"I've gleaned an enormous number of helpful insights from type club forums. These communities can provide useful tips and tricks on self-maintenance and inspection checklists." -Dave Roy, vice president, pilot information services/flight operations LEAKS KILL AIRPLANES FROM THE INSIDE OUT. If you discover any water leaks, fix them as soon as possible. Most water leaks can be fixed fairly inexpensively when they first appear. If left uncorrected, leaks will cause interiors to get wet and mildew; the aircraft structure can oxidize or rust; and avionics and electrical wiring can be damaged. The tricky part about water leaks is that they are not always easy to detect. Telltale signs include wet headliners or carpeting, a mildew odor, excess condensation forming on the inside of the windows, and pools of water in the lowest parts of the aircraft fuselage and tail (in the bare aluminum area behind the baggage compartment). While you are looking in this area, make sure any drainage holes (which are typically along the bottom centerline of the airplane) are unobstructed. These holes exist to drain any water that enters your airplane, to reduce the possibility of internal corrosion. aopa.org/pilot AOPA PILOT | 77http://www.aopa.org/pilot