AOPA Turbine Pilot Magazine - September 2013 - 98

NEWS & NOTES

PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

AOPA Pilot Protection Services combines the Legal Services Plan and the best of our
medical certification services (www.aopa.org/pps).

PILOT PROTECTION SERVICES
BY MIKE YODICE

AOPA Pilot Protection Services

Are you really good to go if
FAR 91.403(a) doesn’t say so?
FAR 91.403(A) SAYS the owner or operator of an aircraft is primarily responsible for maintaining that aircraft in an airworthy
condition. FAR 91.405(b) essentially says that the owner or operator shall ensure that maintenance personnel make appropriate
entries in the aircraft maintenance records indicating the aircraft
has been approved for return to service following the performance of required maintenance.
Then, 91.407(a) says that no person may operate any aircraft that has undergone maintenance, preventive maintenance,
rebuilding, or alteration unless it has been approved for return to
service by a person authorized under FAR 43.7 and the required
maintenance record entry has been made.
This all seems pretty clear. So why, then, do we keep hearing
stories about pilots picking up their aircraft after having maintenance done and not verifying the proper maintenance log entry?
I think we as owners, pilots, and mechanics all share in the blame.
As an airplane owner and pilot, I’ve heard it myself when an A&P
or IA says, “the work is done, you’re good to go.” I will make a log
entry to stick in the logbook and get you an invoice later.” I rather
appreciate the casualness of such an exchange, as it speaks to an

AOPA STRATEGIC PARTNER SPOTLIGHT:

WEB

Visit aircraftspruce.com

98 | AOPA PILOT September 2013

Mike Yodice is the director of Legal
Services Plans at Yodice Associates and
counsels LSP/PPS members on such issues
as FAA compliance and enforcement. He
is an active pilot and regularly flies a Piper
J–3 Cub and Cherokee 180.

ON THE

WEB

To learn more about the Pilot Protection
Services program, visit www.aopa.org/pps.

ANSWERS FOR PILOTS

AIRCRAFT SPRUCE & SPECIALTY
AIRCRAFT SPRUCE IS SUPPORTING AOPA members by offering periodic special offers and
discounts on aircraft parts and pilots supplies, and
through sponsorship of AOPA Aviation Summit
and the Aircraft Maintenance Tips feature online.
It also provides financial support that helps AOPA
promote, protect, and defend GA.

established and trusting relationship, but
we all bear a regulatory burden prescribed
by the referenced FARs. It’s incumbent on
all parties to know the regs and address
questions or confusion about compliance.
After all, our certificates may depend on it.

AOPA Strategic Partner

1-877-4-SPRUCE

www.aircraftspruce.com

SEPTEMBER WILL FOREVER mean “back to
school” to many of us. Pilots can go back to
school, too! Have you always wanted your
instrument rating but have hestitated until
now? Or have you eyed a Piper Cub at your
FBO but need a tailwheel endorsement? Make
this the year to add a new rating or endorsement. Find out what resources AOPA has
online that can help you achieve your flying
goals. Read September’s Answers for Pilots
(www.aopa.org/members/answers0913).
Questions? Call the aviation specialists in
AOPA’s Pilot Information Center, 800-USAAOPA, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m.
to 8 p.m. Eastern time.

http://www.aopa.org/pps http://www.aopa.org/pps http://www.aopa.org/pps http://www.aopa.org/pps http://www.aircraftspruce.com http://www.aopa.org/members/answers0913 http://www.aircraftspruce.com

AOPA Turbine Pilot Magazine - September 2013

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of AOPA Turbine Pilot Magazine - September 2013