restart it in the air. Ask Ricky Nelson about that one. BTW, I used to charge $50 an hour but I was so ashamed of the price of parts that I sold them at my cost, or let the customer shop online for them and bring them in. After watching your flying, I can tell your situation awareness is where it should be.
What an excellent and helpful comment. Thank you so much for writing all of those suggestions down, and I'll definitely have to touch base with Ricky one day to get the backstory here.
Very informative! I’m at the age when I’m all nostalgic about beautiful Aztecs and Bonanzas (your Aztec is a gem!), and love to experience aviation vicariously. I doubt I’ll ever own another plane, and get a real pleasure from your family adventures.
Got a good laugh out of your Janitrol heater comment, I always had that same apprehension about deliberately starting a fire in the nose of the Baron. Fortunately for us, Kelly Aerospace, the company that once owned Janitrol, was our next door hangar neighbor at KMGM. Now owned by Hartzell but they are still in town.
Whew 10K not bad. My IA use to own y Aztec so I am hoping my first annual we be reasonable. I have budgeted 20K because I have some light avionic work planned, but we will see.
Hope you get your CFI one day. You're very clear and concise with your presentation. The screen was difficult to read but your words made up for it. Thanks for helping me with the decision to stick with my Lance instead of upgrading to the Aztruck
In regard to the CFI, I'm planning on it. I'd like to be able to log some time for the kids when they start flying. As much as I love our Aztec... it's certainly not an inexpensive airplane to fly around. Wishing you many more years of Lance flying!
@@DoubleDawgDare thanks. Need to keep the Boeing flying to keep the Lance flying. Totally worth it. I still instruct on the side for fun so I keep my fingers and toes in both airline and GA flying! Keep up the amazing videos
Now you're just making me jealous. If you're flying around in a Boeing, the name V1Rotate makes more sense. I was curious about the backstory for your name. Also, I'm happy to hear you're still instructing. I'm sure there's students in GA that appreciate and benefit from your experience. As an aside, if haven't seen the channel "74Gear", you might like that one as well.
We have owned our 1977 Aztec F for 13 years and I would say your first annual since purchase was just about right. I just replaced my landing gear power pack as well. We normally do most of the annual inspections ourselves here at home, which eliminates some of the labor cost. Then we have a PA-23 expert come look at it. I replaced the Janitrol heater fuel valve recently also, and I agree 100%, passengers wearing jackets, works for me!
I was thrilled to get out of the annual at just 10k - I was expecting worse. I love my Aztec as much as the next guy, but these power packs... what a killer. Those things are pricey.
No doubt. I've been really happy with my mechanic in Sebastian. Great group of Piper experts in Sebastian and very reasonable prices. P.S. I've always liked the Bristell; hope it's treating you well.
I have flown a bunch of twins, the heaters are safe. But up in the northeast, I have a greater reason to trust them. Plus I have a new one installed with less than 50 hours on it. So I am good for a little while. Yes it cost over $10K to replace it with a new one. Rebuilt is not for me.
Glad you enjoyed it! The A&P we use is Clyde (and his team) with Bradley Aviation in Sebastian, FL. They’re always busy, but they’re fantastic and worth the wait!
Well accomplished, informative video. After considering the Beechcraft Stagger-Wing, the Piper Aztec is the next most classic, beautifully looking aircraft. Wouldn't it be great if a similar looking new Piper Aztec with battery electric power would be built for thousands of G.A. enthusiasts to own and/or admire?
I do love a Beechcraft Staggerwing and agree regarding the Aztec. While we love the plane we've got, I look forward to the evolution of new aviation technology. Electric power aircraft are getting more and more exciting by the year.
Dang, 160 hours flown from a Ortho. That’s awesome! You guys (docs in general) are kind of known for buying very capable aircraft (like your Aztec) and only logging a few dozen hours a year. I fly a Bonanza. As you know, the old V-tails have a rather famous nickname that had very little to do with the aircraft. Keep up the hours…and the content.
You're absolutely right about doctors. We certainly do not have a reputation for being safe and competent pilots. In my own small way, I'm hoping to help change that narrative over time. I just finished up an IFR and night proficiency flight with my preferred instructor. Flying is high stakes, and I try to keep my skills as fresh and polished as possible, especially as I drag my family along with me most of the time. I love a V-tail - awesome aircraft and just stunning looks. It was never the plane that was the problem with their reputation, and we both know that.
I really enjoyed this one. Always curious about the cost of annuals on other planes. I just did my Bonanza in April for the first time and it was $ 8500. My biggest cost other than the flat rate on the annual was a cracked landing gear part. I didn't run into the 500 hour mag checks yet, as the engine is relatively new with about 120 hours on it. If you're ever coming to JaxEx at Craig (KCRG), give me a heads-up. I'll try to meet up and buy you and the family lunch or dinner. I just moved up here a couple years ago from Hobe Sound.
