Mechanic and instructor list

I would like to piggyback on this with a slightly different perspective.  Many years ago (almost 40) a friend owned an Ercoupe while we were stationed at Los Angeles Air Force Station.  Had many enjoyable flights around the Los Angeles area.  Unfortunately one thing led to the other and I didn't get a pilot's license until about three years ago (now 68).  Most of my flight time is in Aeronca Champs, my main interest in flying is primarily simple fun flying with 200 miles being a "long" cross country.  I've been shopping for a fun flyer, and while I love the Champs finding someone to hand prop an engine nowadays is almost impossible.  Therefore, electric start is a necessity.  Remembering those early flights in my friends Ercoupe has brought me full circle and zeroing in on finding a good 415-D or E to purchase.  Unfortunately I have run into a major issue related to this post.

Being a certified aircraft Ercoupes require an annual be signed off by a licensed A&PIA.  While in the past there have been several qualified mechanics in my area (Dayton, Ohio) with experience in maintaining Ercoupes this situation is rapidly changing.  At least one shop that used to be known for their work with Ercoupes no longer perform annual inspections on them.  At least one other is completely booked taking care of several and will not take on additional clients.  There are a few others currently running small shops, but they are aging just like these classic aircraft and will be retiring soon.

This brings me to my personal delima.  If I am able to find a good Ercoupe may I soon be faced with the high probability I won't be able to find a qualified mechanic to perform maintenance and annual inspections?  Some of the major aircraft shops around this area won't touch these classic aircraft for several reasons.  I question if the ones that will can adequately cope with some of the idiosyncrasies of these older aircraft.  I for one don't want to fund someone "getting up to speed" on the genera.  For the most part these aircraft are relatively simple, but they do have their quirks.  I also like vintage automobiles and own a 1930 Ford Model A pick-up truck.  I wouldn't/couldn't take this to any major modern car dealership and expect them to work on it.  Conversely, I'm able to do most of the work on it myself and if I need help there is the internet and our local Model A club.  Unfortunately, the FAA will not allow me to do that with a certified aircraft, no matter how simple it is.

This brings me around to an interesting, yet frustrating situation.  I have completed the 16-hour course that previously allowed me to conduct annual condition inspections on any E-LSA aircraft that I might own.  Now under the new MOSAIC rules I am allowed to perform the annual condition inspections on any experimental aircraft I may own whether I am the original builder or not.  Of course it has always been true that anyone can do maintenance on an experimental aircraft, no license is required.  To me I can't get my head around the fact that this is allowed with experimental aircraft but not with certified aircraft, especially vintage aircraft like the Ercoupe.  Many of the current crop of experimentals are very complex, much more than most vintage aircraft.  Why can't owners of vintage aircraft be allowed to conduct their maintenance and annual inspections?  In my case I would seek out qualified mechanics or long-time owners to help guide me the first few times until I got comfortable doing them, but I would be the one responsible for the sign-off.  This could help encourage qualified individuals to assist since they would not be ultimately responsible.

Now, how can this club help?  As noted in the earlier post ferreting out those remaining mechanics (and instructors) that have Ercoupe experience and are willing to work on them is a key element of the solution.  The other facet is supporting (or if necessary originating) an effort with the FAA to amend maintenance and inspection rules as they pertain to vintage aircraft.  I'm afraid under the current rules that in the not-too-distant future many of these aircraft may be grounded due to the inability to legally maintain their airworthiness.

Is there a more up to date list of A&P and CFIs?  The only one I’ve been able to find on the site is from 2015. If there is a more up to date list, where can I find it and how do I get on it? If there’s not a newer list could we make one?