Maintenance

This article originally appeared in Aviation Consumer, May 2005. We like to think we remain instantly abreast of every important development in general aviation and now we’re in possession of a scientific discovery only we can reveal to the world: If you want your phone to ring off the hook, your fax machine to choke […]

This article originally appeared in Light Plane Maintenance, Jan. 2005. The basic definition of corrosion is the electrochemical deterioration of metal due to chemical reaction to the surrounding environment. The by-products are powder-like and may be colored from light gray to white to red to black, depending on the metals involved.Corrosion, left unchecked, goes from […]

As for the future of the Symphony 160, “I don’t know, specifically,” Jeremy Keninger, the company’s former national sales director, told AVweb. “I don’t think it’s the end of the aircraft — it’s a great value at that price point [IFR-equipped for about $165,000],” Keninger said. “It’s too bad it didn’t work out in Canada,” […]

An aircraft tire is a sophisticated, computer-designed, multi-component product consisting of three major materials: steel, rubber and fabric. Taking this down a level, there are multiple types of nylon and rubber compounds in tire construction, each with its own special properties designed to complete the task assigned. The only thing they have in common with […]

This article will cover brake linings, disc replacement, inspection guidelines and operational tips and techniques for Cleveland/McCauley-type brake systems, the most prevalent in piston, single-engine, GA aircraft. There are also Goodyear-type brakes, which will be covered at another time. It should be noted that repairs to brake systems are not considered “Preventative Maintenance” by FAR […]

It’s an unfortunate fact of life that aircraft engines are often not the cleanest things in the world, especially when compared to a typical auto of today. Loose engine-fit tolerances, the use of leaded fuels, substantially higher constant power levels and designs optimized for power rather than cleanliness tend to make oil staining and leaks […]

It used to be that a bucket of soap — any soap — and a rag was all you needed to clean anything. That same bucket of soap, it turns out, could be the worst thing you can use on your airplane (or your modern auto for that matter).Why are airplanes so different? There are […]

CLICK ANY IMAGE FOR A LARGER VERSION Diamond offers the most complete line of modern general aviation aircraft. Clockwise: D-JET, DA40-FP, DA20, DA40-180, DA42. After a series of high speed taxi and rotation tests, Diamonds D-JET S/N 001, lifted off at 17:08 on Tuesday April 18th, 2006. The test was conducted from the London International […]

First, let’s establish the legalities here. Part 43, Appendix A of the FARs deals with preventative maintenance. Of the 30 or so listed preventative maintenance tasks, items 6 and 23 permit aircraft owners who possess at least a private pilot’s certificate or higher to change the oil and filter (or to service the oil screen) […]

You may not know how to tie a safety wire, or you may be convinced you can’t do it unless you’re an A&P mechanic. Legally speaking, you’re on solid ground: The current FAR Part 43 (Appendix A) specifically allows pilots to replace defective safety-wire without apparent limitation (although we urge you not to touch turnbuckles […]