Annual inspection without oil change?

Pilottonny · #1 10-21-2010, 12:20 AM

During the bad weather we currently have, I have started making my maintenance manual. I am a bit puzzled about how to best make the maintenance schedule.

What I am wondering is: if you have done a 50 hr. oil change, lets say 20 hrs. before the annual inspection is due, do you throw away 8 Qrts of perfectly good oil and a fairly new oil filter, or do the annual without changing the oil and do that 30 hrs. later?

I am curious what others are doing.

Regards, Tonny.

KRviator · #2 10-21-2010, 12:45 AM

I would say an annual inspection is just that, an inspection, not necessarily a cover-all maintenance event, particularly if you have only changed the oil/plugs/coolant 10 hours ago, and they have another 40 hours before they're due.

So long as its' noted in the logbook "x" was changed recently, and it is not due, that's enough. To me at least.

plehrke · #3 10-21-2010, 04:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KRviator

I would say an annual inspection is just that, an inspection, not necessarily a cover-all maintenance event, particularly if you have only changed the oil/plugs/coolant 10 hours ago, and they have another 40 hours before they're due.

So long as its' noted in the logbook "x" was changed recently, and it is not due, that's enough. To me at least.

I concur as well as my A&P/IA friends at the airport. I have done this several times on my RV as well as my Cessna.

brianwallis · #4 10-21-2010, 06:21 AM

Soooooo..... how are you going to inspect the oil screen without draining the oil....? of course... if you don't have one... this does not apply. I ALWAYS drain the oil. I don't care if it's got 1 hr on it. For my signature to be on it.... It's gotta go through the entire checklist. I would change the oil period.... this would avoid any real uncomfortable moments if anything should happen and Uncle Fed should put you at the business end of a pencil. If you don't think this is a cover all maintenance event... try explaining to a widow why her husband is dead.... geee.... uhhh I did'nt think changing the oil wuz important mrs so and so.... sorry bout that ma'mm. Thankfully my signature has not been the one on the book but when you know somebody..... and their family.... and now you have to explain what happened just because you are a mechanic.... it gets pretty uncomfortable.

"(3) Internal Engine - for cylinder compression and for metal particles or foreign matter on screens and sump drain plugs.

Best
Brian

apkp777 · #5 10-21-2010, 06:28 AM

Why not annual your plane when the oil change is due? Of course not to exceed 12 calender months, but you can always do it earlier. You could annual the engine (powerplant) separate from the airframe also?

Walt · #6 10-21-2010, 06:33 AM

Brian is correct, quoted from 43 App D:

(3) Internal engine?for cylinder compression and for metal particles or foreign matter on screens and sump drain plugs. If there is weak cylinder compression, for improper internal condition and improper internal tolerances.

But.... there is no reason you cannot re-use the drained oil if it only has a few hours on it (if you can find a clean bucket to put it in!).

Personally I change my oil every 25 hrs and then do the oil and filter at 50 hrs.

JonJay · #7 10-21-2010, 08:01 AM

I dont believe there is any problem doing progressive maintenance at appropriate intervals. However, if I was doing it for a living on someone elses airplane, I would not trust what was done prior to me even if it was logged an hour ago.

RVbySDI · #8 10-21-2010, 08:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JonJay

I dont believe there is any problem doing progressive maintenance at appropriate intervals. However, if I was doing it for a living on someone elses airplane, I would not trust what was done prior to me even if it was logged an hour ago.

I agree with this but I also agree with Brian and Walt's reasoning based upon your statement of

Quote:

. . .if I was doing it for a living on someone else's airplane. . .

If you are working on your own airplane and know exactly what has transpired on any previous maintenance work, inspections, etc. then who are you trusting to have done "due diligence"? Yourself.

I am not an A&P, AI nor did I sleep at a Holiday Inn last night. Just my .02.

Live Long and Prosper!

apkp777 · #9 10-21-2010, 08:26 AM

Doing powerplant and airframe annual's at different times isn't progressive maintenance. There is a procedure that allows for a progressive inspection whereby you could do LH wing, then RH, then EMP then Ctr section. It's not really well suited for light aircraft. There is FAA approval for certified aircraft to do such. I suppose you could do that without approval on an experimental provided each item is inspected in a 12 calender month period.

Personally, I will try to schedule my annual when my oil change is due. Even if I do it a month or two early.

Sid Lambert · #10 10-21-2010, 08:32 AM

I think there are 2 separate situations here.

Situation #1: The owner of the aircraft has the repairman certificate and is performing the inspection. Action: If you change the oil and check the screen 2 weeks (10 flight hours) before the yearly condition inspection then there is no need to do it again during the inspection.

Situation #2: You are paying an A&P to do the inspection. Action: The oil and screen need to be changed no matter how much time or hours since the last oil change/screen inspection for the A&P to sign off.