I thought the other aviation enthusiasts, especially pilots, would enjoy this video. Annual inspections can be a funny thing - you know you need it done, and it's good to have an expert take a look, but the surprise costs can be a real killer. We're so happy our's went well and the plane has been behaved since. In regard to lunch/dinner, thank you very much for the invite! We may just take you up on the offer one day. I'll certainly let you know if we're ever headed into KCRG.
@@gorgly123 Ouch. It is nice to see them coming down though. I have heard similar (~15-20k) for the P Barons, but what a great aircraft otherwise. I hope you continue to enjoy it.
Unfortunately, it will probably be another two or three until we've got another video, but more are coming soon. I hope the birthday for your son went well!
Sorry, but no. The videos contain images of myself and my family and for various reasons, we're not currently giving permission to any person or any other entity to reuse our content. Thank you for understanding.
Retired A&P, I.A. here. If you're wary of the Janitrol Heater there is a company that will overhaul it and install a ceramic burner can that eliminates the recurring decay test. Ask your I.A. to check into that. It will be worth the peace of mind. Otherwise, get a digital CO detector (one for hanging in your home) and throw it under the front seat, near a heat vent. It will go off if it sniffs a problem. Finally, if the heater fails to relight during cycling, do not try to restart it in the air. Ask Ricky Nelson about that one. BTW, I used to charge $50 an hour but I was so ashamed of the price of parts that I sold them at my cost, or let the customer shop online for them and bring them in. After watching your flying, I can tell your situation awareness is where it should be.
What an excellent and helpful comment. Thank you so much for writing all of those suggestions down, and I'll definitely have to touch base with Ricky one day to get the backstory here.
I use the heater on most flights, it works great. It gets inspected every year at annual. Check out C77 on your way to OSH this year.
Very informative! I’m at the age when I’m all nostalgic about beautiful Aztecs and Bonanzas (your Aztec is a gem!), and love to experience aviation vicariously. I doubt I’ll ever own another plane, and get a real pleasure from your family adventures.
Well thank you very much. Lovely comment and we're so happy you enjoy our videos! We'll keep the videos coming.
Got a good laugh out of your Janitrol heater comment, I always had that same apprehension about deliberately starting a fire in the nose of the Baron. Fortunately for us, Kelly Aerospace, the company that once owned Janitrol, was our next door hangar neighbor at KMGM. Now owned by Hartzell but they are still in town.
I don't think I'll ever fully trust that heater, but one of these days, I'll have to finally attempt to use it.
Thanks for putting this together. Very helpful and well presented.
No problem. We’re just glad you enjoyed it and found it helpful.
Whew 10K not bad. My IA use to own y Aztec so I am hoping my first annual we be reasonable. I have budgeted 20K because I have some light avionic work planned, but we will see.
I was pretty happy with 10K and I agree, it could definitely be worse. Let us know how yours plays out. Good luck!
Wishing you all the best in 2022! Cheers from Canada!
Same to you! Thanks so much!
Excited for the next year of DDD adventures
Thanks man. We appreciate it. We're looking forward to your posts as well.
Hope you get your CFI one day. You're very clear and concise with your presentation. The screen was difficult to read but your words made up for it.
Thanks for helping me with the decision to stick with my Lance instead of upgrading to the Aztruck
In regard to the CFI, I'm planning on it. I'd like to be able to log some time for the kids when they start flying. As much as I love our Aztec... it's certainly not an inexpensive airplane to fly around. Wishing you many more years of Lance flying!
@@DoubleDawgDare thanks. Need to keep the Boeing flying to keep the Lance flying. Totally worth it. I still instruct on the side for fun so I keep my fingers and toes in both airline and GA flying! Keep up the amazing videos
Now you're just making me jealous. If you're flying around in a Boeing, the name V1Rotate makes more sense. I was curious about the backstory for your name.
Also, I'm happy to hear you're still instructing. I'm sure there's students in GA that appreciate and benefit from your experience. As an aside, if haven't seen the channel "74Gear", you might like that one as well.
We have owned our 1977 Aztec F for 13 years and I would say your first annual since purchase was just about right. I just replaced my landing gear power pack as well. We normally do most of the annual inspections ourselves here at home, which eliminates some of the labor cost. Then we have a PA-23 expert come look at it. I replaced the Janitrol heater fuel valve recently also, and I agree 100%, passengers wearing jackets, works for me!
