Questions about Owner Assisted Maintenance
We encourage owners to get involved with the maintenance and servicing of their
aircraft. We want you to know the ins and outs of your particular aircraft, because
this level of information makes better pilots!
- What are owner assisted services?
- If you choose to do an owner assisted annual (or other service) you will be assigned to
work one-on-one with a licensed Airframe and Powerplant mechanic who is skilled in dealing
with your aircraft. Depending on your level of experience, you may help with opening and closing
inspection panels, removing the interior of the aircraft, or maybe you'll just be watching.
- Some owners do much of the work themselves and can save several hours off the cost
of their annuals.
- Others just want to learn. Maybe you'd like to learn how to change the oil (owners are
allowed to perform their own oil changes). We'll teach you how, and help you be aware of
other things to check for at the same time.
- Curious what an owner can do? Read our article on Owner Maintenance.
- Have questions about your aircraft?
- This is a great time to get all of your questions answered. Maybe you're considering an STC
you've heard about and you'd like to know the full impact it will have on your aircraft's performance.
Maybe you'd just like to know why your aircraft makes that certain noise... with the inspection
panels open, you'll get a new understanding of what goes on inside these wonderful flying machines.
- Will I save money?
- Maybe. The more work you do, the less time the mechanic spends on your aircraft.
Owners frequently save 2-4 hours off the flat rate on their annual. Still, if you have to take time off work...
you do the math.
- The real savings is in the quality of maintenance that occurs when an owner gets involved
with their aircraft. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!
- What about the owner who asks so many questions the annual takes longer than normal?
Well, it happens occasionally. That owner, however, will leave the shop better prepared to
do more work in the future, and will have gained a new awareness.
Don't take our word for it!
Here are some wonderful articles about owner maintenance.
