Preventative Maintenance- The FAA's point of view.

Is it true that I can change my own oil, spark plug and filters just like I do with my cars? I'm fairly good with my mechanical abilities, is there a way for me to reduce my aircraft maintenance expense?

The Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR) Part 43, Maintenance, Preventive Maintenance, Rebuilding, and Alteration, permits the holder of a pilot certificate issued under FAR Part 61 to perform specified preventive maintenance on any aircraft owned or operated by that pilot as long as the aircraft is not used under FAR Part 121, 127, 129, or 135.

FAR Part 43, Appendix A, Subpart C, Preventive Maintenance, lists the authorized preventive maintenance work. One restriction on such work is that it cannot involve complex assembly operations.

Although the following examples of preventive maintenance authorized by FAR Part 43 can be done by a certificated pilot under the conditions listed in the FAR, each individual planning on doing such work should make a self-analysis as to whether or not he or she has the ability to perform the work satisfactorily and safely.

If any of the preventive maintenance authorized by FAR Part 43 is done, the person doing the work must make an entry in the appropriate logbook or record system to document the work done. The entry shall contain:

1. A description of the work performed (or references to data that is acceptable to the Administrator).
2. Date of completion.
3. Signature, certificate number, and kind of certificate held by the person performing the work.

The signature constitutes approval for return to service ONLY for work performed.

EXAMPLES OF PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE ITEMS

The following is a partial list of what a certificated pilot who meets the conditions in FAR Part 43 can do.

1. Removal, installation, and repair of landing gear tires.
2. Servicing landing gear wheel bearings, such as cleaning and greasing.
3. Servicing landing gear shock struts by adding oil, air, or both.
4. Replacing defective safety wire or cotter keys.
5. Lubrication not requiring disassembly other than removal of nonstructural items such as cover plates, cowling, and fairings.
6. Replenishing hydraulic fluid in the hydraulic reservoir.
7. Applying preservative or protective material to components where no disassembly of any primary structure or operating system is involved and where such coating is not prohibited or is not contrary to good practices.
8. Replacing safety belts.
9. Replacing bulbs, reflectors, and lenses of position an landing lights.
10. Replacing or cleaning spark plugs and setting of spark plug gap clearance.
11. Replacing any hose connection, except hydraulic connections.
12. Replacing and servicing batteries.
13. Making simple fabric patches not requiring rib stitching or the removal of structural parts or control surfaces. In the case of balloons, the making of small fabric repairs to envelopes (as defined in, and in accordance with, the balloon manufacturers' instructions) not requiring load tape repair or replacement.
14. Replacing any cowling not requiring removal of the propeller or disconnection of flight controls.

SAMPLE CHECKLIST

The following suggested checklist is one example of how to conduct a preventive maintenance check of a typical general aviation airplane. It is not the only way to check an aircraft. As in the case of any suggested checklist, you should always follow the manufacturer's operating checklist for your specific aircraft. Persons performing preventive maintenance on any aircraft must follow good safety procedures when checking any type of aircraft. This is especially true when checking an installed propeller on an operational aircraft. There is always the remote chance that a defective magneto ground wire could allow a moving prop to start the engine.

Propeller-Check:

1. Spinner and back plate for cracks or looseness.
2. Blades for nicks or cracks.
3. Hub for grease or oil leaks.
4. Bolts for security and safety wire.

Engine-Check:

1. Preflight engine.
2. Run-up engine to warm-up and check:

• a. Magnetos for RPM drop and ground-out.
• b. Mixture and throttle controls for operation and ease of movement.
• c. Propeller control for operation and ease of movement.
• d. Engine idle for proper RPM.
• e. Carburetor heat or alternate air.
• f. Alternator output under a load (landing light, etc., in the "on" position).
• g. Vacuum system (if installed) for output.
• h. Temperatures (CHT, oil, etc.) within proper operating range.
• i. Engine and electric fuel pumps for fuel flow or fuel pressure.
• j. Fuel selector, in all positions, for free and proper operation.

1. Due to available space, we are unable to list all suggestions. Please obtain FAA Safety Pamphlet P-8740-15 at http://www.bts.gov/ntl/data/maintasp.pdf

SUMMARY

• It pays to take good care of your engine. Good maintenance is not cheap, but poor performance can be disastrously expensive.
• If you are unqualified or unable to do a particular authorized job, you must depend on competent and certificated aircraft maintenance technicians to perform the job. Always use FAA approved parts.
• You can save money and have a better understanding of your aircraft, if you participate in the maintenance yourself.
• If you do some of your own preventive maintenance, do it properly. Make sure you complete the job you start and make all of the required record entries.
• Money, time, and effort spent on maintenance pays off. It also ensures your aircraft will have a higher resale value, if you decide to sell.

Remember, a well cared for aircraft is a safe aircraft. A safe aircraft needs to be flown by a competent and proficient pilot. Maintain both your aircraft and yourself in top-notch condition.

Don't be alarmed. It's only me, your aircraft, speaking to you. I sit around for the longest periods of time without any attention from you. And, when I'm not feeling so good, you send me off to a stranger who takes me in and makes me feel better again. I wish that you would show me a little more interest…

A knowledgeable pilot is a safer pilot. One of the methods you can use to gain knowledge about your aircraft and its systems is to do some of the maintenance yourself. You can start with some of the less complex tasks and as you build experience you will also build confidence. (Your A&P technician went through this same learning curve).

One great way to discover the secrets of your flying machine is to participate in an "Owner-assisted annual". It may take some research to find a shop that is willing to provide this service, but the effort is well worth it. However, a word of caution; if you are interested in an owner-assisted annual for the purpose of saving money, you're missing the boat. It can take as much time (if not more) to have an owner around than just having the IA do all the work himself. Expect to pay more for your annual if you expect to learn anything. Remember, you are paying for your education as well as your aircraft's annual inspection. This education can be one of your best investments in aviation. If you have found the right shop you will be amazed at how much you have learned.

Owners and operators may perform "Preventive Maintenance" to their own aircraft in accordance with FAR Part 43. There is a list of tasks that are allowed to be performed as preventive maintenance in Part 43, Appendix A, paragraph c. Be aware that even though an item is on the list you may not be able to perform the task on your aircraft. There is a statement in the regulation which reads "provided it does not involve complex assembly operations." A tire change on a Cub is not the same complexity as a tire change on a Citation. You must use good judgment. You must also do some homework first. Not many of us would dive into water without knowing what's under the surface. First, read all of FAR Part 43, it's really not all that long. Then read Advisory Circular 43-12A, Preventive Maintenance. You must have the data (manuals) available which describe the proper methods, techniques, and practices acceptable to the Administrator to accomplish the task. You must also have the proper tools and equipment, as well as any test apparatus or special equipment necessary to assure completion of the work in accordance with accepted industry practices. You will be approving the aircraft for return to service and you will also be required to make a maintenance record entry.

The Sacramento FSDO Aviation Safety Program has a two-hour presentation on the aspects of preventive maintenance. If your pilot or aircraft organization would like to schedule this presentation contact Gordon Campbell at (916) 422-0272 x 258.

BFL: Inland Flight Training - Inland Flight Training is hosting a special Wings seminar October 5th at the Mercury Pilot's Lounge. Many pilots remain unaware as how to properly defer & placard an inoperative piece of equipment in their airplane. Please attend, and learn how!

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