Savvy Stories

Hear real-life stories of problems experienced by aircraft owners and how Savvy helped resolve them.
Some names have been changed for privacy.

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Savvy Stories

Faulty Compression Gauge Nearly Leads to Six Cylinder Removals

by Mike Busch | October 8, 2026 | Savvy Stories

Savvy’s insistence on better data helped an owner avoid unnecessary cylinder removal and potentially significant expense. When “Tim” brought his Cessna TU206F in for routine maintenance, a compression check suddenly raised a major concern. All six cylinders on the Continental...

One Dead Cylinder Far From Home

by Mike Busch | September 25, 2026 | Savvy Stories

Savvy helped keep a straightforward ignition problem from becoming a much bigger and more expensive repair. Ryan was far from home in Canada when his Cirrus SR20 developed a serious problem during runup. On the left magneto, cylinder No. 4’s...

Aircraft Owner Saves About $8,000 by Avoiding Unnecessary Cylinder Removal

by Mike Busch | August 24, 2026 | Savvy Stories

Engine problems can be some of the most expensive maintenance events an aircraft owner faces. That’s why getting a second opinion from experts who understand engine health can make all the difference. We’ll call this aircraft owner George. During a...

Cirrus Owner Avoid Unnecessary $12,000 Cylinder Replacement

by Mike Busch | June 12, 2026 | Savvy Stories

When a Cirrus SR22T owner brought his aircraft in for annual inspection, one item on the shop’s discrepancy list immediately stood out: two cylinders were reported with low compression readings, and the shop recommended replacing both cylinders at a quoted...

Malibu Owner Saves $16,000 During Annual Inspection

by Mike Busch | April 24, 2026 | Savvy Stories

When the owner of a Piper PA-46—who we’ll call Dave—received notice that his annual inspection was due, he didn’t yet have a shop lined up. He wanted Savvy involved from the very beginning. He also asked whether Savvy could review...

Piper Aerostar Owner Avoids $30,000 in Window Replacements

by Mike Busch | February 23, 2026 | Savvy Stories

During maintenance on his Piper Aerostar 602P, an aircraft owner—who we’ll call Paul—was told that eight windows showed signs of crazing and would need to be replaced immediately, at a cost exceeding $30,000. Unsure whether such an expensive repair was...

Cirrus SR20 Buyer Reduces Purchase Price by $21,000

by Mike Busch | January 28, 2026 | Savvy Stories

When a prospective aircraft purchaser arranges for a prebuy examination, the objective is two-fold: to uncover any big-ticket issues with the aircraft, and to ensure that the cost of correcting them is properly allocated between the buyer and the seller....

The $54,000 Maintenance Scare and How SavvyMx Set It Straight

by Mike Busch | December 9, 2025 | Savvy Stories

A true story of smart maintenance management. When a Cirrus SR22TN owner was told his camshaft was failing and a $54,000 engine overhaul was required, he turned to SavvyMx before signing the work order. What happened next shows exactly...

Owner Avoids $33,000 in Unnecessary Work During Annual

by Mike Busch | December 9, 2025 | Savvy Stories

A true story of smart maintenance management. When aircraft owner “David” brought his Cirrus SR22 in for its annual inspection at a large maintenance facility, he braced himself for a hefty bill. The shop’s initial estimate totaled over $54,000, citing numerous...

Owner Saved from a $40,000 Engine Overhaul

by Mike Busch | December 9, 2025 | Savvy Stories

A true story of smart maintenance management. When aircraft owner Mark received an oil analysis showing elevated iron levels, he feared the worst. His maintenance shop recommended an engine teardown to inspect the camshaft and lifters—work that could have cost tens of thousands...

Savvy Stories

Faulty Compression Gauge Nearly Leads to Six Cylinder Removals

One Dead Cylinder Far From Home

Aircraft Owner Saves About $8,000 by Avoiding Unnecessary Cylinder Removal

Cirrus Owner Avoid Unnecessary $12,000 Cylinder Replacement

Malibu Owner Saves $16,000 During Annual Inspection

Piper Aerostar Owner Avoids $30,000 in Window Replacements

Cirrus SR20 Buyer Reduces Purchase Price by $21,000

The $54,000 Maintenance Scare and How SavvyMx Set It Straight

Owner Avoids $33,000 in Unnecessary Work During Annual

Owner Saved from a $40,000 Engine Overhaul

Persistence Pays

Stands Behind His Work?

Instant Gratification

The Data Doesn’t Lie

Engine Making Metal

Borescope Believer

Caribbean Crisis Averted

FEVA 2.1: Latest Advance inExhaust Valve Failure Prediction

Damage Below Deck

Takeoff Emergency,Engine Shaking Badly

Nipped in the Bud

The Great Beyond (TBO)

Funky EGT

Prebuy Showstopper

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