Maintenance and repair are essential aspects of using aircraft. This ensures that the aircraft is airworthy to lessen the chances of devastating accidents that can claim a lot of lives and property. However, there are some false beliefs in society regarding aircraft maintenance. Regardless of whether you are a small aircraft owner or have a commercial fleet, you have to unlock these wrong ways to think about aircraft maintenance.
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Only mechanics maintain aircrafts
Mechanics handle particular work but the aircraft owner to maintain the air-worthy condition of an aircraft according to the FAA. So, any aircraft owner should understand that all regulatory maintenance requirements are your responsibility. You also have a responsibility to ensure the aircraft complies with Part 39, Airworthiness Directives requirements. The aircraft owner is accountable to the APIA for AD compliance during an annual inspection.
No cross responsibility regarding Airworthiness Directives makes the mechanic accountable to ensure compliance with all applicable Ads. This is only true if the mechanic performs particular inspections. If you receive a new AD and you have to comply with the AD received until the mechanic does the appropriate inspection and takes on the responsibility to comply with the new AD.
Mechanic handles all the maintenance records
A mechanic is obliged to enter maintenance records for the tasks they perform. If you fail to make sure that the mechanics make the appropriate entries regarding aircraft maintenance, it’s an indication that the aircraft is approved. You also must ensure the maintenance records match Part 91.417(a).
It is your responsibility but not the mechanic to retain a particular number of records during normal aircraft maintenance and engineering service. These include records for indefinite keeping and for transferring on selling the car.
Mechanic selects inspection program
Every aircraft owner or operator must inspect the aircraft to eliminate any confusion regarding whether it is the responsibility of the mechanic. Apart from some exceptions where you can have an aircraft operated by the National Airspace System (NAS), proof of annual inspection in the last 12 months is necessary. And, make sure to keep references. And, the aircraft owner should have an inspection program.
This requires consulting your mechanic during checking maintenance procedures. However, it is wrong to take this consultation as a delegating process. When needing a Progressive inspection program, you but not the mechanic has to submit a written request to the nearby FSDO to get approval with all necessary details. Owners of larger aircrafts such as turbojet multi-engine aircraft or turbo-powered engine airplanes, you have to make an inspection program and to determine that program selection is part of aircraft maintenance.
Only mechanics return aircrafts to service
A mechanic plays a significant role when it comes to returning it to service. However, the responsibility is on the pilot, especially when owning a small aircraft. The role of a mechanic here is to approve for service return. This is very different from the role of the owner which clearly states that the aircraft should return service.
No one is obliged to fly an aircraft that has undergone maintenance rebuilding, preventive maintenance, or alterations when approved for service return. The aircraft will then get checks including a flying record even when flown after the maintenance. The return to service requirement works in two situations. A certified person approves for the aircraft to return and get service after the pillow completes the preflight and accepts the plane for the intended flight.
Routine maintenance requirements for aircrafts
The airframe of an aircraft can perform perfectly well while the engine or other control parts need urgent attention. Alternatively, a particular component might be working but beyond its FAA-approved flight cycle. The aircraft owner must replace all parts were necessary to make the aircraft airworthy. Periodic aircraft maintenance includes clearing corrosion, cleaning interior components, and application of corrosion in the future by applying chemicals.
The various parts of an airplane might need repair and lubrication especially those in humid climates. You have to check parts for repair, lubrication, and check the fuel lines by completely draining the tank and system feeding it. The hydraulic system and pneumatic system also need regular attention.
Big expensive jets have a longer life cycle but eventually, need maintenance to a larger extent. The FAA recommends overhauling passenger planes with a transfer from the line to the maintenance centers. Periodic overhauls are recommended and might require repairing some components.
Keeping an aircraft in tip-top order is very important for the owner and pilot. A plane in bad shape puts a lot of people’s lives at risk. Regular maintenance of the aircraft is welcome and allows replacing worn-out or damaged components. So, you need a trusted partner to handle repair where necessary. However, there is no need to believe in some myths that hold you back.
