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 pilots to perform preventive maintenance on aircraft they own or operate, provided it's used strictly for noncommercial operations under Part 91.
Appendix A of Part 43 details specific allowed preventive maintenance tasks, including tire changes, servicing shock struts, replacing fluids, windows, lights, batteries, and certain tray-mounted avionics (excluding transponders, DMEs, and autopilots), along with spark plug and filter maintenance.
It is recommended that pilots attempting maintenance for the first time have an experienced A&P mechanic supervise to ensure proper procedures and tool usage.

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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.