Preventive Maintenance a Pilot May Perform
Certificated pilots may legally do a defined list of simple maintenance on aircraft they own or operate — what qualifies, the limits, and how to record it.
You do not need to be a mechanic to change your own oil or replace a landing light. 14 CFR 43.3(g) lets the holder of a pilot certificate (Sport through ATP) perform preventive maintenance on any aircraft they own or operate, as long as that aircraft is not used in air-carrier or certain for-hire operations.
What counts as preventive maintenance
"Preventive maintenance" is a specific, closed list in Part 43, Appendix A(c) — simple or minor operations. Common examples include:
- changing engine oil and servicing the oil filter or screen
- replacing landing-light bulbs, and safety belts
- replacing defective safety wire and cotter pins
- servicing landing-gear wheel bearings and tyres
- replenishing hydraulic fluid
- replacing side windows, seats, and some fabric or upholstery
Anything not on the Appendix A(c) list — or that involves complex assembly operations — is not preventive maintenance and requires a certificated mechanic.
Record it, or it didn't happen
Preventive maintenance must be recorded under 14 CFR 43.9: a description of the work, the date, the aircraft time in service, and the signature, certificate number and kind of certificate of the person who did it. The work must be done using acceptable methods and returned to service airworthy per 14 CFR 43.13.
Know your limits
If you are not confident the task is on the Appendix A(c) list, or that you can do it correctly, have a mechanic do it. Improper "preventive maintenance" can make an aircraft unairworthy — and you signed for it.
---
*Reference and training only — not for navigation or as legal advice. Always consult the current 14 CFR, the AIM, your aircraft’s POH/AFM and a certificated flight instructor.*