Flight Training - June 2021 - 15

ASI NEWS

BY ALICIA HERRON

PUMP UP THE PREFLIGHT
AIRCRAFT AGE IS MORE THAN A NUMBER

DURING EVERY PREFLIGHT, WE MAKE SURE

to check the airworthiness essentials-fuel,
oil, flight controls, interior, and general
condition. While we assess the overall status
of the airplane we hope to fly, we might
unwittingly overlook signs of premature
aircraft aging. Most of these signs won't
make an aircraft unairworthy, but aging is
an important factor to learn about and keep
in mind. As you transition from student to
pilot in command, and toward the eventual
freedom of renting (or buying) an airplane
outside the flight training environment, the
responsibility of noticing signs of aging will
fall on your shoulders.
Serious corrosion and neglect will be simple enough to spot, but other signs of age can
hide unless you know what to look for. Let's
start with some cues that can tell you about an
aircraft's " true " age. What would you rather

buy: a Cessna 150 with a history of 10,000
hours and an IFR panel, or a single-owner 150
with an ancient radio? A strictly freshwater
floatplane or an ocean-flying seaplane? A taildragger with the original (if slightly nicked)
fabric, or one with a brand-new paint job?
Every option could be the right one for you, if
you know what you're getting into.
A history of many hours could mean that
the 150 has been used for flight training-and
subject to a variety of landings. Saltwater puts
wear and tear on a floatplane more quickly
than freshwater-only flying. And sometimes,
fresh paint on a taildragger means it might
have a history of damage, like a recent ground
loop. Each of these aircraft could have been
manufactured the same year, but with their
varied histories, each has aged differently.
While you can't change an aircraft's prior
use, you can follow a few tips to help the

aircraft you fly live a long and a
healthy life, slow the effects of
aging, and make it more reliable
and safe going forward.
Clean out any dirt and grime
on the inside and outside of the
aircraft. Be sure to protect the
aircraft's windshield as well
and avoid cleaning in a circular
motion. If you rent, the flight
school might already do this
for you.
Regularly inspect the aircraft
for any symptoms of aging, such
as skin deformities, defects, or
damage.
Flying to another airport?
Remember to pack oil, tiedowns,
chocks, and an aircraft cover to
help protect the aircraft.
Detecting a problem early
can help save money on repair
costs-which may in turn help
keep rental or ownership costs
lower. Monitor oil consumption,
make sure the tires are properly
inflated, and monitor the engine
gauges and listen for unusual
sounds.
With knowledge and care,
you'll be able to slow the effects
of aging, and help keep the airplane you fly healthy and reliable
for years to come.
airsafetyinstitute.org/spotlight/
agingaircraft
alicia.herron@aopa.org

'THERE I WAS...': ENGINE FAILURE
In this episode, the AOPA Air Safety Institute
talks to GA pilot Kelly Keller, who was flying
back home from a fishing resort in Arkansas
with her husband while seven months
pregnant when she experienced an engine
failure in a Cessna 172.
airsafetyinstitute.org/thereiwas

AOPA.ORG/FT 15

http://www.airsafetyinstitute.org/spotlight/agingaircraft http://www.airsafetyinstitute.org/spotlight/agingaircraft http://www.airsafetyinstitute.org/thereiwas http://www.AOPA.ORG/FT

Flight Training - June 2021

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