How Becoming a Pilot and Aircraft Owner Can Change Your Life – Part Three
Selecting Your Own Aircraft is Where the Fun Really Starts.
Welcome to Becoming a Pilot and Aircraft Owner Part Three. In the last blog post, Part Two of this series, we discussed the importance of adding additional ratings, becoming proficient, and staying current as a pilot. We also touched on one of the most exciting aspects of aircraft ownership: selecting and acquiring your own aircraft. However, before you can choose the right aircraft, you need to define the mission you want your aircraft to fulfil.
Mission Definition
Defining your mission is crucial when selecting an aircraft. This process involves considering various parameters, both objective and subjective. Objective parameters include range, number of seats, payload, speed, equipment, and costs. Subjective parameters might involve a preference for a specific make or model, design, cockpit layout, cabin features, and safety enhancements.
We recommend using an 80/20 approach. Define your mission based on the flights you plan to conduct 80% of the time. For the remaining 20% of the time, when your mission requirements are outside of your aircraft’s capabilities, you can always charter an aircraft.
Buy the Right Aircraft
There is no perfect aircraft, but you can select one that checks most of the boxes that matter to you. It’s always a compromise that the operator must make. Explore the market for both new and pre-owned aircraft, and select one that fits your mission requirements and priorities.
Buying a new aircraft is relatively straightforward. Contact the sales representative for your region, and they will provide details like payment terms and lead time. However, buying a used aircraft can be trickier but still manageable. We have a detailed blog post titled How to Buy the Right Airplane, which covers this topic extensively.
In summary, consider key factors like engine hours, airframe hours, previous operation and storage, cosmetic and mechanical conditions, installed avionics, mechanical discrepancies, and any potentially expensive service bulletins or airworthiness directives. We highly recommend hiring a professional to research potential aircraft, review the documentation, inspect the aircraft, evaluate any damage history, and negotiate the price. Once you’ve chosen your aircraft, the final steps involve registering and insuring it in your name. Don’t forget to sign up for the hangar waitlist at your home base as soon as you decide to become a pilot and aircraft owner.
Follow the Five Rules of Efficient and Effective Maintenance
Even before you acquire your aircraft, it’s important to understand the five rules for effective and efficient aircraft maintenance.
Select the Right Shop
Choosing the right maintenance shop or aircraft mechanic is a vital part of aircraft ownership. Your ideal maintenance provider should be competent, experienced with your aircraft make and model, and communicative. You don’t want a shop or mechanic that keeps you in the dark about maintenance or performs tasks without your approval.
Demand a Written Estimate
Always insist on a written estimate for all scheduled tasks and associated costs. This estimate should outline a clear procedure for the maintenance process, including how the mechanic will communicate with you. The process should follow a sequence of inspection, approval, and repair.
Don't Fix What Isn't Broken
Avoid unnecessary repairs by establishing a condition monitoring system that triggers maintenance based on actual needs rather than a fixed schedule. Maintaining components based on their condition is more efficient and cost-effective than adhering to a rigid timetable.
Confirm the Issue Before Repairing
Before repairing any issue, it’s essential to identify the root cause. This responsibility primarily falls to the owner. Inadequate troubleshooting often leads to unnecessary maintenance expenses. If you’re uncertain, involve your maintenance shop or mechanic in the troubleshooting process, but set clear boundaries for their involvement.
Don't Exceed What's Necessary
Be wary of maintenance providers who suggest complete overhauls when simpler repairs would suffice. Avoid overhauling or replacing components unless absolutely necessary.
Set Up Basic Rules and Establish an Engine Condition Monitoring
After selecting the right shop, sit down with the maintenance shop’s accountable manager or your aircraft mechanic to set up basic rules. These rules should include the five principles of efficient and effective maintenance, components to be run on condition, pilot-owner maintenance tasks as outlined in the aircraft maintenance program, and procedures for airworthiness reviews and scheduled maintenance tasks, including troubleshooting.
An effective engine condition monitoring system is crucial. It involves regular inspections and analyses to track your aircraft engine’s condition over time. Some maintenance shops or mechanics may not fully understand the importance of these inspections and analyses. Remember, these procedures are not one-time events; they should be performed regularly. A well-managed engine condition monitoring system leads to better maintenance, more efficient operations, and enhanced reliability and longevity. This system should include engine monitor data analysis, borescope inspections, and oil analysis.
Outfit Your Aircraft with Essential Equipment and Check the Status Quo of Your Aircraft’s Engine
Before discussing the actual operation of your aircraft and its engine, we will explore the vital equipment you should consider installing if your aircraft isn’t already equipped. We’ll also cover how to assess the current status of your aircraft’s engine through in-flight test procedures.
Preparing for Your Next Steps
In the upcoming blog post, we’ll dive into the specifics of outfitting your aircraft with essential equipment and ensuring your engine is in top condition. Stay tuned as we continue to guide you through the rewarding journey of becoming a proficient pilot and responsible aircraft owner.
Join the Waitlist
Interested in becoming a pilot and aircraft owner? We’re excited to announce that we’re building the Pilot-Owner Academy to offer exclusive, advanced training and experiences. Join our pilot-owner academy waiting list for guidance through your aviation journey.
About Quest Aeronautics
Quest Aeronautics is a state-certified engineering office for aviation, dedicated to shaping the future of general aviation by providing innovative and cost-effective solutions to enhance aircraft performance and operations. With a focus on CS/FAR-23 and experimental/amateur-built (E/A-B) aircraft, Quest Aeronautics provides a range of services including flight testing, aircraft operations and maintenance consulting, high-quality aviation products, and tailored support for E/A-B projects. Collaborating with industry-leading partners, Quest Aeronautics is committed to delivering unparalleled support and expertise to individuals and organisations in the general aviation market.
About Author
Sebastian, the founder of Quest Aeronautics, is a driven and enthusiastic individual with a passion for aviation. Before delving into aviation, he gained valuable experience as a chemical process engineer and laboratory technician. Sebastian holds a Master of Science in Engineering and a commercial pilot licence, with several fixed-wing aircraft ratings under his belt. He has also completed an introduction course for fixed-wing performance and flying qualities flight testing at the National Test Pilot School in Mojave, CA and is compliance verification engineer for flight.