DIY Oil Changes

With some basic tools, plus a couple of special ones, you can change your engine’s oil, saving some money and shop time.

Joseph E. (Jeb) Burnside

Tuesday, August 06, 2024 at 07:35 AM ET

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Key Takeaways:

Pilots holding at least a private certificate are legally permitted to perform preventive maintenance, including changing engine oil and filters, on their own aircraft and approve it for return to service, as supported by FAA guidelines despite some regulatory ambiguity.
Performing an oil change requires specific tools, a suitable workspace, new oil and filter, and proper disposal methods for leaded used oil, ideally after warming the engine to facilitate draining.
The process involves safely accessing the drain and filter, draining old oil, replacing the filter (ensuring proper torque and safety wire), refilling with new oil, and documenting the maintenance in the aircraft's logbook.
It is advisable to seek guidance if inexperienced, sample oil for analysis, and inspect the old filter media for any signs of engine wear.

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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.”