Part 43 Series — Maintenance Records & Performance Rules: If It’s Not Logged, It Didn’t Happen

You changed the oil.
You replaced the spark plugs.
The airplane runs beautifully.

But here’s the uncomfortable question:

Did you log it correctly?

Under FAR Part 43, maintenance isn’t just about turning wrenches — it’s about how the work is performed and how it is documented. In aviation, the logbook is more than a notebook. It’s a legal record. It determines whether an aircraft is airworthy, whether inspections are valid, and whether you — or the mechanic — complied with federal law.

For private pilots flying small aircraft, understanding these documentation and performance rules is essential. Whether you’re reviewing maintenance logs before buying an airplane, performing preventive maintenance, or simply ensuring your aircraft remains compliant under Part 91, Part 43 sets the standard.

In this third article of our five-part Part 43 series, we’ll break down:

• What must be included in a maintenance log entry

• What must be included in an inspection entry

• How maintenance must legally be performed

• The standards mechanics (and pilots) must follow

Let’s open the logbook.