Flying is considered a safer form of travel compared to a car. However, there are still risks.
That is why aircraft care is essential for every airplane owner to learn about. You must perform basic airplane maintenance to stay safe in the skies.
Are you unsure where to start? Keep reading for our guide on everything you should do for basic aircraft maintenance.
Keep Aircraft Clean
When you own an airplane, keeping it clean is the most important thing you can do. The inside and outside of an aircraft need to be cleaned regularly for many reasons, including safety and how it looks overall.
To keep the outside of the plane clean, dirt, debris, and other things that can get on there during flights need to be taken off. This is done for looks and to keep the metal from rusting.
Dirt and grime can trap water, which can cause rust or corrosion on the metal surfaces of an airplane. By cleaning the outside of the plane often, owners can protect the structure and ensure it lasts for a long time. It’s just as important to clean the inside of the plane.
The comfort and safety of the passengers are the most important things, and a clean cabin makes flying a pleasant experience. As part of regular cleaning, trash is removed, carpets are vacuumed, surfaces are wiped down, and seating areas are sanitized.
Monitor Fluid Levels
Checking the levels of fluids in an airplane is an important part of basic maintenance. The different parts of the plane will work safely and well if the fluid levels are checked and kept at the right levels. Fuel, engine oil, hydraulic fluid, and coolant are all important fluids to watch.
Fuel
Regarding fuel, it’s important to check the level before every flight. The plane’s fuel system should be checked for leaks, and the fuel tanks should be filled to the levels recommended by the manufacturer. Running out of fuel during a flight can have bad effects, so ensuring enough fuel is important for a safe trip.
Engine Oil
Also, you need to pay close attention to engine oil. The engine oil level should be checked often to ensure it is in the right range. Also, it is important to check the oil for signs of contamination, like metal particles or a color change. If the engine oil is dirty or insufficient, the engine can get damaged or stop working, which is a big safety risk.
Hydraulic Fluid
Hydraulic fluid is a key part of how the hydraulic systems of an airplane work, such as the landing gear, brakes, and control surfaces. To ensure the system works right, it’s important to monitor how much hydraulic fluid is in the system. Any signs of leaks or unusual fluid levels should be looked into and fixed immediately to keep the integrity and dependability of the aircraft’s hydraulic systems.
Coolant
Coolant controls the temperature of engines that are cooled by liquid. It’s important to check the coolant level often and look for leaks or other problems in the cooling system. Overheating can damage the engine, so ensuring enough coolant is important for the safe operation of the plane.
Check Tires and Brakes
To maintain an aircraft, it is important to check the tires and brakes regularly. These parts directly affect the plane’s safety and reliability during takeoff, landing, and work on the ground. Before every flight, the tires should be checked for:
- wear
- damage
- wrong inflation
The tread must be in good shape for the tires to have enough grip when landing and stopping. Any cuts, bulges, or other damage that can be seen can weaken the tire’s structure and should be fixed as soon as possible. The brakes are another important part that needs regular care.
Check the brake system for signs of wear, such as brake pads or discs that are worn out. Worn brake pads can make it harder to stop, and worn brake discs can affect how well the brakes work. To keep the brake system working well, replacing these parts when they wear out is important.
Verify Lighting and Electrical Systems
An aircraft’s lighting and electrical systems play a crucial role in ensuring safe operations, especially during low-light conditions and for navigation purposes. Regularly checking and verifying these systems is an important aspect of basic aircraft maintenance.
Exterior lighting systems, including landing, navigation, and strobe lights, should be inspected before each flight. It is essential to ensure that all lights function correctly and emit the appropriate brightness.
This allows for better visibility and helps other aircraft and ground personnel to see the aircraft clearly. Any faulty bulbs should be replaced promptly to maintain the effectiveness of the lighting system.
Keep Detailed Records
Maintaining comprehensive and accurate records is crucial to aircraft ownership and maintenance. Keeping detailed records allows aircraft owners to track the:
- history
- maintenance
- operational aspects of their aircraft
This of which is essential for regulatory compliance, safety, and overall aircraft management. Plus, if you ever get to the point to sell your aircraft here, you won’t have issues with turning it over to the new owner.
One important set of records to maintain is the aircraft’s logbook. The logbook contains a chronological record of all maintenance activities, inspections, repairs, and modifications performed on the aircraft. It serves as a historical record that provides a clear overview of the aircraft’s maintenance and helps demonstrate compliance with regulatory requirements.
In addition to the logbook, other records to maintain include:
- airworthiness directives (ADs)
- service bulletins
- manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedules
Keeping these records allows aircraft owners to stay up to date with regulatory requirements and manufacturer recommendations, ensuring the safety and airworthiness of the aircraft.
Elevate Your Aircraft’s Performance With This Aircraft Maintenance Guide
The goal of implementing a basic aircraft maintenance guide is to ensure the aircraft’s and its passengers’ safety. Proper and consistent maintenance of aircraft, fuel systems, and components keeps the plane in pristine condition.
Following the guide and using the right supplies and tools – following the experts’ advice – will provide the highest level of performance. Get started today to ensure safe and successful aviation!
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