Love it, Mike. Thanks for sharing. You have a blessed life.

So cool!

What do you guys look for when considering a 501? I’m looking for “lower” airframe & engine time (<8000 TT), at least 700hrs until OH and recent hot sections. Paint and interior are probably lowest priority on my list. Prefer decent avionics (GTN 750 at minimum, prefer 2).

What I feel unsure about is the big items I should be looking at on the maintenance tracker. What are the items you definitely want to see done or the big items that may be coming due soon that I should keep a look out for?

Beside the engines themselves and avionics, here are some big ticket items that come to mind for me:
Starter-generators
ACM
Thrust reversers, if applicable
Bleed air valves
Hydraulic pumps, actuators, valves

I spead as an engineer, not an owner, operator, or mechanic.

$1600 to OH.


$12K to overhaul the turbine, lasts 5000 hours typically.


I've not had a problem with mine so I don't know the cost.


Somewhat costly to replace.


Salvage pumps are reasonably cheap. Actuators and valves are pricey. There's no way to know what is about to break here.

I would put windows, brakes, and composite control surfaces higher than much of the above list.

Mike C.