Aircraft Owner Maintenance
What can aircraft owners do for maintenance on their own aircraft? In this article we’ll discuss this topic.
- Aircraft Owner Maintenance
- Assisting A&P Mechanics
- FAR's Covering Owner Maintenance
Aircraft Owner Maintenance
Aircraft owners can perform certain types of maintenance on their own aircraft. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) allows aircraft owners to conduct what is known as “preventive maintenance” on their own aircraft without an FAA-certificated mechanic. Preventive maintenance refers to simple tasks that do not require specialized knowledge or equipment, and are considered to be routine and non-complex. The regulations covering aircraft owner maintenance can be found in 14 CFR Part 43 Appendix A
Examples Of Aircraft Owner Maintenance
Article: Aircraft Owner Maintenance
Some examples of preventive maintenance tasks that aircraft owners can perform include:
- Replacing bulbs, tires, and wheels.
- Lubricating specified parts.
- Replacing safety wire or cotter pins.
- Cleaning or replacing spark plugs and filters.
- Replenishing fluids such as oil, fuel, and hydraulic fluid.
- Replacing batteries.
Owner Assisting A&P Mechanics
Article: Aircraft Owner Maintenance
Owners can, however, participate in the maintenance process by performing tasks under the supervision of a certified mechanic or repair station. This can include activities like assisting with inspections, cleaning, or basic tasks that do not require technical expertise. It’s essential to consult with a certified professional to determine the specific tasks an owner can perform within the legal framework and safety guidelines.
Summary
It’s important to note that owners must have a thorough understanding of the aircraft’s maintenance manual and follow the procedures specified by the manufacturer. If the maintenance task goes beyond the scope of preventive maintenance or requires specialized knowledge or tools, it must be performed by an FAA-certificated mechanic or a certified repair station.
Additionally, even for preventive maintenance tasks, it’s recommended that owners document the work performed in the aircraft’s maintenance records to maintain a comprehensive maintenance history and ensure compliance with regulations.