Part 43 Series — Preventive Maintenance: What Private Pilots Can Legally Do

Jul 26, 2026

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Every pilot has had the thought at some point:

“It’s just an oil change… why can’t I do that myself?”

Under most circumstances in aviation, the answer to “Can I do this?” is buried somewhere in the FARs. When it comes to maintenance, that answer lives in FAR Part 43.

Here’s the good news for private pilots who own (or operate) small aircraft:

You can legally perform certain types of maintenance.

But — and this is important — only specific tasks qualify. And they must be done properly, documented correctly, and approved for return to service in accordance with the regulation.

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

What “preventive maintenance” actually means
When a private pilot may perform it
What kinds of tasks are allowed
What must be logged afterward

Let’s roll up our sleeves — legally.

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Part 43 Series — Preventive Maintenance: What Private Pilots Can Legally Do

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