So I finally got a response, and it appears that I misread the line item for labour charge. The large number of hours included a list of work in addition to the annual which added up to more than I realized. That doesn’t account for the wrongly quoted overhaul charges (apparently higher because of the dual mag), but I decided to pay the invoice anyway. The truth is all the work needed to be done, and it’s the communication that broke down. I set some ground rules about making sure to quote me on each work item, rather than just taking my complaint as carte blanche to investigate and repair as necessary. I asked that any such complaint/request be treated as a one-hour investigation authorization to determine the scope. I also requested to explicitly approve any future work that deviates from the quote by more than 10%.
dutch_flyer wrote:
The large number of hours included a list of work in addition to the annual which added up to more than I realized.
Not wishing to appear cynical, but that old chestnut. 
So the final amount remains the same, it is now your fault for not reading the labour total correctly. Also you accept that all the work needed done, so why not an accurate no surprise quote in the first place. The good ole Kansas Shuffle.
A lesson again learnt, and you have paid it. I admire your faith in…….
dutch_flyer wrote:
also requested to explicitly approve any future work that deviates from the quote by more than 10%.
I hope it all works out for you. Enjoy your aeroplane when you get it back
BeechBaby wrote:
Enjoy your aeroplane when you get it back
I’ve had it back for weeks. They don’t hold the plane hostage. They bill later (sometimes MUCH later).
