Sun ‘n Fun Video: Talking Refurbs And Maintenance With Mike Jones

It's vital that owners dreaming of a twin do a really thorough prepurchase inspection.

Aviation Consumer
Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • Buyers of aging complex twin aircraft are at significant risk of purchasing poorly maintained planes, largely due to insufficient pre-purchase inspections.
  • Aircraft refurbishment expert Mike Jones, with over 25 years of experience and his "Lock & Key refresh program," offers critical insights into the condition and maintenance needs of the aging fleet.
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It’s easy to get stung buying an aging complex twin that’s light on maintenance, and buyers still aren’t doing enough inspections before closing a deal. For the field report series on aircraft refurbishment in Aviation Consumer magazine, Larry Anglisano’s first stop was with Mike Jones at Sun ‘n Fun 2025 in Florida this past April. With over 25 years’ experience refurbishing twins with the Lock & Key refresh program, while also running a busy maintenance and avionics shop, Mike Jones at Mike Jones Aircraft weighs in on the condition and maintenance of the aging fleet, using his respected Lock & Key Navajo and Baron projects as examples.

Larry Anglisano

Larry Anglisano is the former Editor in Chief of sister publication Aviation Consumer magazine. He's an active land, sea and glider pilot, and has over 30 years experience as an avionics tech.
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