I was thrilled to get out of the annual at just 10k - I was expecting worse. I love my Aztec as much as the next guy, but these power packs... what a killer. Those things are pricey.
Wow, my 2 seat Bristell annual this year was 5500 with a Rotax that isn't bad at all.
No doubt. I've been really happy with my mechanic in Sebastian. Great group of Piper experts in Sebastian and very reasonable prices. P.S. I've always liked the Bristell; hope it's treating you well.
@@DoubleDawgDare love it so far, fits my current mission
I have flown a bunch of twins, the heaters are safe. But up in the northeast, I have a greater reason to trust them. Plus I have a new one installed with less than 50 hours on it. So I am good for a little while. Yes it cost over $10K to replace it with a new one. Rebuilt is not for me.
10K for a heater - Wow! It'd be cheaper to move to Florida.
Thank you for the video, very informative. Can you pass me the information on the A&P that did your anuual? Thanks!
Glad you enjoyed it! The A&P we use is Clyde (and his team) with Bradley Aviation in Sebastian, FL. They’re always busy, but they’re fantastic and worth the wait!
@@DoubleDawgDare Thanks! will keep him in mind
Great video
Really glad you enjoyed it!
Well accomplished, informative video. After considering the Beechcraft Stagger-Wing, the Piper Aztec is the next most classic, beautifully looking aircraft. Wouldn't it be great if a similar looking new Piper Aztec with battery electric power would be built for thousands of G.A. enthusiasts to own and/or admire?
I do love a Beechcraft Staggerwing and agree regarding the Aztec. While we love the plane we've got, I look forward to the evolution of new aviation technology. Electric power aircraft are getting more and more exciting by the year.
Dang, 160 hours flown from a Ortho. That’s awesome! You guys (docs in general) are kind of known for buying very capable aircraft (like your Aztec) and only logging a few dozen hours a year. I fly a Bonanza. As you know, the old V-tails have a rather famous nickname that had very little to do with the aircraft. Keep up the hours…and the content.
You're absolutely right about doctors. We certainly do not have a reputation for being safe and competent pilots. In my own small way, I'm hoping to help change that narrative over time. I just finished up an IFR and night proficiency flight with my preferred instructor. Flying is high stakes, and I try to keep my skills as fresh and polished as possible, especially as I drag my family along with me most of the time. I love a V-tail - awesome aircraft and just stunning looks. It was never the plane that was the problem with their reputation, and we both know that.
I really enjoyed this one. Always curious about the cost of annuals on other planes. I just did my Bonanza in April for the first time and it was $ 8500. My biggest cost other than the flat rate on the annual was a cracked landing gear part. I didn't run into the 500 hour mag checks yet, as the engine is relatively new with about 120 hours on it. If you're ever coming to JaxEx at Craig (KCRG), give me a heads-up. I'll try to meet up and buy you and the family lunch or dinner. I just moved up here a couple years ago from Hobe Sound.
I thought the other aviation enthusiasts, especially pilots, would enjoy this video. Annual inspections can be a funny thing - you know you need it done, and it's good to have an expert take a look, but the surprise costs can be a real killer. We're so happy our's went well and the plane has been behaved since. In regard to lunch/dinner, thank you very much for the invite! We may just take you up on the offer one day. I'll certainly let you know if we're ever headed into KCRG.
Is it possible to change the engine oil without removing the entire cowling? How much time per engine?
It is. There are smaller access panels in the cowling that are quick to remove. Oil change for both engines, with two people working - 30min or so.
@@DoubleDawgDare guess I’ll be buying one 😎
Oh fuel bladders. I had 3 replaced. Guess what happened, yep the fourth one is leaking. Yeah.
Just got a new leak in the top of one of my inboard bladders myself. I bet you can guess what we'll be fixing some time this year.
@@DoubleDawgDare Yes mine was and inboard too. The Pilot side. LOL
I wish my annuals were only 10k.
Frankly, I was budgeting 15k. We were really happy with how it turned out! Given your comment... I'm almost afraid to ask how bad yours was...
@@DoubleDawgDare First 23k, 2nd 13k 3rd 11.6k. At least they are going in the right direction. 1980 P Baron.
@@gorgly123 Ouch. It is nice to see them coming down though. I have heard similar (~15-20k) for the P Barons, but what a great aircraft otherwise. I hope you continue to enjoy it.
I was waiting from 2 weeks
Unfortunately, it will probably be another two or three until we've got another video, but more are coming soon. I hope the birthday for your son went well!
It was great ☺️
You can visit nearest garden or on a beach
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Sorry, but no. The videos contain images of myself and my family and for various reasons, we're not currently giving permission to any person or any other entity to reuse our content. Thank you for understanding.