There’s no question owning and operating a personal airplane costs money. Fuel, insurance, annual inspections, storage and training all cost money. So does regular maintenance, like an oil change. Turns out there are many things an owner/operator can do without needing a certificated mechanic. Things like changing tires, cleaning spark plugs and refilling hydraulic reservoirs. You can replace seatbelts, refinish the interior and exterior, plus other stuff. Oil changes, too, though it’s not as clearly stated as other tasks.
The FAA, in FAR 43.3, allows a pilot to “perform preventive maintenance on any aircraft owned or operated by that pilot” as long as it’s not used under FAR Parts 121, 129 or 135. Meanwhile, FAR 43.7 allows “a person holding at least a private pilot certificate” to “approve an aircraft for return to service after performing preventive maintenance.”
