Robert M. Gary wrote:

Its quite depressing to see my plane in so many pieces. I've also discovered that its extreamly irritating that the aircraft parts places are closed on weekends.

Agree with your general premise that owner participation is a plus, in a
lot of ways.

The "parts places closed on weekends" deal"....well, welcome to the
aviation industry mindset. I owned two airplanes, from the mid-80s till
last year, and I ran into that inconvenience repeatedly over the years,
when I became aware I needed stuff, but, the suppliers only were open
"banker's hours". So, even though they want usurious prices for what
they sell, they'll only do it when it's convenient. I find that
attitude quite arrogant.

They get away with it, obviously, because they, like all the rest of the
aviation "service" industry, are acutely aware that unless you source,
procure, and *PAY THROUGH YOUR *NOSE* FOR" all those items necessary for
"airworthiness", your airplane is GROUNDED. And, they *know* you don't
want to ground your airplane. It's a federally-sanctioned racket.

I sold my last airplane. I don't need that frustration. I haven't
missed it.