What Regulation Allows a Private Pilot to Perform Preventive Maintenance

Earning your wings as a licensed pilot in the United States is an impressive accomplishment that grants you the freedom to soar with the birds. Over 734,000 people have earned their pilot's license and many own planes. One of the most significant aspects of owning an aircraft is determining if you can handle airplane maintenance.

If you plan on earning your license, knowing what regulation allows a private pilot to perform preventative maintenance on their plane is critical. Failing to comply or adhere to the rules for aircraft maintenance could result in fines or a suspension of your license.

The good news is that you've discovered this in-depth guide to aircraft repair and maintenance to find the answers you seek about the things you're allowed to fix. Continue reading to get your aircraft airworthy today!

When Can You Perform Preventative Maintenance?

You must know and abide by specific regulations after earning your pilot's license in the United States. These regulations allow private pilots to handle aspects of aircraft maintenance without help from an aircraft maintenance technician.

Regulation 14 CFR Part 61 states that you can perform preventative maintenance on an aircraft as long as you own or operate the plane. The maintenance can't include complex assembly operations. You can handle several things without spending hard-earned money to hire a professional technician.

You can remove or install landing gear tires on your aircraft. It's also possible to replace defective safety wire and lubricate parts like the cowlings and fairings. Replacement of safety belts and landing lights is also within your scope of abilities.

It's vital to remember that, although you're allowed to, performing preventative maintenance isn't always the best idea. Usually, your best bet is to hire a reputable aircraft technician.

The Federal Aviation Administration allows you to assess if the maintenance is within your abilities. Be realistic about your skills to ensure a safe flying experience. Consider getting training in aircraft maintenance to gain knowledge and ensure safety.

When to Use Aircraft Maintenance

Knowing when to perform preventative maintenance on your aircraft is also beneficial. The necessary tasks vary from one plane to the next. You must ensure the condition of the parts you've worked on is as good or better as before the changes.

Here's a closer look at some of the most common forms of preventative maintenance.

Preflight Checks

The preflight checks you conduct as a pilot fall under the scope of preventative maintenance. It's an opportunity to look for obvious issues with the aircraft before taking off. You'll run through a checklist to ensure everything is functioning as designed.

Ensuring your airplane is safe before you hit the skies is vital. Inspect the cabin and the exterior of the aircraft before preparing for takeoff.

50 and 100-Hour Inspections

Aircraft used for flight instruction or odd jobs should be inspected at 50 and 100-hour intervals to ensure everything is functioning in a safe and controlled manner. The FAA doesn't require 50-hour checks, but you should always be cautious with aircraft maintenance.

The 50-hour mark is when oil changes are required. Inspecting your plane to ensure everything is in good condition is wise. The FAA requires 100-hour inspections, and you'll face severe penalties for ignoring them.

Annual Inspections

It's best to get your aircraft inspected in 12-month intervals. Most aircraft require in-depth inspections after 12 months before being flown again. The assessment is thorough and looks for anything that could go wrong.

The engine, avionics, controls, and logbook reviews are all components of the annual inspection. It's best to hire an aircraft maintenance technician to handle the inspection.

Benefits of Aircraft Maintenance

Several benefits come with investing in aircraft maintenance. The safety benefits are obvious, as you'll fly without fear of losing power or control of the aircraft. The benefits extend beyond your safety in the air, and it's worthwhile to dive into them if you plan on earning your pilot's license and purchasing an aircraft.

1. Reliability

Reliability issues with a car could leave you stranded on the side of the road. Reliability issues with an aircraft could put you in a far more dangerous situation. You decrease the odds of mechanical failure when you're in the air when investing time and energy into aircraft maintenance.

You'll trust the plane when in the air, and you'll extend the aircraft's longevity. Frequent inspections and oil changes will help components continue functioning for longer. You can prevent early wear and save money on expensive repairs.

2. Increased Mechanical Skill

You'll also grow as a mechanic when you learn to perform preventative maintenance on your aircraft. Your skills will reduce the odds of mechanical failure by becoming more in tune with the workings of the plane. You can identify potential issues before they occur.

3. Increased Safety

You're creating a safer environment for yourself and those around you when you work with aircraft maintenance companies to keep your aircraft pristine. Using a preventative maintenance schedule makes life easier for you to monitor the systems that propel your plane.

There won't be a rush to get the plane back in the air. Complex issues can be handled with ample time and accuracy to keep you safe when in the air.

4. Cost Savings

In addition to reducing downtime, you'll extend the lifespan of your airplane parts when you learn to perform preventative maintenance on your aircraft. It's a win-win situation since you're investing in your safety and wellness while saving money on expensive repairs for your airplane.

Take Your Aircraft Maintenance to New Heights

Learning to perform preventative maintenance is a crucial step toward a safe flying experience. You must understand the FAA regulations and what they allow for private pilots and the aircraft they fly.

Hire an aircraft maintenance technician to handle complex assembly maintenance. You can handle changing tires, inspecting cowlings and fairings, and replacing safety belts. Using a maintenance schedule to keep your plane pristine and safe to operate is also beneficial.

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