M.E. Borner wrote:

I give $200 to the line team and $200 to the maintenance team (2
separate operations). Besides helping these guys out (particularly the
line crew) they are always looking out for me.

The line team are up to the plane with a tug to push it back to the
hanger before I even shut down, they help get stuff to the car with the
cart whenever we return with a full load, they plug in the engine
heaters whenever I call. When it snows my hanger always seems to have
that extra foot of snow that the plow can't reach cleared away when
others don't so I don't have to chip it away after it turns into an ice
block. When I had recent starting problems they worked with me and the
power cart for a long time - no charge for the APU or the time. These
guys go way above and beyond and it should be recognized.

The maintenance team always can fit me in at a moments notice. The work
is thorough and neat. They always have time to answer a question and if
I need to borrow the odd tool or so they can always accommodate. I
realize that most of these maintenance plusses are expected service but
so are many other things you generally tip for. I look at the
maintenance tip as insurance that they will be there for me when I need
it. So far it has worked.


I'd say you are getting a very good deal for you $400. You don't see
this level of service very often in GA these days.


Matt