Taking a page from mortgage website Lending Tree (“When banks compete, you win”), new online service Repair a Plane connects aircraft repair and restoration outfits with owners.
The process is simple. Aircraft owners go on the website, fill out a form that describes the repair they need, and then the shops in the specified area come back with bids on the job. The service is free for owners.
If you’re simply in the market for a new shop, the site can help with that as well. The FAA’s full list of mechanics and repair stations is displayed and available for easy searching. Other aviation maintenance businesses such as paint shops and restoration outfits are available, but since they don’t have to be registered with the FAA, they appear in much fewer numbers.
As the site grows, shops will be able to pay for sponsored listings, and advertise for better visibility, similar to Google or Yelp.
Ian J. Twombly
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