Proper aircraft maintenance is an essential component of being a safe, competent pilot. Now that winter is upon us, it’s time to take care of a few maintenance tasks to ensure your airplane is ready to withstand the cold weather.  So, the inspection begins – use the following steps and checklist to make sure your aircraft is maintained properly throughout the winter, whether you’re storing it or flying it. 1) Exterior Cleaning Before the snow falls, wash the exterior of your airplane to remove debris, dirt and grime. This helps protect the paint and prevent oxidation. Use window cleaner a ..read more

For those pilots flying piston-powered airplanes, here are some tips for keeping your engine in prime condition – let’s get started! PISTON-POWERED AIRCRAFT VS. TURBOPROP-POWERED AIRCRAFT Piston-powered engines operate much like a car engine, with pistons going up and down, generating enough power to turn a propeller. This type of engine is a descendant of traditional steam engines originally invented more than four centuries ago. The other popular type of engine for smaller planes is known as a turboprop-powered aircraft. Turboprop engines use something similar to a turbine to derive ene ..read more

10 IMPORTANT THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT THE AVIATION INSPECTION PROCESS As those who take to the skies already know, owning an aircraft is an investment and keeping the aircraft safe and functional is the primary goal of every owner. Inspections are an important component of keeping a plane airworthy and can Include everything from the regular walk-around to a complete teardown, with the ultimate responsibility being placed on the pilot.   Though inspections may be time consuming and pricey, they are necessary in the life cycle of an aircraft to improve performance, keep the aircraft in top con ..read more

When a car engine malfunctions, the owner remains stranded on the roadside. However, when an aircraft engine fails, devastating consequences may occur. Aircraft oil analysis is a vital procedure in maintenance. It’s a crucial tool in your bag of tricks that keep your aircraft engine running smoothly. Aircraft engines are known to be twitchy, thermally-sensitive, and their wearing rate depends on several factors, including:   Type of aircraft Type of cylinders Mode of operation     The cost of engine repairs and maintenance is thousands of dollars. However, it ensures all engin ..read more

As Twin Cities aircraft maintenance professionals, we know the importance of keeping your plane in tip-top shape so that it’s safe to fly. No matter what type of pilot you are, every plane owner needs to have a smart, friendly and competent aircraft maintenance technician (AMT) on their side.  And, with spring right around the corner, it’s about time that you refresh your memory on common aircraft maintenance inspections that you’ll likely need to deal with not too far down the road. So, we thought it’d be relevant to discuss some talking points that you can take to your mechanic whe ..read more

If you’re searching for the best Twin Cities aircraft maintenance crew that can diagnose and solve all your mechanical woes, there are a few things to consider before handing over the keys to your plane. Not only do you want to work with a team that’s experienced, knowledgeable and friendly, but one that works as your partner as well. With that said, here are some tips on how to choose a Twin Cities aircraft maintenance crew that you can trust. 1) They Work On Big & Small Issues Whether you’re in need of a simple inspection or are trying to identify a problem deep within the engine, your a ..read more

Why are Aircraft Parts so Expensive? Aircraft are a modern marvel of engineering, there’s no doubt about it. With many intricate components working together in unison to transport people thousands and thousands of miles around the world, it may seem obvious why Aircraft parts are expensive. However, there’s more contributing to the exorbitant price of Aircraft parts than just engineering costs. So the question that leads to is: Why are Aircraft Parts so Expensive? Let’s find out! REGULATION & CERTIFICATION COSTS It takes a lot of resources to engineer, develop and test parts to get an airc ..read more

As you’re soaring through the sky on a flight, the last thing you want to experience is aircraft failure. Keeping yourself and your passengers safe is the ultimate goal of flying – that’s why regular  aircraft maintenance  is important, and the practice should certainly never be underestimated. So buckle up! Let’s take a look at why aircraft maintenance is so important and how to approach keeping your plane in top-notch health so you never have to stay grounded. WHAT IS AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE? Aircraft maintenance is the process by which a professional conducts regular check ..read more

WHY FIRST-TIME AIRCRAFT OWNERS SHOULD TAKE NOTE It is commonly said that the life of a vehicle depends on how the owner maintains it. The same is true for privately owned aircraft. Owning an aircraft is not as common for individuals as owning a car is, therefore aircraft maintenance may seem more complicated than it should be. Fear is the number one factor that stops first-time aircraft owners in their tracks before even attempting to perform any routine maintenance tasks themselves.   Fears may include but are not limited to: comprising the pilot’s own safety and his or her passengers, e ..read more