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Harry Weisberger
, June 15, 2007
From Arizona Flyways, by Harry Weisberger
Its title promises magic, but there?s really no magic ? just a comprehensive yet understandable source from which an owner can gain a thorough knowledge of his aircraft, from the regs that govern its maintenance to the theory and operation of its various systems, plus very important guidance to what an owner may ? an may not ? do to care for and fix his aircraft.
The authors, aviation journalist Mary Woodhouse and Scott Gifford, an A&P/IA, multi-engine flight instructor, airplane owner and restorer, state their work?s purpose up front:
??it?s important that you become familiar with the various aircraft systems their functions and foibles, and how to guard against or repair them. From break-in to overhaul, there are many things you as an owner/operator can do to extend the life of your plane.?
This book is the updated version of the 1982 manual of the same name from TAB Books, a leading publisher of aviation titles. The authors have produced a generic body of information applicable to a wide variety of aircraft, provided in sufficient detail to give a basic understanding ?without bogging you down with a lot of techno-babble.? (Authors? words)
The book?s seven chapters logically begin with FARs as applied to maintenance, major alterations and repairs, and examples of typically required paperwork. For detail freaks the authors provide examples from the FAA inspector?s handbook, a type certificate data sheet (for Gifford?s Cessna 140) and a discussion of ?those pesky ramp checks.?
Woodhouse and Gifford leaven the presentation with some lighthearted humor and a casual style. For instance, Chapter 1 contains a section entitled: Something you might not have known if you hadn?t spent the money on this book.
?Last Forever continues with Chapter 2, ?When the airplane isn?t flying.? Covering storage, preservation and cleaning; Chapter 3 ?Understanding and operating your bird,? a survey of aircraft systems; Chapter 4, ?Preflight,? detailed guidance on inspecting every element of the machine; and Chapter 5,?Preventive maintenance.? which includes the owner-permitted items and procedures for every system and component from tires, wheels and landing gear to oxygen systems and survival equipment.
The tone of the book is evident in the provocative Chapter 6 title ?Saving on your annual,? which includes sage advice on things owners can do themselves, like removing inspection plates and cowlings rather than paying their A&P mechs to do it. And yes, the regs require thorough cleaning of the engine, airframe and interior as part of the annual or 100-hour inspections, something else owners can do themselves.
?Troubleshooting, the final chapter, provides valuable tips and details on every system designed to help owners identify symptoms before they become problems.
For the really detail-oriented, Appendix A contains the text of FAR Part 43, the ?bible? on maintenance, preventive maintenance, rebuilding and alteration, Appendix B is an informative list of recommended tools, followed by a complete alphabetical index with page numbers for all the material in the book.
They conclude, ?This manual is not intended as a substitute for advice from your mechanic, the manufacturer, or the FA. (It is) simply?a collection of tips and hints that should help those who are most familiar with your aircraft.?
Well, Forever is a long time. But this book is packed with information that should help aircraft owners achieve a long, relatively trouble-free life for and with their beloved birds.
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