
Horton Aviation Services: Shop Policies & Terms
The following policies govern all maintenance, inspection, and repair services performed by Horton Aviation Services, FAA Part 145 Repair Station Certificate YHSR284L. These policies are established in accordance with 14 CFR Part 145 and our FAA-accepted Repair Station Manual (RSM). We encourage all customers to review these terms before scheduling service. Clear expectations protect both parties and ensure a professional working relationship built on regulatory compliance.
Prepurchase Inspections
The prepurchase inspection is often misunderstood. It is not a method to guarantee that nothing is about to fail on the aircraft, and it is not accompanied by a warranty. Before work begins, we sit down with you and agree on a defined scope of work. There is no single blanket document that constitutes an acceptable prepurchase scope of work. Depending on the buyer, the aircraft, and the deal terms, the extent of a prepurchase inspection may vary widely.
A typical scope of work will address the following items:
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Logbooks, documentation, and maintenance records review per 14 CFR 91.417 requirements
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Airworthiness Directive and service bulletin compliance verification per 14 CFR 39
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Engine visual inspection and compression check (piston aircraft)
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Engine borescope inspection including cams, cylinders, and valves
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Turbochargers, fuel systems, and engine accessories
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Induction and exhaust systems
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Airframe visual inspection for corrosion and skin condition per AC 43.13-1B standards
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Windshields and cabin glass inspection for seals, crazing, and scratches
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Fuel tanks, drains, sample points, and boost pumps
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Functional checks of major systems including pressurization, HVAC, electrical, hydraulic, landing gear, and de-ice systems
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Additional items as identified in the scope provided by the Buyer
It is customary for the purchaser to pay for the inspection. Because aircraft transactions have been known to fall apart over details discovered during the prepurchase process, we require a clear written understanding of payment responsibility before work begins.
Please note that prepurchase inspections do not satisfy the requirements of 14 CFR 91.409 for annual or 100-hour inspections unless specifically scoped and documented as such.
Flat-Rate Inspections
Per 14 CFR 91.409, all aircraft must undergo periodic inspections to remain airworthy. Most operators choose to comply with the inspection intervals set forth by the manufacturer, though operators may prepare and submit an alternate method of compliance for FAA approval under 14 CFR 91.409(e).
As an FAA Part 145 Repair Station, we are authorized under 14 CFR 145.201 to perform inspections in accordance with our Operations Specifications and Repair Station Manual. Our inspection procedures follow the manufacturer's instructions for continued airworthiness as required by 14 CFR 43.13(a).
Whatever the inspection program, we can typically review the requirements and provide a flat-rate quote. However, that quote covers the inspection only it does not include corrective action. Throughout the inspection process, we itemize all discrepancies: items that are broken, worn, or no longer serviceable under original specifications. All findings are documented in accordance with 14 CFR 43.11 and our RSM Section 4 documentation procedures. Corrective actions to repair defects or replace unserviceable components are billed separately on a time and materials basis.
In most cases we can provide estimates for repairs, but because problems may lie deep inside a component, we cannot guarantee final pricing. For example, an air conditioning system may initially appear to need only a refrigerant recharge. Once recharged, however, we may discover leaky lines, compressor issues, or worn components requiring additional work at additional cost.
Upon completion, all maintenance performed is documented and returned to service in accordance with 14 CFR 43.9 record requirements. The aircraft owner or operator retains responsibility for maintaining these records per 14 CFR 91.417.
Aircraft are complex and expensive machines. While we perform all required maintenance to the highest standards as quickly and efficiently as possible, owners should be prepared for the possibility of additional findings. If you are dissatisfied at any time with our work or believe an invoice is unfair, please bring your concerns to our attention so we may address them directly.
Payment & Deposit Policy
Scheduling a maintenance slot requires a non-refundable deposit, which is applied to your final invoice. The standard deposit amount will be communicated at the time of scheduling and varies based on the scope of work requested.
