Pilot Proficiency

Taking Wing: Under the Hood

Sam Weigel

Monday, March 13, 2017 at 08:24 PM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

The author, initially lacking natural mechanical aptitude, developed hands-on skills out of necessity and a desire for deeper understanding, especially regarding his aircraft.
Owner-assisted aircraft maintenance, ideally with guidance from an encouraging A&P, fosters intimate familiarity, boosts confidence, and improves communication with professionals.
Even mechanically disinclined individuals are encouraged to start with simple preventative tasks like replacing fasteners or changing oil to gain a deeper understanding and enjoyment of their aircraft.

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Sam Weigel

Sam Weigel has been an airplane nut since an early age, and when he's not flying the Boeing 737 for work, he enjoys going low and slow in vintage taildraggers. He and his wife live west of Seattle, where they are building an aviation homestead on a private 2,400-foot grass airstrip.