Ground looped my 180 in Bella Coola this past week. Damaged left wing tip (Hoerner), bulkhead, aileron and aft top skin. Bummer for sure.

Need to recover aircraft back to the states (Longview, WA). As of now, I'm talking with Aaron of Sealand Avation out of Campbell River to have them come to Bella Coola, break down the aircraft and trailer it back south.

Anyone else have any experience that could comment on Sealand's quality of service or maybe other companies that could trailer my 180 back to Washington? So far, I've heard nothing but fine reports about Sealand's work.

Sealand is fairly local to me. I've only heard good things about them. With current exchange rates they may even be a good choice for the repair job.

Agreed. Have them do the repair.

Sealand have a solid reputation around here. I’m a 20 min flight from them if I can help in any way.

Man o man.... that sucks to hear. Sorry brother! Good luck with the repairs.

Greg-

Sorry to hear about this. What a beautiful backdrop for repairs, though.

It could have happened in a much worse place.

I am sure that you have explored this but I seem to remember being told that Sealand has a ferry pilot who is extremely resourceful. Is that an option to get it to them?

Fly in a "loner" wing a take her out on a "ferry permit".

Very good advise Maplefit. Over the years I have seen disassembled airplanes go away for a long time before coming back to life. The desire for prettier fabric has killed a many good airplanes.

I am sorry for your troubles. It can happen to any of us.

I have fortunately never had to deal with the scenario that you face, but if I did I would call Scott Mauch at Beegle's in Greeley, Colorado. They do lots of repairs like this. Also, might it be possible to leave the rest of the 180 in Bella Coola while you get the wing redone and then reattach it in Bella Coola? Would save you the trouble of trucking the whole airplane back to the states.

Good luck.

I'm suspect that for the cost of trucking, repairs, downtime etc you could just buy a serviceable wing "remove & replace" the slightly modified one on site and fly her home. Thereafter have the modified wing repaired back to spec and sell it to recover some of the outlay for the replacement.

I would get a "special flight permit, straighten the wingtip accordingly, and fly her to Sealand and let them do the wing.

Ive had 180, 206, and even bent a 208 tip down with a come a long and a pickup truck, we bent the wing tips back, sheetmetal and rivets as required, and flew them to maintenance often 300-500 miles..

Need to check the aft wing attach area for buckling.

A hand full of these slightly less bent I've repaired with the wing on.

Ah, does Canada allow for a special flight permit?


Rocket

rocket wrote:I would get a "special flight permit, straighten the wingtip accordingly, and fly her to Sealand and let them do the wing.

Ive had 180, 206, and even bent a 208 tip down with a come a long and a pickup truck, we bent the wing tips back, sheetmetal and rivets as required, and flew them to maintenance often 300-500 miles..

Need to check the aft wing attach area for buckling.

A hand full of these slightly less bent I've repaired with the wing on.

Ah, does Canada allow for a special flight permit?


Rocket

Yes, once the FAA has issued the flight permit it gets submitted to TC for their approval. TC may add additional operational limitations they deem suitable and applicable for flight in Canadian airspace.

Sorry to hear


Per the repair I’d enjoy the conversion rate

Majmetro wrote:Ground looped my 180 in Bella Coola this past week. Damaged left wing tip (Hoerner), bulkhead, aileron and aft top skin. Bummer for sure.

Need to recover aircraft back to the states (Longview, WA). As of now, I'm talking with Aaron of Sealand Avation out of Campbell River to have them come to Bella Coola, break down the aircraft and trailer it back south.

Anyone else have any experience that could comment on Sealand's quality of service or maybe other companies that could trailer my 180 back to Washington? So far, I've heard nothing but fine reports about Sealand's work.

I went to college with Aaron 30 years ago. Stand up guy - very experienced AME.

NineThreeKilo wrote:Sorry to hear


Per the repair I’d enjoy the conversion rate

Does this ever actually work out in Americans' favor? Seems like many parts and supplies originate in the states anyway and it's all a wash. Do Canadian shop rates work out to be less?

Zzz wrote:

NineThreeKilo wrote:Sorry to hear


Per the repair I’d enjoy the conversion rate

Does this ever actually work out in Americans' favor? Seems like many parts and supplies originate in the states anyway and it's all a wash. Do Canadian shop rates work out to be less?

I haven’t had anything done aviation wise up there, but I did buy a car, and used to party in MTL, Twas a pretty sweet deal with the conversion and all

Zzz wrote:

NineThreeKilo wrote:Sorry to hear


Per the repair I’d enjoy the conversion rate

Does this ever actually work out in Americans' favor? Seems like many parts and supplies originate in the states anyway and it's all a wash. Do Canadian shop rates work out to be less?

I know when the exchange rate is strongly favoring the US, my buddies do a booming business fabricating farm equipment for American customers. A lot of steel comes in from Asia, so in their case it's valuable US dollars paying unchanged Canadian shop rates.

Fraser Farmer wrote:

Zzz wrote:

NineThreeKilo wrote:Sorry to hear


Per the repair I’d enjoy the conversion rate

Does this ever actually work out in Americans' favor? Seems like many parts and supplies originate in the states anyway and it's all a wash. Do Canadian shop rates work out to be less?

I know when the exchange rate is strongly favoring the US, my buddies do a booming business fabricating farm equipment for American customers. A lot of steel comes in from Asia, so in their case it's valuable US dollars paying unchanged Canadian shop rates.

It’s been better, but still not shabby

Sealand is first class, I've known the owner, Bill Alder, since the mid-eighties. Repair like your wing is routine for them, and they skilled and efficient at recovery. Bella Coola Airport to the ferry terminal is only 10 miles, and Port Hardy to Sealand is only another 3 hr drive. Ferry runs Tues, Sat. at least until next month. Easy, not like it's at the bottom of a lake- which they also do.