DIY Aircraft Maintenance: How I Did It + You Can Too!

In this video, we take you through the process of performing an oil change on our aircraft, 23U, a Cessna 172. You’ll see firsthand the essential steps involved and learn about the legal aspects pilots need to be aware of when performing their own maintenance. Starting with a look at the aircraft’s dirty cowling, we discuss the importance of regular oil changes and what you, as a pilot, can legally do under FAA regulations.
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Join me, Chris Palmer, along with my friends Aaron and Paul, as we dive under the hood of 23 Uniform. We’ll explain the significance of understanding the legality behind pilot-performed maintenance tasks. Aaron and Paul, who are working on their instrument and commercial ratings respectively, are here to gain valuable hands-on experience.
As we remove the cowling, we’ll explore the inner workings of the aircraft’s engine and discuss the critical components involved in the oil system. We’ll show you how to safely and efficiently drain the old oil, remove the oil filter, and inspect it for any contaminants. This step-by-step guide is designed to give you a thorough understanding of the process, highlighting the importance of proper tools, parts, and procedures.
Throughout the video, we emphasize the necessity of making proper logbook entries after performing any maintenance. This documentation is crucial for staying compliant with FAA regulations and ensuring the aircraft’s airworthiness. We’ll walk you through the process of writing on the filter, noting the tach time, and making the necessary logbook entries.
Moreover, we discuss the role of AOPA Pilot Protection Services in helping pilots navigate the complexities of aviation regulations. Their team of aviation lawyers is a valuable resource for any pilot who needs guidance on maintenance tasks or legal issues.
Finally, we’ll show you how to refill the oil, clean up the cowling, and perform a final check to ensure everything is in order. This comprehensive guide not only provides practical knowledge but also reinforces the importance of safety and compliance in aviation maintenance.
Check out the video to learn how to perform an oil change on your aircraft, understand the legalities involved, and ensure you’re always flying safely and within regulations. Don’t forget to subscribe for more aviation content, and visit the links below for additional resources.
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[@angleofattack]

Have you or do you want to do your own maintenance?

[@t2green374]

Yes... Except I am a land locked farmer. It's Trucks, Tractors, ATVs, and Lawn mowers. Thanks for letting me fly along.

[@bartoszskowronski]

Prefill oil filter ALWAYS if position allows. you have 1-3s longer first cranking without oil supply. and additional to that you pushing more air through bearings that air cleans bearings from residual oil, so that makes first start WITHOUT any lubrication.

[@richardkimrey]

I like to prefill a filter if filter position allows. Just curious what your friend's opinion is

[@Bucketnate]

This was SUPER informative and really fun to watch. Thank you guys for putting this one together

[@markmaccani9411]

Great video Chris. And congratulations to Erin and Paul on their ratings. Perhaps we will see you at Oshkosh.

[@bjornmclir5015]

That's really clean 0300 usually 0300s are leaky and oily. It should be a required part of private pilot training to know how to do at least this much maintenance on an aircraft. I really enjoy working on my plane it's nice to know it thoroughly inside and out.

[@deanarndell4609]

Yeah great to see this Chris...I was in automotive parts for 8yrs, years ago now lol... Anyhow it's great to see the similarities between the car and GA aircraft engines, thanks mate! 🤙✨🛩️

[@jhaedtler]

I hope you're sending in oil samples, great way to define the condition of your engine! I feel it is well worth the cost. Something I found is most good Simi truck maintenance shops can to the oil analysis. Thankful the great videos!

[@joemoore8856]

Maybe edited out, but I do a ground leak test before putting the cowling back on and make note of the results in my log entry. Thanks for the video.

[@WarrenKimpel]

another nice video THANKS

[@skyepilotte11]

Fun time being involved in owner maintenence of the aircraft.

[@jamesscianimanico3071]

Awesome, most people don’t know how to change there own oil in there car. An why you should change it more often.

[@Henkerhaus]

How about you repaint the cowl stripes while you have it off.😊

[@New2Me170B]

I call it a bonnet because I'm British.

[@Daleon1]

Do you also disconnect batteries first so that the propeller doesn't engage. Or do you just maintain the don't touch the propeller method...?

[@jessesplan7759]

On my 58 180A, I have done all of my oil changes and just completed an owner assisted annual in May. It is great to learn about the workings of the bird and see if there are any leaks, loose hardware, etc. Safety wire is taking me time to make it look good. Did you just install the STOL cuff?

[@fargoaerials3456]

Just curious...does that engine (Continental?) have a sump screen? I like to have a look at that whenever i do an oil change. I also like to put some fresh oil on the filter gasket before torquing to specs.

[@davidcostello637]

He has the F&M filter adapter, which takes the place of an oil screen.

[@sey1yes2]

which model 172 is this? and the engine manufacturer and model number? (I notice it's not a 4 cylinder Lycoming 🙂 ) how much horsepower?

[@koalafan1576]

I wonder if the schooling is difficult to become certified so we don’t need to pay mechanics to do some things we’re capable of but not allowed to do.

[@CRFHONDARIDER100]

I fly a 58 172 with the 0-300 and she always leaves a trail behind the exhaust tips on the cowl we just clean it every oil change

[@angleofattack]

Yup. Some people have the extended tips. I've thought about it.

[@CRFHONDARIDER100]

@@angleofattack no offense to people with them but I think that they are a little goofy looking with the extended tips but it probably wouldn’t make the cowling dirty

[@codysp]

Whats the service interval for oil changes? That oil looked pretty dark.

[@davidcostello637]

25 hours without an oil filter installed; 50 if you have one. No longer than 4-6 months between changes, depending on which mechanic you ask.

[@thomasaltruda]

@@davidcostello637 I was doing 50 hours on my oil filter equipt Lycoming, but I feel it’s too dirty.. so I do 25-30 hours and feel better about it.