Can the Owner of a Certified Airplane Do Their Own Maintenance?

What are the rules for turning your own wrenches?

Wednesday, March 13, 2024 at 12:09 PM ET

Verified

If you are attempting aircraft maintenance for the first time, it's a good idea to have an experienced aviation mechanic by your side. [Courtesy: Jonathan Welsh]

Key Takeaways:

FAR 43.3 permits aircraft owners/operators to perform preventive maintenance on their aircraft if it's used strictly for noncommercial Part 91 operations.
Appendix A of Part 43 lists specific tasks allowed without an A&P mechanic's supervision, including tire changes, servicing shock struts, replacing lights, batteries, side windows, and certain tray-mounted avionics (excluding transponders, DMEs, and autopilots).
Allowed preventive maintenance also includes tasks like replacing, cleaning, or gapping spark plugs, and cleaning or replacing fuel and oil strainers and filters.
For first-time maintenance attempts, it is advisable to have an experienced aviation mechanic (A&P) provide supervision or assistance.

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Question: I just bought a Cessna 172 to finish my private pilot certificate. I’ve been working on cars since I was in my teens, so I think I can do my own maintenance. But doesn’t the FAA limit what a pilot can do on their airplane?

Answer: FAR 43.3 permits a pilot to perform preventive maintenance on an aircraft they own or operate, provided it is used strictly for noncommercial operations under Part 91, so no flight instruction or scenic flights.