Manufacturers considering Fees for services...

[GAHorn]

It may be a sign of the times. Hawker Beechcraft has notified owners of "Classic" aircraft that they will no longer provide many support tasks which they formerly have provided without charge. In the near future, if you have an out-of-production model aircraft, such as older Bonanza's/Debonairs, etc etc., if you contact them for support or technical advice, you can expect a $125/hour fee for the service.

Doubtless, the other mfr's will notice this and likely will follow suit. (I anticipate this to be a boon for type-clubs such as ours which provide valuable technical support free-of-charge to it's members.)

Here's their notification letter:

Beechcraft Support Fee Letter.pdf

[blueldr]

Looks like sombody at Hawker-Beech just got a doctors bill and they're gonna get even. Don't most flying medics fly the famous "Forked Tail Doctor Killer?

[wingnut]

The formal letter may be new, but had this problem with Beech tech about 3 years ago on a P Baron. Can't use AC43.13 on pressurized aircraft, and the skin I needed was not available and had an indefinate lead time. I made all the proposed repair drawings, and they still pushed me to use a DER. Another way of limiting any liability on these older birds.

[Brad Brady]

It may be a sign of the times. Hawker Beechcraft has notified owners of "Classic" aircraft that they will no longer provide many support tasks which they formerly have provided without charge. In the near future, if you have an out-of-production model aircraft, such as older Bonanza's/Debonairs, etc etc., if you contact them for support or technical advice, you can expect a $125/hour fee for the service.

Doubtless, the other mfr's will notice this and likely will follow suit. (I anticipate this to be a boon for type-clubs such as ours which provide valuable technical support free-of-charge to it's members.)

Here's their notification letter:

Beechcraft Support Fee Letter.pdf

George,
I just called George Wilhemsen...A friend of mine, That wrights for several services,including the ABS ,EAA, Plane and Pilot..He never calls Beech for information...He, Like us uses something other, like the ABS for his needs. They,(the ABS), like us have found a better way than the manufacturer...Brad