Buying a new aircraft is like bringing a new baby home. There is a lot of anticipation and planning that goes into the process.
The process isn’t quick. You’re excited and a little anxious every time you think about what you’ve accomplished. It is a life-changing event—plus you now have the opportunity to add all sorts of equipment and accessories to enhance the experience.
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Let’s start with the basics: the care and feeding of your airplane.
Oil
Make sure you know what it needs in terms of feeding, which in this case is fuel, possibly hydraulic fluid, and oil. Like giving new parents a case of diapers, you can’t go wrong with a case of (appropriate) oil for the aircraft. To the aircraft owners: Always carry enough oil in the aircraft for a complete oil change, just in case you have an unscheduled stop at an airport and the FBO (if there is one) doesn’t have the oil it requires.
Refueling Mats
Airplane wings and cowlings can take a beating during the refueling process. Despite the best efforts of the fueling technician, fuel hoses can come into contact with the aircraft. While many refueling operations carry portable protective mats that they put on the aircraft, you will want to carry your own for when you have to self fuel.
Aircraft Coverings
An aircraft cover, at least a windscreen protector be it internal or external to the cockpit, is a must, especially if you are parked on the ramp and exposed to the elements. If your aircraft is kept in a hangar, you’ll probably want external protection for those times you travel and hangaring is not an option.
Make sure you invest in cowl plugs, air intake plugs, and pitot covers. All those orifices allow critters to enter your aircraft where they can cause all sorts of expensive damage. For extra flair, have the aircraft tail number embossed or embroidered on the covers. This is very helpful if it is accidentally left behind or blown off the aircraft by prop wash or a strong wind.
Shop around to find the right cover for your specific aircraft because fit matters. Take your time when you initially install and remove the cover. Practice putting it on and taking it off, being careful not to drop it airplane-side down where it could pick up grit and scratch your aircraft.
Engine Preheater
Even if your airplane is kept in a hangar, you will likely want an engine preheater system. Heaters can vary from a portable electrically powered one that slides into the engine compartment that you activate a day before the flight, to ones that can be remotely activated using your smartphone, to butane-powered blower designs used to heat the engine for about an hour or so before flight. If cold weather operations will be a norm for you, ask other aircraft owners at your same airport what they recommend.
Chocks and Tie-Downs
The whole purpose of having an aircraft is to go someplace and not all those places you venture to may have tie-downs or chocks appropriate for your aircraft. It is always a good idea to bring your own portable set.
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Chocks made from aluminum or wood are popular and provide another opportunity to display your tail number for identification (the aviation version of monogramming your belongings).
For unimproved (dirt or grass) ramps, the Claw tie-down system offers a three-prong approach. This configuration is usually stronger than the “single tent stake” style tie-down. Proof of this occurred when a tornado touched down in Lakeland, Florida, during Sun ’n Fun 2011. The Claw was put to the test—with favorable results.
Also, ensure the ropes or straps used are designed for aircraft rather than making do with a weathered piece of rope that’s been living in the trunk of your car for years. If the straps start to show their wear, replace them.
iPad Mount
That tablet or iPad you use in flight won’t do a bit of good if it doesn’t stay in place during turbulence or goes dark at an awkward or high pressure moment. The goal here is to find an iPad mount that won’t interfere with the aircraft controls or compromise outside visibility. Add extra charging cables and a place to put them.
Cleaning Supplies
Aircraft take specialized cleaning supplies. Windscreens, interiors, and exteriors require various products from liquids and sprays to microfiber towels and chamois. Ensure the products you select are safe for your airplane and you have them on hand before you even need them.
Pro tip: If you drop a towel or chamois on the ground, don’t ever use it on the aircraft again, as it may have picked up a piece of grit that can potentially scratch it.
Headsets
If you are going to spend the money for a new airplane, why not add a new headset as well? Maybe not just for you, but also for the passengers who will accompany you. David Clark and Lightspeed are crowd favorites, not overly expensive and definitely capable of doing the job.
Technology for automatic noise-canceling (ANR) headsets is always evolving. For example, the Lightspeed Delta Zulu headset features an carbon monoxide detector with an audio annunciation, making it a “safety wearable.” The Bose A30 is also one of the top ANR headsets designed to protect your hearing and reduce pilot fatigue. If you have never used one before, you may be surprised by the difference between passive and active noise canceling.
Safety Gear
Emergency gear is a topic pilots think about but do not always get around to actually adding to their airplane. Please don’t be this pilot. You may never use it, but the peace of mind and protection it brings is beyond valuable.
There are survival kits available that are useful and have minimal space disruption. The kits might include a fire starter, paracord survival bracelet, first-aid kit, wire saw, water purification tablets, fishing kit, signal mirror, and emergency blanket. Additional items can be tailored to the mission.
Also critical for emergency preparation is an aircraft-appropriate fire extinguisher and seat belt cutter/window breaker. Make sure the passengers also know where these items are located. These tools fall under “I hope I never need it, but if I do, I will be so happy I have it.” Keep them in the cockpit or central location in the aircraft.
Aviation Flashlight
No one should fly without an aviation flashlight, meaning one with a colored lens such as green, red, amber, or blue. White light destroys night vision, so using the flashlight feature on your smartphone in the cockpit at night will not suffice. There are flashlights designed to clip to the brim of a baseball cap, shoulder harness, or front of a shirt. There are even ones designed to be held in your teeth. Some feature multicolor options—green and white or red and white, etc.
Multitool
There will likely come a time when you need to reseat a Phillips head screw or apply cutting force to that plastic bottle of oil. A full-size multitool like a Leatherman is easy to carry and will likely have the correct tool for the job.
The miniature multitools—the ones that fit on a key chain—have some utility but lack the size to provide leverage. It’s also a bit of a thrill to be able to carry a multitool or knife on your person rather than in checked baggage aboard an aircraft.
Conclusion
It is often said you don’t own an aircraft, you are its caretaker. And whether you are a new or seasoned owner, proper caretaking requires much attention, equipment, and knowledge. As the aircraft will likely “outlive” you, make the most of your time together and enjoy.
This feature first appeared in the March Issue 956 of the FLYING print edition.
