How to scrap my 1973 C337G

edasmus · #1 Today, 11:24 AM

Hi all....

I am considering options on how to retire my Skymaster that I have been operating since 2002. I'm leaning towards simply retiring it from service. My question is, how do I do this responsibly? I do not want to park it in the weeds as I would prefer to deliver it to a salvage yard as there are many serviceable parts that could be used. Can anyone recommend a salvage yard that would accept my airplane? I operate from the Chicago area and the closer to Chicago, the better. I would simply fly the airplane to the salvage company, assuming they had a suitable runway for me to land on.

Thanks in advance for your feedback.

Ed

MD83driver · #2 Today, 11:30 AM

I am sorry to hear that you are considering the retirement of you plane. I would suggest you contact BAS Parts Sales in Greely, CO. I have gotten many parts from them to keep my P337H flying. They just purchased White Industries in Bates City, MO. There is a long gravel runway on their facility, about 4,500 feet. I have actually flown in there many moons ago. Best of luck.

edasmus · #3 Today, 05:23 PM

I appreciate your suggestion. I’ll check that one out.

My airplane is currently in for the annual inspection. I have lost my on field maintenance facility that I have been working with for nearly 30 years and they have done all 22 years of maintenance on my C337. I flew the airplane to an airport away from my home airport for the inspection where one of my technicians opened his own shop. The rest of the folks have dispersed including some leaving aviation all together. My primary IA who’s been with me since day one is to begin part time work (as I understand it) at another facility on my home field however that shop caters to the “big iron” and scheduling is more than a year in advance. Not a viable option as I see it. He’s nearing his retirement as well.

So, if/when my plane returns from the annual inspection (they’re quite backed up and short on staffing), I’ll have a year to figure out how to retire my airplane. Continued operation does not seem practical in the maintenance world we live in. 😞

Any and all suggestions will be appreciated.