Looking for an A&P - Chicago area - Beech A60

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USAF-LT-G

Pre-takeoff checklist
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USAF-LT-G
I didn't think this was going to be a big challenge, but it's proving it to be, and I'm looking for some help.

I'm trying to find an A&P, preferably an on-site one that know's the Beech Duke or at least the Barons. I'm in the middle of buying / hanger'ing a late 1973 Serial model that's been pretty well maintained and was planning to station her at KLOT (Lewis University Airport).

I am very mechanically inclined and plan to do as much maintenance as I can, and one of the reasons I'd like to station it at KLOT is because #1 I'm an alum, #2 it's an FAA Certified A&P school, and #3 I plan to get my A&P at some point in the future.

I'd like to find an A&P who's willing to allow owner assisted annuals and what have you, and someone in the area. However, this is my first real aircraft purchase and I'm having difficulty finding someone I can go to. Jim Fineman is at 3CK, but he hasn't worked on a Duke in 7-10 years, and worked on some earlier models. Midwest Avtech out of Peru, Illinois (quiote a haul) flat out told me they had limited experience, and they don't allow owner assisted stuff.

Any assistance would be great!
 
Ok... apparently I take it everyone is not a fan of the Duke. I'll take my question elsewhere.
 
USAF-LT-G said:
Ok... apparently I take it everyone is not a fan of the Duke. I'll take my question elsewhere.
Click to expand...

Just like any airplane, you’ll find the people that love and hate them. I think you’re going to find some of the same responses elsewhere too.

I think you’re already discovering one of the shortcomings of the breed. There are few enough of them around that few mechanics have much experience with them.

Do you have a flight instructor lined up to provide training yet? Perhaps you should ask them for shop recommendations. Surely the experienced Duke instructors should know what shops are experienced with these airplanes.
 
hindsight2020 said:
You bought a duke? Oh I'm subbing this thread. This is gonna be good. Stand by weapons release in 3...2....

:D
Click to expand...
And it's an A model!!!
(Actually, I'm a fan of the Duke, if not its fuel consumption stats.)
 
I'm surprised that Finefield turned you away, given the beech parts commonality, plus the plane's reputation for liking shops. I don't think he would enjoy owner-assisting anyway, but I feel he should still be a shop of consideration in a pinch.

I'd probably join Duke Flyers if I were you, and skip the hyenas and their tired memes. Worth the $99 to get a network of folks interested and educated in the type.

$0.02
 
Popular Grove airmotive not Chicago but close and maybe worth a call.
 
I think they’re are plenty of fans of the Duke on POA. I love the Duke. I’d just hate to see the cost of the annual and what insuring one goes for. :(
 
I love me some Duke-age! I might be sending you on a chase, but last I knew, Wild Bill Halpin would be a good resource. He might be still at KFCM, near KMSP, but it might be worth a call regardless. He and I have spent plenty of time in Dukes nether regions.

https://www.flyhba.com/maintenance
Office number 952 nine four four 2628

He's a great man, and taught me more than I can thank him for.

El Duke-o is a hell of a plane so long as it has vg's skegs, wingtips, intercoolers, and fuel. Flies awesome above blue line, and looks like it's going 200kts in the hangar. La Duké isn't that special of a maintenance hog, just as easy to work on as any P twin. Them there engines are badarse tho, I miss 41.5" @ 2900 rpm and the Duke "howl".

PM me if you wish.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G891A using Tapatalk
 
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