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FIELD NOTES

Notes from the hangar.

Practical maintenance insights for general aviation owners and pilots — annual inspections, AD compliance, digital tracking, and more.

Co-OwnershipShared Access

How Co-Owners Should Manage Shared Maintenance Records

Co-owned aircraft run into trouble when each partner tracks maintenance separately. Here's how GA partnerships can build one shared, reliable maintenance record.

·6 min read
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A&P MechanicShop Visits

Working Effectively with Your A&P Mechanic

The owner-mechanic relationship is the backbone of safe GA flying. Here's how to communicate better, prepare for shop visits, and get the most value from your A&P.

·8 min read
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SquawksMaintenance Tracking

Common Squawks and How to Track Them

Every aircraft has squawks. Learn the most common GA squawks, why tracking them matters for safety and your wallet, and how to build a squawk list that actually works.

·9 min read
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Pre-Buy InspectionAircraft Purchase

What to Look for in a Pre-Buy Inspection

Buying a used aircraft? A thorough pre-buy inspection can save you thousands. Here's what every GA buyer should look for — from logbooks to compression checks to AD compliance.

·9 min read
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Inspection CyclesCompliance

ELT, Transponder, and Pitot-Static Inspection Cycles: What GA Pilots Need to Track

Your ELT, transponder, and pitot-static system each have their own inspection cycles. Miss one and you could be grounded — or worse, flying out of compliance. Here's how to keep them straight.

·8 min read
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Engine MaintenanceTBO

Engine TBO — What It Means and What It Doesn't

TBO is one of the most misunderstood numbers in GA aircraft ownership. Here's what time between overhaul actually means, what it doesn't mean, and how Part 91 owners should think about it.

·9 min read
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Tach TimeHobbs Time

Tach Time vs. Hobbs Time — What Pilots Get Wrong

Tach time and Hobbs time are not the same thing, and confusing them can mean flying past a service limit or grounding yourself unnecessarily. Here's what every GA owner-operator needs to know.

·9 min read
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Oil AnalysisEngine Health

Oil Analysis and Trend Tracking for Piston Engines

Oil analysis is one of the most cost-effective tools for monitoring piston engine health. Learn what the numbers mean, how to spot trends, and why a single report isn't enough.

·9 min read
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Airworthiness DirectivesCompliance

Understanding Airworthiness Directives: A Guide to Staying Compliant

What ADs are, the different types, how to check applicability, and practical tips for tracking compliance on your GA aircraft.

·7 min read
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Annual InspectionMaintenance

How to Prepare for Your Annual Inspection

A practical guide for GA owners on gathering records, communicating with your IA, managing costs, and making your annual inspection go smoothly.

·8 min read
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Digital TrackingLogbooks

Why GA Pilots Need Digital Maintenance Tracking

Paper logbooks have limitations. Learn how digital maintenance tracking helps GA owners stay organized, compliant, and ahead of costly surprises.

·6 min read
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