Written by: Start Pac
When you own an aircraft, you have to take care of it well in order to keep it in good working order. Proper aircraft care only keeps the plan running well, and also ensures that it retains its value for sale later. Performing routine checks helps protect your investment in an aircraft, and has safety repercussions. Here are some tips you can follow to keep your aircraft in the best possible shape.
Invest in Proper Engine Maintenance
If there is one area where you want to avoid cutting corners when it comes to your aircraft’s maintenance, it is caring for the engine. Be sure to check for special service bulletins or letters related to your craft, so you can be sure to update parts as required by the manufacturer. You can’t pull into a service station when you’re mid-air over the ocean or flying across the country. You have to be able to have complete faith in your engine, which is only possible if you have it maintained properly and consistently.
Maintain Your Tires
One of the most overlooked aspects of airplane maintenance is caring for the tires. Most car tires don’t touch the ground at 80 mph, or have to contend with sub-zero temperatures. Check the treading on the tire, and be sure to read the manufacturer specifications for wear and usage. It’s especially important to conduct a visual inspection before takeoff and after landing. Also, it is a good idea to spray some tire protectant on them every three months to help keep them from cracking.
Get the Right Equipment
Make sure that you have all the proper aircraft maintenance equipment to take care of your aircraft. You should have a robust tool set, including a riveting set if possible. Basic fabric can be handy too, where a towel can be handy for inspecting whether an aircraft wing has been properly covered.
Starting Equipment
It is important to give your airplane the proper charge to get it started. If it has not been used for a while, you will need to use an airplane starting unit in order to get it started. This is especially important in climates where there is extreme warm or cold weather, which can add to the battery drainage rate.
Maintain the Exterior
Although most people who own aircraft rightly focus on maintaining their engines, it is also very important to maintain an aircraft’s exterior as well. Wash the aircraft regularly, and also be sure to wax it every three or four months to keep the exterior from rusting.
Helicopter Maintenance
If you own a helicopter, you need to make sure to take care of the rotors very well. These are just as crucial to maintain for safety as the helicopter’s engine is. In addition, a helicopter starting unit can help jump start a craft that has been sitting idle for a while.
