Tooling an FBO mx hangar

[StrangerDejaVu]

I am just starting to look into what it takes to start a maintenance program at an FBO, and thought I'd start the search here. Where should one start when planning to open an aircraft maintenance business? What kind of tooling will be required to start such a business? I'm mainly interested in piston aircraft with the possibility of also working on light jets. I'd like to be able to do everything ranging from prop/powerplant to airframe and body work.

Thanks in advance for any insight!

 

[CoffeeIcePapers]

Most small FBO hangars have these at the minimum:

Good air compressor, and lines
Dual bench grinder, one side with wire brush
Spark plug station to test and clean plugs
Floor jacks
Aircraft jack stands
Creepers
Mineral Spirits
Cleaning Vat (sp..?)
Dust Mops
50 gallon trash cans
Some airframe repair tools, like benders, etc...

That is about it. The mechanics should have just about everything else they need in their own box.

 

[Chauncey]

Um, if you are looking to open one up, have you considered the paperwork involved? MSDS program, F.O.D. prevention, Quality Control program, insurance for liability, workman's comp, yadda yadda yadda...not to rain on your parade, but it seems to me that your tooling worries are the icing on the cake.