- Does Savvy manage pre-buys?
- Does Savvy manage aircraft upgrade projects (e.g., avionics, paint, interior)?
- Does Savvy manage maintenance of Part 135 aircraft? Multiengine turbine aircraft? Large aircraft over 12,500 pounds MGTOW?
- Does Savvy manage maintenance of aircraft located outside of the United States?
- Does Savvy manage aircraft restorations?
- Does Savvy manage maintenance of airplanes on leaseback to an FBO or flight school?
- Does Savvy manage the maintenance of homebuilts, kitplanes, warbirds, or other aircraft in the experimental category?
- Does Savvy manage the maintenance of antique, classic, or contemporary aircraft?
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Does Savvy manage pre-buys?
Yes we do, provided the client intends to place the aircraft under Savvy management if and when the purchase is consummated. We charge a flat-rate fee for managing a pre-buy that varies with the complexity of the aircraft involved. In most cases, we charge a fee equal to our standard annual management fee for the type of aircraft, and then credit 50% of that fee against your first year management fee if you purchase the aircraft and place it under Savvy management. We ask you to complete and sign a simple letter agreement that defines what you can expect us to do during the pre-buy. If you are interested in having Savvy manage a pre-buy for you, please contact us and we'll send you a customized letter agreement and answer any questions you may have.
Does Savvy manage aircraft upgrade projects (e.g., avionics, paint, interior)?
Yes we do, for aircraft that are under Savvy management. However, major upgrades and other major repairs and alterations are not covered by Savvy's standard annual management fee. We charge a modest supplemental flat-rate fee for managing your upgrade. Such fees generally vary between 50% and 100% of our standard annual management fee for the class of aircraft involved.
For most upgrade projects, our management fee is less than the sales tax. As always, you can anticipate that we will very likely save you considerably more money in reduced parts and labor cost than what we charge you to manage the project.
For avionics upgrades, we evaluate and recommend avionics shops, secure and evaluate competitive bids, assist with panel layout design, and manage each phase of the upgrade process.
Does Savvy manage maintenance of Part 135 aircraft? Multiengine turbine aircraft? Large aircraft over 12,500 pounds MGTOW?
No, we don't. The maintenance of aircraft in these three categories fall under a different set of FAA regulations that severely limit Savvy's ability to depart from the manufacturer's maintenance program. It is difficult for us to "earn our fee" for such aircraft, so we stay away from them.
Does Savvy manage maintenance of airplanes on leaseback to an FBO or flight school?
Generally no. Most such leaseback arrangements provide that the FBO or flight school to which the aircraft is leased back have dictatorial control over the maintenance of the aircraft, giving Savvy very little leverage to influence the way maintenance is done. Leaseback arrangements also often fail to meet Savvy's insurance requirements. If you believe this does not apply to your leaseback situation, please contact us and we'll discuss it with you and see if we agree.
Does Savvy manage maintenance of aircraft located outside of the United States?
It depends. If the aircraft is not US-registered and its maintenance falls under the jurisdication of a non-US civil authority, we cannot manage its maintenance. However, we can offer a consultancy arrangement where we work with you but you handle the interface with your maintenance provider.
If the aircraft is N-registered and its maintenance falls under the US FARs (Part 43 and Part 91), and if it is maintained in shops staffed by mechanics who can communicate with us fluently in English, then we can manage the maintenance even if the aircraft is based outside the US.
Does Savvy manage aircraft restorations?
Generally not. However, for aircraft under Savvy management, we do manage repairs of gear-up landing damage, prop strikes, and other accidental damage covered by insurance.
Major repairs of this sort are not covered by Savvy's standard annual management fee. We charge a modest supplemental flat-rate fee for managing the upgrade. Such fees generally vary between 50% and 100% of our standard annual management fee for the class of aircraft involved.
Does Savvy manage the maintenance of homebuilts, kitplanes, warbirds, or other aircraft in the experimental category?
No, we don't. We manage only aircraft that have a standard US airworthiness certificate.
Does Savvy manage the maintenance of antique, classic, or contemporary aircraft?
Generally not. Savvy reserves the right to decline to manage the maintenance of any aircraft manufactured prior to 1970. We do evaluate these on a case-by-case basis, with strong emphasis on determining whether or not the aircraft still has factory support and parts availability. For example, we will sometimes accept a late-60s-vintage Bonanza or Cessna because those aircraft are still well-supported by the manufacturer and most parts are still readily available. When in doubt, please contact us for a determination before you sign up.
(EAA presently defines aircraft built before 1945 as "antique," from 1945 to 1955 as "classic," and from 1956 and 1970 as "contemporary." EAA updates these definitions from time to time.)
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