Payment in full is due upon completion of work. We accept wire transfers, checks, and major credit cards. Credit card payments are subject to a 4.5% processing fee. In accordance with our RSM and standard industry practice, aircraft will not be released until the account balance is paid in full.
For extensive projects or phased work, we may require progress payments at defined milestones. Payment terms for large projects will be documented in the work authorization prior to commencement.
Warranty Policy
Horton Aviation Services warrants all workmanship for a period of twelve months or two hundred flight hours, whichever comes first. This warranty covers labor required to correct installation or workmanship defects identified within the warranty period.
All work performed by our facility meets the performance standards required by 14 CFR 43.13, using methods, techniques, and practices acceptable to the Administrator. Equipment and component warranties are subject to the individual manufacturer's terms and conditions. We will assist customers in processing manufacturer warranty claims when applicable.
This warranty does not cover travel expenses, removal and reinstallation labor performed by other facilities, or any work performed by third parties without our prior written approval. Per our RSM quality control procedures, the warranty applies only to the specific work performed and does not extend to unrelated systems or preexisting conditions.
Customer-Supplied Parts Policy
To ensure airworthiness, traceability, and warranty coverage, Horton Aviation Services generally does not install customer-supplied parts. Per 14 CFR 43.13(b), all replacement parts must conform to approved specifications. Our RSM Section 5 outlines our parts receiving and inspection procedures, which require appropriate documentation for all components entering our facility.
All components installed by our facility must meet FAA requirements for documentation, including FAA Form 8130-3 Airworthiness Approval Tags or equivalent certification paperwork demonstrating compliance with 14 CFR Part 21 production approval requirements.
Exceptions may be made at the shop's sole discretion for hard-to-find or specialty components. Customer-supplied parts accepted for installation must be accompanied by complete traceability documentation and are subject to our incoming inspection procedures per our RSM. Such installations carry no labor warranty, and installation may be subject to a higher labor rate to account for additional fitment verification, documentation review, and testing requirements.
We maintain relationships with trusted suppliers and can source most components competitively. In many cases, our procurement pricing and included warranty coverage provide better overall value than customer-sourced alternatives.
Storage & Abandonment Policy
Aircraft left at our facility more than five business days after written notification of work completion will be subject to a daily storage fee. Current storage rates are available upon request and vary based on whether the aircraft is stored on the ramp or inside the hangar.
Storage fees accrue daily and must be paid in full along with any outstanding maintenance charges before the aircraft will be released. We are not responsible for damage, deterioration, or loss occurring to aircraft left beyond the five-day grace period, though we will exercise reasonable care consistent with our facility security procedures outlined in our RSM.
Aircraft remaining at our facility for more than ninety days without communication or payment arrangement may be considered abandoned and subject to disposition in accordance with applicable Nevada law.
Regulatory Compliance Statement
Horton Aviation Services operates under the authority of FAA Part 145 Repair Station Certificate YHSR284L. All maintenance, preventive maintenance, and alterations are performed in accordance with:
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14 CFR Part 43 (Maintenance, Preventive Maintenance, Rebuilding, and Alteration)
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14 CFR Part 145 (Repair Stations)
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Our FAA-accepted Repair Station Manual and Quality Control Manual
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Applicable manufacturer's maintenance instructions and instructions for continued airworthiness
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Current Airworthiness Directives per 14 CFR Part 39
Per 14 CFR 91.403, the owner or operator of an aircraft is primarily responsible for maintaining that aircraft in an airworthy condition. Our role is to perform authorized work to the highest standards and provide complete documentation of all work performed.
Website Disclaimer
Horton Aviation Services makes every reasonable effort to ensure the information presented on this website is accurate and current. However, specifications, pricing, policies, and service offerings are subject to change without notice.
The content provided on this website is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute a binding offer or contract. All services are governed by the written work authorization signed prior to commencement of work. In the event of any discrepancy between website content and a signed work authorization, the work authorization shall control.
For the most current information regarding services, pricing, or policies, please contact us directly. Our policy remains: agreements are not final until all parties have consented in writing.
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